Keurig Single Serve Coffee Maker Not Working? Here’s How to Fix It
Is your Single Serve Keurig not brewing your cup of coffee? No need to call customer service (yet!).
Most issues with your Keurig are easy to fix yourself.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems and how to troubleshoot them. By the end, you’ll know how to get your Keurig back to brewing delicious coffee again.
Common Keurig Issues and Quick Fixes
Let’s go over a few of the usual suspects and how to fix them:
1. Power Button Not Responding
If you haven’t already, double-check that your Keurig is firmly plugged in. If nothing happens, test the power source by plugging in another device, or move your Keurig to a different power outlet.
Still no luck? Do a basic power cycle to clear any temporary glitches in your machine. Unplug your Keurig, wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in and press the power button again.
2. Button Lights All On or Not Lighting Up at All
Again, it’s likely just a minor glitch. The simplest solution to that is to start with the same basic reset. Smart Keurig models (like K-Supreme and K-Cafe) also have a factory reset option found in the settings menu that can help.
If none of these steps work, there may be an internal issue with your single cup coffee maker. At that point, it’s best to reach out for customer support.
3. Weird Brewing Noises But Not Brewing
First, what brewing sounds are normal?
- Pumping or humming: Your brewer draws water from the reservoir.
- Clicking or hissing: Pressure builds up and forces water through the pod.
- A short burst of steam or a gurgle: End of the cycle.
Now, the weird noises and what could be causing them:
- Rattling or grinding: A loose part or something stuck inside.
- Continuous pumping: Water reservoir is empty or not seated properly.
- Sputtering: Clogged brewing needles or mineral buildup.
- Bubbling (like the sound of boiling water): Trapped air bubbles in the water line or an air hose issue.
What you can do:
- Unclog the puncture needles (more on this below).
- Perform a basic reset: unplug your Keurig, wait a minute, then plug it back in.
- For blockages, try running a few batches of water through your coffee maker until the brown water runs clear.
- Perform a descaling cycle.
How to Descale Your Keurig Single Serve Coffee Maker
If you don’t have a Keurig descaling solution, a simple vinegar-and-water mix works just fine. Follow these steps:
- Unplug your Keurig and remove the pod.
- Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar and distilled water (50:50), then pour it into the water reservoir.
- Place a mug on the drip tray and run one brew cycle (no pod) to start pulling the solution through the system.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before running another brew cycle.
- Empty the water reservoir and wash it thoroughly with mild dish soap and water.
- Rinse out any lingering vinegar taste or smell by running at least three full water-only brew cycles.
4. Slow to Brew or Not Brewing a Full Cup
Clogged inlet and exit needles are usually to blame for this. These tiny parts can get blocked with coffee grounds.
If you’ve got a Keurig maintenance kit, just pop one of the rinse pods into the K-Cup holder, fill the water reservoir with fresh water, and hit the brew button.
If you don’t have one, you can clean the needles manually.
To clean the exit needle:
- Remove the pod holder from your brewer and detach the funnel underneath.
- Locate the needle at the bottom of the pod holder.
- Insert a straightened paper clip into the needle to loosen and remove any particles.
- Thoroughly rinse both the pod holder and funnel under running water, then set them on a towel to dry completely.
To clean the entrance needle:
- Lift the handle all the way up to expose the underside of the brew head. You’ll see the two holes where the needle is.
- Poke each hole with the paper clip and gently move it around to dislodge any bits of coffee.
After cleaning, reassemble the pod holder and funnel, and snap everything back into place. Then, run a cleansing brew cycle a couple of times (just plain water, no pod) to flush out any remaining debris.
5. Add Water Light On (Even When Full)
This happens when the machine’s sensors can’t detect the water. Here’s an easy fix:
- Fill up the tank with clean water.
- Lift the tank on and off the base about 20 times. This can help push water through the internal tubing and reset the water level sensor.
- Take a look at the small plastic hole or air valve at the bottom of the water tank. If there’s any buildup or debris, gently clear it using a soft-bristled brush.
- Wash the tank with warm water and mild dish soap, rinse well, and dry it with a soft cloth.
- Reattach the tank and see if the “Add Water” light goes out.
Advanced Fixes (For Experienced Users) and Tips
Still having trouble?
- Inspect the brew tank and flow hose for leaks or damage.
- Check the heater hose for blockages or wear.
- Refer to your user manual for detailed disassembly and cleaning.
To help extend your machine’s life and keep your every cup of coffee fresh:
- Descale every 3–6 months (or more often if your water is hard). Most models have a descale light to alert you whenever it’s time.
- Stick with eco-friendly K-Cup pods or compatible coffee pods.
- Use filtered water to prevent mineral buildup, especially if you’re unsure about the hardness of your tap water.
- Store your machine in a dry spot to avoid internal condensation.
When to Contact Customer Service
If your machine starts and stops randomly, you might want to call customer support for help. A damaged water pump, a faulty valve, or electrical issues usually need professional repair. If your machine is under a lifetime guarantee, you may even be eligible for a replacement.
Final Thoughts
Your Keurig single serve coffee maker not working doesn’t mean it’s done for. Most problems come down to water flow issues, clogged needles, or mineral buildup. Start simple, work your way up to more complex solutions, and don’t skip regular maintenance.
With these fixes, you’ll be back to brewing perfect coffee cups in no time.
