Why Is Keurig Not Pumping Water (Possible causes and how to fix them + more information)

The first activity you engage in every morning before diving into your to-do list is to brew your coffee and enjoy it. So what happens when you discover that you cannot have coffee? Why is Keurig not pumping water?

I got a Keurig for my 35th birthday last year and was over the moon because I love coffee. My friends know me too well since I have always been a Keurig fan. So when after three months, I realized that it was not pumping water, I almost ran mad. I researched intensely and finally have the answer to what many coffee lovers are looking for but have nobody to give them. This article will help you discover ways to fix this issue, so read on!

Reasons why your Keurig is not pumping water and possible solutions

There are several reasons why your Keurig is not pumping water. Luckily, there is always a solution to any of these problems. They include the following.

Failure to descale

The most common reason for your machine to stop pumping water is due to failure to descale. A limescale builds up in your Keurig when you leave it for so long without descaling it. This ends up clogging the machine.

Solution

The solution would be to descale. Descaling involves dissolving the limescale into the water using a chemical solution and then flushing it along it. So fill the machine’s reservoir with water and add the recommended descaling solution. Then start the descaling process by brewing the solution repeatedly. Once done, clean the machine by brewing it with clean water.

Air in the line

Alternatively, there could be air in the system that is blocking the water from flowing. When this happens, you are expected to bleed the machine. Luckily, it is an easy process.

Solution

You will need to disconnect your machine from the power source and then remove the drip tray and the water tank. Start shaking the coffee maker rapidly, up and down. When you hear a hissing sound, know that the air bubbles are escaping.

Additionally, you can fill your reservoir to a quarter full of water. Then shake the reservoir rapidly, and when you see air bubbles from the water intake, know that the air is escaping.

The water reservoir is empty.

Have you tried checking on your water reservoir? It might be that someone bumped the machine, hence dislodging the water reservoir. This means that the reservoir will either be empty or not full, and for this reason, the machine cannot pump water.

Solution

Just check whether the water reservoir is attached correctly. Also, confirm if the water is filled to the max line. If you check on these issues and there is still a problem, then maybe the water inlet valve needs fixing. If this is the case, then consult a professional.

Clogged needle

A needle pierces the K-cup so that water can flow freely and easily and brew your coffee. Unfortunately, the needles can get clogged with coffee grounds and dirt. When this happens, water cannot get in until you clean the needle.

Solution

If this is the case, find the orange needle cleaner tool or a paper clip to remove the debris. Unplug the coffee machine, then take out the water tank. Next, locate the needles, and separate the bottom and the top halves. Release the needle and clean it using a small brush or paper clip.

Auto off Feature

Some Keurig machines have an advanced feature whereby they automatically go off after two hours of inactivity. So if you go back to brewing your coffee after a while, then wonder why it won’t pump anymore and cannot identify the problem, it is likely that the off feature has been activated.

Solution

You could disable this feature. Unfortunately, not all Keurig machines allow you to disable the feature, so it will depend on which one you have.

Low water pressure

There is also a possibility that your home has low water pressure. Your Keurig has a certain amount of pressure for water to be pumped. You could test your water pressure by seeing how quickly your water flows once you turn the faucet. If it is trickling slowly, then this is the most likely problem.

Solution

To avoid this, use a water filter designed for coffee makers. You can also opt for bottled water and not tap water. The water pressure problem will be solved, and your Keurig can continue pumping water.

The water magnet is misaligned.

When you carefully study your Keurig water tank, you will notice a magnet at the bottom. This magnet is used to detect the level of water in the water reservoir. Because of the vibrations that occur during brewing, the magnet may get misaligned and stuck over time. When this happens, the brewer fails to detect the water level and cannot pump water.

Solution

Try shaking the tank near the magnet housing a little. If this does not make any difference, you could also tap the tank and see if it moves. If this still does not work, you could also empty the water in the tank and then clean it with soap. Once done, fill the tank with water again and see the difference.

Pump is damaged

When you try out all the solutions mentioned and the problem is still not fixed, it could mean that there is a different problem. Sometimes, your water pump wears out and breaks.

Solution

If this is the case, you may consider getting a replacement. Finding a professional for the job is recommended, so the replacement is done right.

FAQ Section

Can descaling a Keurig make it pump water?

Yes. Sometimes the Keurig will fail to pump water because of clogging that has resulted from failing to descale the machine for a while. Therefore, when you descale your Keurig, it will likely fix the problem and pump its water.

Can dirty water prevent a Keurig from pumping water?

Yes. Limescale comprises deposits comprising calcium carbonate, which builds up when hot water flows in the internal pipes of your machine. Eventually, because it becomes a lot and unpleasantly dirty, it clogs the pipes. This prevents the machine from pumping water.

Should I replace my Keurig if it’s not pumping water?

This should not be the first action you take when you discover that your Keurig is no longer pumping water. The best thing would be to identify the problem and then fix it. When water stops flowing in your Keurig, the problems are usually manageable, so there is no need to panic and make an impulsive buy. Just identify the problem and find a solution to it. You can always get a professional to fix your Keurig instead of replacing it.