Almost there! Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
Just one step away from enjoying a steaming cup of coffee…
But, to your dismay, your Keurig coffee maker refuses to pump water.
No need to panic just yet, though.
In most cases, the reason behind Keurig not pumping water is something easily fixable.
Today, we’ll explore the most common reasons for this issue and provide simple solutions to get your machine up and running again.
Let’s jump right in.
Keurig Not Pumping Water: Identifying the Problem
Is your Keurig making noise but failing to pump water? Don’t fret – it doesn’t mean you have to give up on it just yet. The likely culprit behind this problem is a clog within the machine, but there could be several causes.
I’ve delved deep into all the potential issues your coffee maker might face. Once we identify the problem, I’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions to fix it.
Clogged Water Line and Filter
Your tap or bottled water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium. Over time, these minerals accumulate in your coffee maker, forming a hard, chalky substance known as limescale.
Keurig machines have a fine mesh screen filter where water leaves the reservoir and enters the water line. This filter is designed to remove impurities from the water flowing through the machine.
After prolonged use, the filter itself can become clogged with debris.
If that’s the case, follow these steps:
- Unplug the machine from the wall and remove the water tank.
- Empty the tank and remove the filter using a long magnetic screwdriver (three screws hold it in place).
- Once you’ve removed the screen filter, clean it by soaking it in soapy water or vinegar for approximately 45 minutes.
- If soaking doesn’t altogether remove the debris, manually clean the filter using a toothbrush under a vital tap water or a Waterpik oral irrigator to force water through the screen and remove limescale residues.
- After cleaning, rinse the filter thoroughly with fresh water to ensure it’s unclogged.
- Reassemble the filter parts and screw the entire unit back into its original position.
The limescale buildup might not be severe if you’ve recently descaled and cleaned your machine. In that case, there’s a quicker and easier solution.
Use a baster pipette to insert water where the water tank meets the water line.
Force water through it a few times. The water should become murky as you flush out the limescale.
For minor debris buildup, this should resolve the issue.
There’s Air in the Water Lines
Sometimes, air can become trapped inside the water lines of your Keurig coffee maker. But don’t worry; there are simple ways to address this issue.
First, unplug your Keurig brewer from the wall outlet. Then, disassemble the water tank and the drip tray.
To release the trapped air, hold the coffee maker with both hands and shake it vigorously, similar to how a bartender shakes a cocktail. This shaking movement should help remove the air from the water lines.
Alternatively, you can try the following method:
- Open the water tank lid.
- Use your finger to close the water line.
- Ensure there’s no Keurig K-Cup inside the pod chamber.
- Lower the handle and run a brew cycle using only water, keeping your finger on the water line.
This process will force the water to flow through the line and push the air bubbles out.
A crucial point to remember is to ensure no residual hot water inside the machine before attempting these steps. For added safety, unplug the coffee maker and let it sit for at least an hour before proceeding.
“More Water Please” Error
If your Keurig displays the “More Water Please” error, there are two potential reasons for this issue. Firstly, the water you’re using might not be suitable for the Keurig coffee brewer, particularly in the case of distilled water, which can be sensitive. Alternatively, the water tank could send incorrect signals, triggering the error.
Thankfully, you can quickly resolve this error with the following steps:
- Remove the water tank from its designated spot and pour any remaining water into the sink. Then, refill the tank to the optimal level line.
- Try rerunning the machine. If the error persists, proceed with the following steps.
- Please take out the water tank and empty it.
- Use a non-abrasive cloth to clean the inside of the water tank thoroughly.
- Refill the tank with clean water and return it to its designated position.
In most cases, following these steps should resolve the issue, and your Keurig will be ready to brew coffee again.
The water tank is Clogged.
Water, harsh water, contains minerals that can lead to the formation of limescale on various surfaces. Over time, limescale can build up inside the water tank due to its constant contact with water. This buildup can eventually clog the tank’s opening, hindering proper water flow and causing the Keurig to stop pumping water.
Thankfully, you can quickly rectify this problem with some cleaning and descaling. Here’s what you should do:
- Turn off and unplug the Keurig machine.
- Remove and empty the water tank.
- Soak the reservoir in a descaling solution mixed with water for about an hour.
- Dispose of the descaling solution and use a brush to clean any debris or mineral buildup, especially around the tank’s opening.
