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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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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.

4.67 stars from 3 votes

How to Fix a Keurig That Won't Stop Pumping Water

Prep time

5 min

Cook time

5 min

Total time

10 min

Servings

0

Equipment

  • Keurig brewer maintenance accessory tool or safety pin

Ingredients

  • Descaling solution or white vinegar

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

Table of Contents [Hide][Show]
  1. Keurig Won’t Stop Pumping Water: 5 Easy Fixes
  2. 1. Unplug the Keurig and let it sit.
  3. 2. Clean the needle.
  4. 3. Descale the brewer.
  5. 4. Turn the machine upside down.
  6. 5. Call in the pros.
  7. Conclusion
Kate MacDonnell

Kate MacDonnell

Kate has spent years writing about, drinking, and traveling for coffee, and her favorite part of the job is comparing how beans taste in different places around the world.

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