Why Is My Keurig Not Brewing? 9 Fixes for Little or No Coffee

A Keurig that will not brew is usually blocked, scaled up, or air-locked. Unplug it, clean the needles with a straightened paper clip, make sure the water tank is seated, and run several water-only brews to clear air. If it still struggles, descale it. If the pump does not move any water at all, it may need replacing.

You push the button, the machine hums, and then nothing, or a thin dribble, or half a cup. It is a common issue, and it does not always mean the Keurig is finished. Most fixes take only a few minutes and cost nothing. Work through the steps below in order, from the simplest to the most involved.

What the problem usually looks like

Different symptoms point to different causes:

Fix 1: Check the power and the water tank

Start with the basics. Make sure the Keurig is plugged into a working outlet, and not a power strip that is switched off. Fill the tank with fresh water above the minimum line. Then take the tank off and look at the base. If there is a bit of coffee or scale in the spot where the tank connects, wipe it away. Put the tank back and press it down firmly until it is fully seated. A tank that is slightly off can stop the water from flowing, or cause the "Add Water" message.

Fix 2: Run water-only brews to clear an air lock

If the machine ran low on water, or you just moved it, air can get trapped in the pump or the lines. That stops the water from moving.

1. Remove the pod, and place a large mug on the drip tray.
2. Fill the tank to the max line.
3. Run a brew with the largest size setting. Do this without a pod.
4. Repeat three to five times.

Some machines need a few cycles before the pump catches the water. If the machine starts to sputter and then pour, the air lock is gone. If nothing moves after several tries, go on to the next fix.

Fix 3: Clean the exit needle

Every Keurig has two needles. The exit needle is in the pod holder at the bottom, where the coffee comes out. It clogs with grounds and gunk, and it is the top cause of weak or no brewing.

1. Unplug the Keurig. Always do this before you touch the needles.
2. Open the handle and lift out the pod holder. Many models let you pull it up and out.
3. Look at the bottom needle. Use a straightened paper clip and gently poke it into the needle's hole to clear any grounds.
4. Rinse the pod holder under running water. Dry it.
5. Put it back, plug in the machine, and run a water-only brew.

Fix 4: Clean the entrance needle

The entrance needle is above the pod. It pierces the top of the pod and sends water in. It can clog with grounds or scale.

1. Unplug the Keurig.
2. Open the handle and look at the underside of the lid, where the needle sits.
3. Clean it with a straightened paper clip. Move it around the hole to dislodge any particles. Be careful, because the needle is sharp.
4. Wipe the area with a damp cloth.
5. Plug in the machine and run a water-only brew.

Fix 5: Reseat the pod and try a different pod

A pod that does not pierce well can block the flow. Check that you have placed the pod flat in the holder and that the lid closes fully. Try a fresh pod from a different box. Damaged or bent pods, or pods that are not made for your brewer, can cause trouble. If you use a reusable filter cup, make sure it is clean and not packed too full, because compressed grounds slow the water. Do not use a double pod.

Fix 6: Descale the machine

Hard water leaves limescale in the heating chamber and the lines. This narrows the water path and makes the machine brew slowly, brew a short cup, or make loud noises. Descaling is the cure. Keurig recommends doing it every three to six months.

1. Empty the tank and the drip tray. Remove the pod.
2. Pour in Keurig descaling solution, or white vinegar mixed with water as the instructions or a trusted guide say. Fill the tank the rest of the way with water if needed.
3. Place a large mug on the drip tray.
4. Run large brews without a pod until the tank is empty, or until the "Add Water" message shows. Empty the mug between brews.
5. Let the machine sit for about 30 minutes while it is on.
6. Rinse the tank well, fill it with fresh water, and run about a dozen large water-only brews, until there is no vinegar smell.

If you have very hard water, a filter helps. See installing a water filtration system or the guide on a chlorine taste in tap water.

Fix 7: Clean the water reservoir and the filter

A dirty tank can hold mineral scale or slime that clogs the intake. Wash the tank with warm soapy water, rinse it well, and dry it. If your tank has a water filter cartridge, check how old it is. Keurig says to replace it about every two months. A clogged filter can slow the flow. Take it out and run a brew without it as a test.

Fix 8: Give it a rest and reset

Unplug the Keurig for 10 to 15 minutes. Let it cool and reset. Take out the tank and let air flow through the lines. Then plug it in, fill the tank, and run a few water-only brews. Some models have a soft reset, in which you hold a combination of buttons, so look in your manual. A simple unplug-and-wait fixes a lot of minor glitches.

Fix 9: Check for a failed pump or heater

If you have tried all of the above, and the machine still hums but moves no water, the pump may have failed. If it brews cold water, the heating element may be faulty. These are not parts most people replace at home.

• Check your warranty. Keurig brewers usually come with a limited warranty, and the company's customer support can help you with a replacement.
• Think about the age. A Keurig that is more than five years old, with heavy daily use, may be cheaper to replace than to repair.
• Do not open the case. The machine has electrical parts and hot water.

Why does my Keurig keep clogging?

If your Keurig stops brewing again after a week or two, the cause is usually one of these:

• Hard water. The scale returns quickly if you do not treat the water.
• Fine grounds from reusable filters or cheap pods. These slip past and clog the needle.
• Leaving water in the tank for days. Old water can grow film. Empty and refill it often.
• Not descaling. Mark a date on the calendar every three months.

How to keep a Keurig working well

• Use fresh filtered or bottled water.
• Clean the needles every month.
• Descale every three to six months, or sooner with hard water.
• Wash the tank, pod holder, and drip tray weekly.
• Empty the tank if you will be away for a week or more.
• Run one water-only brew each morning before you make coffee to flush the system.

When to replace your Keurig

Replace it when it is out of warranty and the pump or heater has failed, when the machine leaks from inside, or when it will not turn on after you try another outlet. Compare the cost of a new brewer with the cost of the repair. In many cases, a new basic model is better value.

Bottom line

Most Keurig problems come down to a blocked needle, scale, or trapped air. Clean the needles, run water-only brews, and descale the machine on a schedule. If it still will not brew, check the warranty or replace it. For more kitchen appliance problems, read why an ice maker may stop working.