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Your Keurig brewer can break down too! Like any other machine, the parts wear out after a period of extended usage. These faults might be minor, requiring small repairs or large defects, which may need you to change some parts of your Keurig brewer.
Although your Keurig is an effortless way to brew your coffee conveniently, faults happen every now and then. Some of these faults require little technical ability to correct them. Hence, you can repair them by yourself. Conversely, others may require advanced technical knowledge, so you might have to take them to an engineer.
If your Keurig has brewing issues, this article will help you fix it. Here we will see the possible reasons for brewing problems, how to fix them, and how to prevent this from occurring in the future.
Don’t worry, it’s relatively easy to fix. Let’s get started.
How To Fix A Keurig That Won’t Brew?
Checking the Water Reservoir and Sensors
Ensure Proper Placement
At times, the simplest solutions can resolve the most frustrating problems. Your Keurig might just have a misaligned water reservoir. Before taking any drastic measures, check this. Lift it, inspect the base for any foreign objects, clean it if necessary, and then reseat it, ensuring it’s properly aligned and snugly in place.
Deep Cleaning the Reservoir
Over time, residues, and in worst cases, mold, might accumulate, especially if the machine isn’t used daily. Dedicate a day every month to thoroughly clean this part. Apart from daily rinses, a monthly clean with a mild detergent can prevent any buildups or unpleasant tastes in your coffee. Remember to rinse thoroughly after each deep clean.
Inspect the Valves with Attention
Those tiny valves at the bottom of the reservoir aren’t just for show. They play a crucial role in ensuring water flows into the machine. Inspect them for any obstructions, and gently clean using a soft brush.
Sensor Troubles
Modern Keurigs come equipped with sensors to gauge water levels. Sometimes, these sensors malfunction or get dirty, causing brewing issues. They can usually be spotted as small cameras or lights inside the reservoir bay. Gently clean them with a lint-free cloth, ensuring they’re free of debris or smudges.
Descaling the Keurig – More than a Routine
Why Descaling is Non-Negotiable
The importance of regular descaling can’t be overstressed. Hard water deposits, known as scale, can accumulate in the machine, affecting both its performance and the taste of your coffee. This isn’t just about keeping your machine running; it’s about ensuring the best brew every time.
Choosing the Right Solution
Commercial descalers are effective, but for those leaning towards a homemade solution, white vinegar is your ally. Prepare a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water for this purpose.
The Descaling Ritual
Begin the descaling process by emptying the reservoir and then filling it with the descaling solution. Start a brew cycle without inserting a coffee pod. This allows the solution to flow through the machine, dissolving mineral buildups. Depending on the level of buildup, you might need to repeat the process multiple times.
Rinsing – The Most Important Step
After descaling, a thorough rinse cycle is crucial. You wouldn’t want your morning coffee having a vinegar undertone. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run a few brew cycles to ensure no traces of the descaling solution remain.
Unclogging the Needles and Water Lines
Safety Isn’t Just a Word: Before attempting any fixes, always ensure the machine is unplugged. This prevents any accidental burns or electrical mishaps.
Paperclip – The Unsung Hero
That simple office supply can be your Keurig’s savior. The machine’s needle, responsible for puncturing the coffee pod, can get clogged. Gently insert a straightened paperclip into the needle to clear any obstructions, ensuring you don’t puncture yourself in the process.
Water Lines Need Love Too
Over time, water lines can also become clogged. If water isn’t flowing smoothly, consider using a turkey baster to force water back through the lines. This can help in dislodging any trapped debris or mineral buildups.
Pump Troubles – The Heartbeat of Your Keurig
The Sound of Brewing
When functioning, your Keurig’s pump should emit a soft humming sound. If silent, it might indicate a malfunction or air blockage.
Bubbles Aren’t Always Fun
Occasionally, air bubbles might get trapped in the pump, disrupting its function. A simple remedy is to unplug the machine, give it a gentle shake or tap, and then try brewing again.
Reboot – The Tech Solution
Turning it Off and On
Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve minor electronic glitches. Unplug, wait for a minute or two, and then plug it back in.
Factory Reset – The Last Resort
If all else fails, or you’ve unintentionally changed settings, reverting to factory settings might help. Each model has its reset procedure, so it’s wise to have the user manual at hand.
Conclusion
In some special cases, your coffee might brew only a small amount of coffee or produce a coffee that tastes bad. When your Keurig gets clogged, the quality and quantity of the coffee you brew will reduce.
Any blockage in your Keurig brewer would affect its brewing operation.
In conclusion, take proper care of your Keurig by practicing adequate maintenance and cleaning at regular intervals. Without a doubt, frequent maintenance would protect your coffee maker from these problems.a
If all these solutions do not get your Keurig working again, it is best to take your Keurig to a technician.
Can Reservoir Problems Stop My Keurig From Working?
A clogged reservoir can prevent you from working. This happens when you don’t properly maintain your coffee maker. You need to clean it up.
To solve this, you simply need to thoroughly extract and wash the water reservoir with soap and water. This would remove the debris, causing the blockage in the water tank. Once done, assemble the Keurig and run the cycle.
Moreover, merely doing this step might cause your machine to be ready to brew again normally.
Electrical And Mechanical Problems Can Affect Your Keurig
At times, your Keurig might display the ‘brewing’ symbol even though it isn’t brewing. This might happen due to some electrical or mechanical issues.
To check electrical faults, unplug the Keurig unit from the power source, allow it to sit idle for a short period, and plug it in again. This works as a quick reset on the coffee maker; hence, solving the problem.
After doing this, run multiple cycles without inserting any K-cup to check whether the water is running.
What Should I Do If My Keurig Brews Only A Little Coffee?
This problem is called a short-cup problem. This occurs due to a clogged needle (which might be blocked by coffee grounds or cocoa mix). To solve this problem, you need to descale. In order to solve the short cup problem, blow air into the coffee needle to clear away any obstruction. If that doesn’t work, use a mixture of vinegar and boiling to clean it up.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Keurig Brewer?
A Keurig coffee maker has an average daily lifespan of approximately 5 years. However, if you incorporate good hygiene and maintenance when using your Keurig maker, it would last longer than 5 years. Keeping it squeaky clean can keep your coffee maker in working order for years and years.
Lastly, Keurig manufacturer offers a one-year guarantee on defects in materials or the machine’s working. However, the warranty is only valid if you do not tamper with the Keurig brewer. Read up on the terms and conditions guiding the guarantee to learn about it.