A Keurig is a machine, and for many of us it’s an important one!
So what do you do when this device you use daily begins dripping too slowly?
Don’t fret! You have options for figuring out this issue.
To help guide you through why your Keurig might be dripping slowly and what you can do about it, we’re going to provide some helpful steps to try out!
In most cases, following these steps will be able to get your Keurig back to the level of efficiency you’re used to.
So buckle up, read on and try out these steps with your machine!
This Is Usually Due To A Blockage
In most cases, a Keurig can begin to drip more slowly when there is a blockage in the system.
The good news is that this is something you can typically fix pretty easily.
With the right steps and tools, you can clean out the machine and have it back to working order in no time.
You will want to make sure to be careful when you make the steps to clean out the Keurig.
Otherwise, there could be some risk of breaking the machine or accidentally injuring yourself.
For those who may be less familiar with how a Keurig works, it’s a coffee maker that uses K-cups.
These small pods contain a single serving of coffee grounds, which the Keurig uses to brew a cup for you.
The process is similar to a standard drip-style coffee maker, but using a pod rather than measured grounds, such as in scoop coffee makers.
Many find that these machines are often easier to use, but they can sometimes get clogged!
Steps To Take For Resolving The Issue
Preparing the machine
The first thing you’ll need to do is make sure that your machine is ready and you have everything you need to clean it out.
You’ll want to start by unplugging the machine, just to make sure you’re as safe as possible while cleaning it.
Safety is always the most important concern when it comes to these kinds of tasks, as it’s easier to replace a machine than your life!
After that, you’ll also need to remove the reservoir.
This can just make the overall task easier, so it’s highly recommended.
As part of this process, you may also want a paper clip or another item that can reach into small spaces.
This can help with pushing the clog out and is just useful to have, but be careful with it!
Next, you’ll want to open up the Keurig.
This can be done through the same method you would use when you want to put in a K-cup for brewing.
You’ll be working in this area, so after that it’s going to be important to take a close look.
Consequently, you’ll want to be in a well-lit area or have a flashlight on hand to help you with seeing any potential issues.
Check out the cup-insertion space
In a Keurig, there is a part that is used to puncture any K-cup you’re using to make your coffee.
To begin with your cleaning, you’ll need to take this part off.
As you do so, be very careful as it is a part that is quite sharp.
You’ll also want to make sure that you place it somewhere safe, where it won’t get lost or accidentally poke you as you’re cleaning.
If you don’t have the tools necessary to remove this part safely, it’s recommended that you wait until you do.
Clean out the area
Behind the part you just removed, there should be a tube.
This is where your paper clip (or other tool) is going to come in handy.
First, take a look and see if there is any obvious clogging going on in the tube.
If so, you’ll know exactly where the problem is, otherwise it may just be deeper than you can easily see.
Try inserting the paper clip into the tube.
Be very careful as you work to unclog the tube without using more pressure than necessary.
Too much force can run the risk of damaging the tube, so it’s best to be as gentle as possible.
If you can manage to clear out the jam, there’s a good chance that your problem will be solved.
Otherwise, you may find that you need to take a few more steps.
Keep an eye out for any other potential problems while you have the machine open, and give it all a good cleaning if you need to!
After that, you’ll be able to get the machine back into working order.
Set your machine back up
At this point, you can place the puncturing tool back into its position in the machine and close the lid.
You’ll also be able to place the water reservoir back inside, toss your paperclip and plug the Keurig back in.
If you want to, you can choose to rinse out the machine with some water or cycle some hot water through it just to test out the flow.
At this point, you should be able to see whether or not the flow has improved.
If you found and removed a clog, it’s most likely that the machine is now fixed.
You’ll also know how to fix this problem going forward, which can decrease the overall frustration that it might otherwise cause.
Try it out!
With your Keurig working normally, you can now go back to enjoying your coffee without a problem!
Going forward, you’ll also be able to just keep a paperclip handy for any potential issues.
Now that you know the cause of the problem, it will likely be a matter of minutes fixing it in the future.
This is an ideal time to make some coffee in celebration of your success!
What If It’s Still Not Working?
While it’s likely that cleaning out the clog will likely solve the issue, there is always the chance that it won’t.
The clog may be too deep, or there might be something else going on inside the machine.
Though it is an unfortunate situation, you do have options!
Your first option is to consider how long you’ve had the device.
If you’re still within a return or warranty period, you can contact the manufacturer to get their help with this issue.
They may have some helpful advice, or they may be able to fix or replace the Keurig altogether.
If that isn’t the case for you, then you may also want to consider purchasing a new Keurig.
There are a wide number of options out there that can suit your needs.
You may even choose to go with another type of single-serve machine, like a Nespresso or Cuisinart.
If you don’t want to spend the money, you can also just try taking a closer look at the problem before taking a different route.
It’s all going to be up to your preferences and needs!