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Keurig Won’t Stop Pumping Water? 5 Simple Fixes

keurig won't stop pumping water

Keurig brewers have the market cornered on ease and convenience. It is hard to argue with a coffee maker that does not require any measuring or weighing. And a hot cup of coffee at the touch of a single button? Sign us up! But when something goes wrong, your Keurig’s convenience goes right out the window.

If your Keurig will not stop pumping water, you need a fix — immediately! Luckily, there are a few simple things to try before you have to call in the experts. Keep reading to learn how to fix your brewer easily and quickly:

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Keurig Won’t Stop Pumping Water: 5 Easy Fixes

1. Unplug the Keurig and let it sit.

unplugged Keurig

Give your Keurig a few minutes off-duty by turning it off and unplugging it. Wait 10 or 15 minutes and then plug it back in. This can help the machine reset and return to normal. If your Keurig won’t stop pumping water, this is a good place to start.

SEE ALSO: How to Reset a Keurig (Fast & Easy)


2. Clean the needle.

clean Keurig needle safety pin

If unplugging your Keurig didn’t do the trick, it’s time to try cleaning the needle. Open the brew head and take a close look at the needle. If you see coffee grounds or other gunk stuck in the point, it’s time for a good cleaning. The easiest way to do this is using Keurig’s brewer maintenance accessory tool — an orange device that fits in the K-Cup holder.

Don’t have the cleaning accessory? Try using a safety pin or thumbtack. Keep in mind that the tip is sharp, so you’ll want to avoid touching it.

RELATED: Our Complete Guide to Keurig Needle Cleaning


3. Descale the brewer.

how to clean descale a Keurig coffee maker

Descaling your Keurig is always a good idea since mineral buildup can wreak havoc on the brewer’s tubes and mechanisms. Pour descaling solution or white vinegar and water into the reservoir and brew until it’s empty. Toss the cleaning mixture and run a few cycles of filtered water to rinse out the chemicals. Your Keurig should now be clean and mineral-free — and hopefully will have stopped pumping water.


4. Turn the machine upside down.

Keurig brew button

If none of the previous methods have worked, it’s time to get a little more creative. This may sound silly, but some Keurig owners swear by this method!

Turn your Keurig off and unplug it. Then remove the water reservoir (if possible) and turn the brewer upside down. Gently tap the bottom and shake the brewer side to side. Then turn it right side up, plug it in, and try brewing a cup.


5. Call in the pros.

If all else fails, you’ll probably want to call in the experts. Contact Keurig’s customer service online or by phone. The company may be able to walk you through troubleshooting steps or ship you a replacement part.

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keurig mini side view
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How to Fix a Keurig That Won't Stop Pumping Water

If your Keurig won't stop pumping water, you'll need a solution - fast! Here are the 5 best ways to fix your Keurig. You'll be back to brewing tasty cups of coffee before you know it.
Prep Time5 minutes
Active Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Keyword: Keurig troubleshooting, keurig won't stop pumping water
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • Keurig brewer maintenance accessory tool or safety pin

Materials

  • Descaling solution or white vinegar

Instructions

Unplug the Keurig and let it sit.

  • Give your Keurig a few minutes off-duty by turning it off and unplugging it. Wait 10 or 15 minutes and then plug it back in.

Clean the needle.

  • Open the brew head and take a close look at the needle. If you see coffee grounds or other gunk stuck in the point, it’s time for a good cleaning. The easiest way to do this is using Keurig’s brewer maintenance accessory tool -- an orange device that fits in the K-Cup holder.
  • Don’t have the cleaning accessory? Try using a safety pin or thumbtack. Keep in mind that the tip is sharp, so you’ll want to avoid touching it.

Descale the brewer.

  • Descaling your Keurig is always a good idea since mineral buildup can wreak havoc on the brewer’s tubes and mechanisms. Pour descaling solution or white vinegar and water into the reservoir and brew until it’s empty. Toss the cleaning mixture and run a few cycles of filtered water to rinse out the chemicals. Your Keurig should now be clean and mineral-free -- and hopefully will have stopped pumping water.

Turn the machine upside down.

  • Turn your Keurig off and unplug it. Then remove the water reservoir (if possible) and turn the brewer upside down. Gently tap the bottom and shake the brewer side to side. Then turn it right side up, plug it in, and try brewing a cup.

Call in the pros.

  • If all else fails, you’ll probably want to call in the experts. Contact Keurig’s customer service online or by phone. The company may be able to walk you through troubleshooting steps or ship you a replacement part.

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Conclusion

Keurig troubleshooting doesn’t have to be difficult! There are plenty of simple home fixes that can get your machine back in working order. When your Keurig won’t stop pumping water, you may be tempted to call a repairman right away. No one wants a kitchen floor covered in spilled water. But we’re pretty sure these solutions will do the trick. Stop your Keurig from pumping water and skip the repair bill, too.

More Keurig troubleshooting guides:

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Kate MacDonnell

Kate is a lifelong coffee enthusiast and homebrewer who enjoys writing for coffee websites and sampling every kind of coffee known to man. She’s tried unusual coffees from all over the world and owns an unhealthy amount of coffee gear.

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