- Categories
- Home and Garden
- Home Appliances
- Kitchen Appliances
- Kitchen Countertop Appliances
Download Article
Common problems and fixes for a Keurig Coffee Maker
Explore this Article
IN THIS ARTICLE
1Reset your Keurig.
2Test the electrical outlet.
3Run a few cycles without a K-cup.
4Descale your Keurig.
5Clean the needle and K-cup holder.
6Turn your Keurig upside-down and shake it.
7Use bottled water.
8Change the water filter.
9Make sure the reservoir isn't damaged.
10Make sure the reservoir is seated properly.
11Check your Keurig for flashing lights or beeps.
12Contact Keurig customer support.
+Show 9 more...
-Show less...
Other Sections
Related Articles
References
Written byRyan Santos|Edited byTravis Boylls
Last Updated: May 8, 2024Fact Checked
Download Article
Keurig coffee makers make brewing coffee so easy and convenient. However, that doesn't mean they don't have their problems. You may start to experience problems with your Keurig machine, such as not brewing, not turning on, leaking, bad coffee taste, etc. This wikiHow article teaches you how to troubleshoot common problems with a Keurig coffee maker.
Quick Steps
- Reset your Keurig and check the power outlet.
- Descale your Keurig and run a few cycles without a K-cup.
- Unclog the inside of the needle with a paper clip.
- Turn your Keurig upside-down and shake it.
- Make sure the reservoir isn't damaged and is seated properly.
- Check for flashing lights and beeps.
1
Reset your Keurig.
Download Article
2
Test the electrical outlet.
Download Article
Plug your Keurig into a different outlet. If your Keurig won't turn on, check to make sure it is getting power. Try plugging it into a different electrical outlet. Make sure the breaker that controls the electrical outlet your Keurig is plugged into hasn't popped.
- Sometimes running your Keurig along with other appliances (such as a toaster oven or air fryer) that are plugged into the same outlet or wall will cause your breaker to pop. Make sure you limit the number of appliances running at the same time.
3
Run a few cycles without a K-cup.
Download Article
Run water through your Keurig without brewing coffee. If your Keurig is only producing a small amount of coffee or there are grounds in your coffee, it could be clogged or there is build-up inside the tubes. Fill the reservoir with water and run several brewing cycles without a K-cup until the reservoir is empty. This will help flush out your Keurig and clean the inside.
Advertisem*nt
4
Descale your Keurig.
Download Article
Descale your Keurig machine every 3 months. This will help clean out any limescale build-up inside your machine. You can descale your Keurig using Keurig cleaning solution or a mix of half water and half vinegar. Pour the solution into the reservoir and run several cycles without a K-cup until the reservoir is empty. Then wash the reservoir and run a few more cycles with just water to flush out the vinegar or cleaning solution.
5
Clean the needle and K-cup holder.
Download Article
Built-up gunk can cause clogs or grounds in your coffee. If you get grounds inside your drink or it's not brewing properly, you can clean the needle, K-cup holder, and surrounding area with a small, soft bristle brush. You can also unclog the inside of the puncture needle using a special tool. If you don't have a special tool, cleaning expert Ryan Daniel Santos tells us that you can clean the inside of the needle using a paper clip or a toothpick.
Advertisem*nt
6
Turn your Keurig upside-down and shake it.
Download Article
Shake your Keurig to dislodge any air bubbles or build-up. One thing you can do to fix your Keurig if it's not brewing or barely brewing is to unplug it and remove the reservoir and tray. Turn your Keurig upside down over a sink and gently shake it. Then tap on the bottle a few times and shake it some more. Plug it back in and see if it works.[1]
7
Use bottled water.
Download Article
8
Change the water filter.
Download Article
Change the water filter every three months. If your coffee is starting to taste stale, it's not dispensing as much coffee, or there is excessive build-up, it may be time to change the water filter. Not all Keurig models have a water filter. To replace the water filter, purchase a new cartridge and rinse it. Remove the old cartridge from the holder and insert the new cartridge. Reinsert the cartridge holder back in the reservoir.[2]
9
Make sure the reservoir isn't damaged.
Download Article
Check the reservoir for cracks or leaks. If your Keurig is leaking water, check to make sure the reservoir tank isn't damaged. Check the O-ring on the nozzle on the bottom of the reservoir to make sure it isn't damaged. If it is, you can purchase a new O-ring to replace it. Make sure the reservoir is seated properly.
Advertisem*nt
10
Make sure the reservoir is seated properly.
Download Article
11
Check your Keurig for flashing lights or beeps.
Download Article
Look for signals there is a problem. If you see flashing lights or hear beeps, your Keurig could be trying to alert you to a problem. Flashing lights and beeps may mean something different for different models. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to see what the beeps and flashing lights mean.
- For example, a flashing light might indicate that you need to descale your Keurig or clean the needle.
Advertisem*nt
12
Contact Keurig customer support.
Download Article
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
You Might Also Like
Advertisem*nt
References
About This Article
Written by:
Ryan Santos
Cleaning Expert
This article was written by Ryan Santos and by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Ryan Santos is a Cleaning Expert and the Operations Manager at Spekless Cleaning in Washington D.C. Ryan has over five years of experience in the cleaning industry and his team has extensive knowledge of apartment, commercial, and home cleaning services. He and his team also write blog posts and share cleaning tips based on their in-field experience. Spekless Cleaning is rated as the top cleaning company in Washington D.C. This article has been viewed 3,027 times.
2 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: May 8, 2024
Views:3,027
Categories: Kitchen Countertop Appliances
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,027 times.
Did this article help you?
Advertisem*nt