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Keurig Not Pumping Water: How to Fix the Problem

Keurig coffee makers are some of the best brewing machines today. They are quick to install, fast to brew, convenient, and easy to maintain. However, because they are machines that use power, they sometimes fail. As such, your Keurig may stop functioning when you need it the most. Anyway, follow the procedure below to fix a Keurig not pumping water:

  1. Remove and empty the reservoir to shake out excess moisture.
  2. Pot-clean the unit area where it rests to remove any hard water stains or coffee grounds that could have stuck on the base.
  3. Scrub the inside of the reservoir with warm, soapy water.
  4. Rinse the inside and outside of the reservoir with fresh running water to ensure the reservoir is sufficiently clean.
  5. Use a clean soft towel to dry.
  6. Reassemble the reservoir back to the coffee maker, and enjoy your next cup of coffee.

By now, I can understand the devastation you may be going through knowing that you may not be able to fix a cup of your delicious coffee before you leave the house.

It is especially so sad if you recently bought the Keurig. But stay right there. Let’s dig deeper into some of the specific reasons why your newly-acquired Keurig does not pump water.

Reasons for Keurig not Pumping Water

I have done some substantive research and compiled some of the common reasons for your Keuring not pumping water after descaling.

Clogged Water Line

In most cases, the type of water that we use in the machine can be the cause of the problem – water with lots of minerals.

The buildup of these tiny deposits in the water line hinders the system.

To clean the machine, dilute an equal portion of vinegar and water (this combination does best in removing coffee stains from carpet too) and make a mixture, pour in the Keurig machine, and run a brew. Run another cycle to remove any vinegar residues remaining in the coffee maker.

Presence of Air in the Line

The problem could be that air has got into the machine, causing the pump’s ability to prime.

To resolve this, carefully shake the machine to try to remove excess air out. If this is the usual problem, you can fix it once and for all time by refilling the reservoir before it completely gets empty.

Air Bubbles in the Pipeline

When the air gets in your coffee maker’s pipeline, it can hinder its functioning causing your Keurig not to pump water.

Do the following to clear the air from the line:

  1. Remove the reservoir and fill it with water until it is a quarter full. Lift the reservoir up and down swiftly.
  2. Ensure that you see small bubbles coming from the bottom.
  3. Do this until there’re no more bubbles.
  4. Fill the reservoir to the ‘fill level’ and power on your coffee maker.

Dirty/Blocked Needles

Another reason why your Keurig not pumping water could be caused by blocked needles.

  1. Make sure that it has been at least 30 minutes since you last brew before you start cleaning, to prevent yourself from burning.
  2. Take a paperclip and insert it carefully into each of the needles’ holes.
  3. Wriggle the paperclip around each hole and remove the debris clogging it up.
  4. If uncomfortable using a paperclip, you can use the Keurig Cleanse Kit.

Damaged Pump

It’s natural for your machine to break partially or completely, especially during relocation from your apartment to another. Besides, however durable a machine is, it is prone to wear and tear with time.

Your Keurig coffee maker can have physical damage. This can happen without showing any errors or even when you handle it with the highest proper care. If this happens and you have been using your Keurig for some time now, then it means you could be having a damaged pump.

Misaligned Magnet

If you recently dismantled your Keurig, chances are you might not have reassembled it correctly. Make sure all components are put back together correctly, as this could be a reason Keurig not pumping water.

How to Maintain Your Keurig

Proper brewing machine maintenance dictates that you deep-clean your Keurig at least once every 30 days if you use it daily or twice every three months if you skip a few days without using your Keurig brewing machine.

Follow the cleaning steps below to keep your Keurig working as new:

Use Filtered Waters

Try using filtered water other than water straight from the tap, which contains high mineral contents. You can get a special water filter pitcher.

Drain Off Your Keurig When Not in Use

Avoid leaving water in your Keurig. In two to three days, unplug it and empty the tank. Turn it upside down over a sink to drain water. Leave the top open to improve airflow.

Descaling

You should descale your Keurig coffee brewer every 3 – 6 months. This depends on how frequently you use it. The descaling process helps remove any mineral deposits inside your machine to keep it in tip-top shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Keurig coffee makers are convenient. They help you fix your caffeine needs every day.

However, like any other machine, it is prone to wear and tear, a faulty pump being one of the major problems.

Thankfully, the fixes highlighted above can help solve your new Keurig not pumping water problem completely.