- Wash the tank with soap and water, ensuring a thorough rinse.
- Refill the tank with fresh water and place it back into the machine.
- Turn the machine on and run a water-only cycle to flush out any remaining debris.
NOTE:
After descaling the water tank, running the descaling solution through the entire machine is essential. Additionally, regular descaling maintenance will prevent future clogs from occurring.
Possible Reasons and Solutions for Keurig Not Pumping Water
If your Keurig coffee maker is not pumping water, there could be several reasons behind this issue. Here are the possible causes and solutions to get your machine running again:
Needles are Clogged:
Your Keurig’s entrance and exit needles can become clogged, preventing water from flowing through the machine. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Turn off and unplug the device.
- Remove the cup holder and separate its parts for thorough cleaning, especially the exit needle. You can use a paper clip or needle to clean the tube on the pod holder.
- Locate the entrance needle under the brewer’s head and clean the two holes in the hand using a paperclip or needle.
- Reassemble the pod holder and place it back into the machine.
- Turn the machine on and run a water-only cycle (without a K-Cup) with the giant cup to rinse it.
IMPORTANT: Handle the needles with care, as they are very sharp!
Detection Magnet is Faulty:
The detection magnet, responsible for controlling the water level in the tank, can sometimes get stuck or misaligned, leading to water pump issues. Here’s how to address it:
- Turn off your Keurig and empty the water reservoir.
- Refill the reservoir with ⅓ of its capacity and turn the machine on.
- If the problem persists, gently tap or shake the tank to dislodge the magnet.
- If tapping or shaking doesn’t work, empty the reservoir and try adjusting the interest with your finger.
- Refill the water reservoir, return it to its position, and run a water-only brew cycle.
- If the issue persists, contact Keurig support, as it may require further attention.
Reservoir Spring is Rusty:
The reservoir spring, a small valve with a spring that regulates water flow, can become rusty over time and malfunction. Replacing the rusty reservoir spring can resolve this problem:
- Turn off and unplug the machine and remove the water reservoir.
- Locate the reservoir spring inside the machine and carefully replace it with a new one.
- Put the water reservoir back in place.
- Turn the machine on and run a brew cycle. If the water flows smoothly, you can start brewing your coffee.
NOTE: If you’re unsure about replacing the reservoir spring, seek assistance from customer service.
Keurig Water Pump is Damaged:
If none of the above solutions work, there’s a possibility that the water pump in your Keurig is damaged. In such cases, you may need to replace either the motor or the entire water pump. Ensure you acquire the correct part for your specific Keurig model.
Remember, troubleshooting and fixing minor issues can often restore your Keurig’s functionality. However, for more complex problems, seeking professional help or contacting Keurig support is recommended.
What to Do if Your Keurig Is Still Not Pumping Water?
If you’ve attempted all the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier and your Keurig coffee maker is still not pumping water, there may not be much more you can do on your own, and it’s time to contact customer service. They will be able to guide you through potential solutions step by step.
At the very least, Keurig customer service can inform you if your coffee maker is eligible for repair or replacement under warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- How do you reset a Keurig after descaling?
Resetting a Keurig machine is a straightforward process. Unplug the device from the wall outlet and remove the water tank. Allow it to rest for at least an hour. After waiting, reattach the water reservoir and plug the Keurig back in.
- Can you run vinegar through a Keurig to descale it?
Yes, you can use vinegar for descaling, although a dedicated Keurig descaling solution is available. To descale your machine using vinegar, create a mixture with equal parts of water and vinegar (1:1 ratio). Pour the mixture into the water reservoir, then run a few water-only brew cycles without coffee grounds.
- What does it mean to prime a Keurig?
If your Keurig coffee machine displays a “prime” error message, it indicates water isn’t flowing correctly from the reservoir. Consequently, the device won’t brew. In most cases, the reason for the “prime” message aligns with the issues mentioned earlier, such as mineral buildup on the water filter or trapped air bubbles in the water line.
To Sum Things Up:
If your Keurig is not pumping water, the likely cause is an obstruction in the water flow. This can be attributed to mineral buildup on the water filter or air bubbles in the water line.
However, on occasion, the problem might be mechanical, requiring the replacement of a faulty part or the entire machine. In such situations, only a repair or replacement by the manufacturer can resolve the issue.