Coffee Makers, Troubleshooting Coffee Makers

Is Your Keurig Coffee Maker Not Pumping Water?
Here Are a Few Common Causes and Fixes!

Written by

Erica Cervenkova

Coffee Holli Top Pick

Naturally:

Your coffee maker needs to be able to pump water during the brewing process. So, it’s safe to assume something is wrong if your Keurig coffee maker won’t pump water.

Sadly:

Even if the grinder works, you won’t get your hot cup of freshly brewed coffee without water.

Right?

As such, we’ve compiled a list of common causes and fixes to try if your Keurig is not pumping water.

Keurig Not Pumping Water

It can be a huge inconvenience when your Keurig is not pumping water. Fortunately, you can usually fix this problem with little stress. A few solutions target the common issues causing your Keurig not to pump water. You can try cleaning the intake valve, clearing the clogged channel, priming the machine, or changing the pump.

If your Keurig is doing what the video shows, you probably have a clogged needle.

1. Clogged Intake Valve

Clogged Intake Valve Keurig

This is where the water reservoir connects to the brewer. Sometimes, debris could be clogging this access point.

You see:

Using your Keurig coffee maker for a long time can lead to a clog. This is especially true if you are working with hard water.

Now:

The calcium and minerals from your water accumulate at the opening over time. But fortunately, this problem can easily be remedied.

How?

  • Step 1: Fill the reservoir with an even mixture of water and white vinegar.
  • Step 2: Shake the reservoir gently with the water and then pour it out.
  • Step 3:Find the opening through which your Keurig pumps water into the brewer.
  • Step 4: Take a cloth soaked in warm water and gently wipe the area until it is free of debris.

Hopefully, this should help water flow freely into your brewer once again.

2. A Clogged Channel

A Clogged Channel Keurig

Sadly:

Simply using your coffee maker can introduce clogs into this channel.

If so:

You can clear and descale it using a simple turkey baster. Here is how you do it.

  • Step 1: Get some filtered water and fill the reservoir a third of the way.
  • Step 2: Find the access point that connects the reservoir to the water pump.
  • Step 3: Plug in the turkey baster and force some of that filtered water through the channel.

Also:

The proper way to unclog your water line is to descale, and here is how.

  • Step 1: Fill your water reservoir halfway with a mixture of water and the descaling solution.
  • Step 2: Place a cup under the nozzle and run a brew cycle, letting the mixture flow into the cup below.
  • Step 3: Pour the solution back into the reservoir and start the brew cycle again. But stop it halfway.
  • Step 4: Let your coffee maker sit for half an hour.
  • Step 5: Fill the reservoir with filtered water and run a full brew cycle.

The water in the cup should turn murky from all the scaling within the channel. Do this a few times while tossing out the debris-filled water; until the water becomes cleaner and clearer.

3. Air in the Machine

Air in the Machine Keurig

If the water passage and reservoir are gunk free, there could be a different problem.

Now:

If your Keurig coffee maker is still not pumping water under these circumstances, there could be air in the machine.

You see:

The pump may not work properly if enough air finds its way into the channel.

Thankfully:

You can solve this problem with a few easy steps. Here’s how.

  • Step 1: Take out your Keurig water reservoir and fill it up a quarter of the way.
  • Step 2: Reinsert the reservoir and gently lift and drop it while in place. You should see some bubbles leaking in from the intake connected to the machine.
  • Step 3: Repeat step 2 until you don’t see any bubbles.
  • Step 4: Take out your reservoir and empty it again.
  • Step 5: Fill it up to the max line and reinsert.

Now:

Run your Keurig coffee maker, and it should work properly. The above steps aim to shake out any air that may have found its way into the water intake.

Also:

To avoid this problem in the future, try not to run your coffee maker if the water reservoir is close to empty.

4. Faulty Motor/ Pump

Faulty Motor Keurig

The motor is responsible for pumping water from the reservoir into the brewer.

Hence:

If the motor is faulty, your Keurig coffee maker will not pump water. Luckily, replacing the faulty motor offers a quick and easy fix

Now:

The best way to replace the pump is to contact Keurig customer service.

Models Most Affected

The Keurig not pumping water is a common issue that can occur regardless of what coffee maker model you use.

However:

Here are a few models that usually suffer from this problem.

Keurig Duo

Keurig K-Duo Grey

The Keurig duo is a versatile coffee maker that can use either K-cup pods or ground coffee to brew an excellent cup.

Sadly:

It is prone to clogs and requires proper maintenance.

Fear not:

The general solutions work well on the Keurig duo.

Keurig Mini

Keurig Mini Black

The Keurig mini is designed to brew a single cup of coffee. The reservoir isn’t very large, but it is still prone to the same problems that stop water from pumping.

Fortunately:

The Keurig mini’s compact size allows for easy troubleshooting.

Keurig 2.0

Keurig 2.0 Silver

The Keurig 2.0 comes with a larger reservoir that allows you to brew more coffee. It also comes with a carafe so you can store your coffee.

As such:

It is perfect for both home and office. But, the long-brewing process for larger amounts of coffee leaves it susceptible to clogging.

Keurig Slim

Keurig Slim Black

The Keurig slim sits comfortably on any counter, hardly occupying any space at all. While it is a single-cup brewer, it has a reservoir large enough for two to three cups.

As we’ve seen:

Your Keurig coffee maker is more likely to clog up when processing larger amounts of water. The Keurig slim is guilty of this.

Conclusion

It can be inconvenient when your coffee maker isn’t pumping water. It makes it impossible to brew a good cup of coffee, which can ultimately ruin your day.

Thankfully:

You can remedy this by trying a few of these handy solutions.

  • Clear the intake valve
  • Unclog the water channel
  • Prime your coffee maker
  • Replace the faulty pump

These are some of the more common solutions to your Keurig failing to pump water. Your machine should work as well as new after implementing these changes.

Now:

Did you find any of these solutions useful? Do you think we failed to mention possible remedies to the problem? Feel free to let us know in the comment section down below!


Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Fix a Keurig That Won’t Pump Water?

You can fix a Keurig that isn’t pumping water by cleaning the reservoir intake, water filter, and descaling the machine.

How Do You Unclog a Keurig Water Line?

To unclog a Keurig water line, fill the reservoir with equal parts descaling solution and water.
Next:
Run a brewing cycle halfway, shut it off, and let the brewer sit for half an hour.
Finally:
Fill the reservoir with filtered water and run a brew cycle normally. Make sure to repeat this process until your Keurig is dispensing clean water.

Why Is My Coffee Maker Not Dispensing Water?

Your coffee maker may not be dispensing water for a few different reasons. Either the water line is clogged, or the intake valve is clogged.
Also:
There might be air in your machine, preventing the pump from priming.

Why Is My Keurig Running But Not Brewing?

Your Keurig may not be brewing because water isn’t flowing into the machine.

What Does It Mean to Prime My Keurig?

Your Keurig fails to prime when water cannot freely flow through the machine. You prime your Keurig by removing obstructions that stop the water from flowing in.

Can You Replace the Pump in a Keurig?

Yes, you can. In most instances, replacing a faulty part costs less than paying for a new coffee machine.

About
Erica Cervenkova
Coffee Connoisseur, SCA Member

As a coffee connoisseur and member of the Specialty Coffee Association, I am dedicated to understanding the sustainability of coffee pods and the impact it has on the environment. My expertise lies in the realm of capsule coffee machines, from the likes of Keurig and Nespresso to other well-known US brands. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping others make informed decisions about their coffee choices. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy your morning cup, I'm here to help.

Erica

Leave a Comment