how to drain Keurig

Do you love enjoying a fresh cup of coffee from your Keurig coffee maker each morning? If so, it’s important to ensure that you keep your coffee maker in top shape. One of the most important maintenance tasks to be aware of is draining your Keurig coffee maker to help avoid potential issues and maximize its efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explain how to drain your Keurig coffee maker correctly so that you can maximize your coffee-making experience. So, grab your coffee cup, get comfortable, and dive in!

Contents

Why should you drain your Keurig?

It’s important to drain your Keurig coffee maker to keep it running correctly. Keurig machines use water to brew each cup of coffee. When water is left in the machine, this can cause bacteria and mold to grow, which can negatively impact the coffee taste.

Additionally, leaving the water in the device can also create mineral deposits on the internal components, which can cause the machine to become less efficient over time. By draining the machine correctly, you can help prevent bacteria growth and extend the life of your Keurig coffee maker.

How often should you drain your Keurig?

If you want to keep your Keurig in good working order and maintain the quality of your coffee, you should drain the water reservoir at least once every three months. The machine should be emptied every three months if you are using tap water. Drain your water supply every six months if you’re using bottled or distilled water.

If you won’t be using your Keurig for a while, it’s a good idea to descale and drain it so that it’s ready to go when you need it. You can learn how to descale Keurig in a few steps with the guide.

Related: Keurig Won’t Turn On – Quick and Easy Fixes

How to drain a Keurig 1.0 coffee maker (k elite,k55,k60,k classic, and others)

Duration: 2-4 minutes

Required tools:

How to drain a Keurig without disassembly?

Draining a Keurig without disassembly is a relatively simple process requiring only a few steps and supplies. Whether you need to clean your Keurig or are just looking for an alternative to disassembly, draining your machine without taking it apart is a straightforward task. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to drain a Keurig without disassembly.

Steps:

  1. Clear the water tank
  2. Fake the presence of water to the Keurig
  3. Brew a cup

Step 1: Clear the water tank

Begin by removing the reservoir from the Keurig. Empty any remaining water from the reservoir and replace it on the Keurig.

Step 2: Fake the presence of water to the Keurig

Next, you need to trick the Keurig into thinking there is water in the reservoir. To do this, you will need to create a loop with your finger or put a piece of tape over the water sensor on the reservoir’s side. This will fool Keurig into thinking there is water in the reservoir.

Step 3: Brew a cup

Finally, you will need to brew a serving to empty the inner tanks without sucking in any more water. To do this, you will need to select a serving size, insert a K-cup, and press the brew button. This will empty any remaining water from the inner tanks. Once the brew cycle has been completed, the water should have been completely drained from the Keurig.

Related: A Complete Guide for Keurig Cup Size

How to drain Keurig by disassembling it?

You may access the pod storage area by lifting the handle, where two screws are located (at 11:00 and 1:00).

As a result, the “Keurig” label on top may be unscrewed. Simply removing it with a slide will reveal the internal water tank’s top.

Find the two tubes that go to the internal tank. One forms a L and points accurately, while the other rises vertically.

Using the needle-nose pliers, grab the zip ties and twist to release; then, remove the tubes.

Turn the brewer upside down so that the L-shaped entrance can receive water.

In addition, place the straw into the tank’s top entrance to facilitate water displacement by air. Put the brewer back together after you’re done.

Step 1: Access the pod storage area by lifting the handle and unscored the pod

To have direct access to the top of the water tank, we will remove the top component.

Find the two screws at locations 11:00 and 1:00. Remove the two screws using the flat-head screwdriver. By doing so, the machine’s top, which bears the word “Keurig” on the front, will be separated and made accessible for removal.

 Access the pod storage area by lifting the handle and unscored the pod

Step 2: Take the machine’s top off

Slide the top of the Keurig by gently pulling it forward and up. The coffee maker’s inner piping will be exposed as a result of this action.

Take the machine's top off

Step 3: Remove silicone tubes from the internal water tank

Find the two pipes that lead from the inside of the water tank’s top.

One tube is connected to the L-shaped cutout on the right side of the back, and the second tube that goes directly from the water tank’s top hole.

You can likely see zip ties holding the silicone tubing to the metal water filter fittings. In order to free the silicone tubes, you’ll need to undo these zip ties.

 Remove silicone tubes from the internal water tank

Step 4: Turn the brewer upside down and empty the water

To get water to pour out of the brewer’s L-shaped aperture, you must invert it.

Putting a thin straw over the other hole that has a disconnected tube will speed things up (the one on top of the water tank). The rate at which the water drains from the tank may be increased if this helps increase the amount of airflow into the tank. The tank must be drained completely.

Turn the brewer upside down and empty the water
 Turn the brewer upside down and empty the water

Step 5: Put the machine back together

After the draining process is finished, reconnect the silicone tubing. Wiggle the zip ties back up if you loosened them. To reattach the silicone tubes securely after they are severed, use fresh zip ties.

Replace the top that you slid off, and then replace the screws that were holding it in place.

Your Keurig 1.0 brewer has been successfully emptied. However, disassembling the Keurig can void the warranty of the device.

How to drain a Keurig 2.0 coffee makers (K3500, K2500, and others)

Duration: 4-5 minutes

Required Tools: 

How to empty Keurig 2.0 models without disassembling?

Are you looking for a way to drain your Keurig coffee brewer without taking it apart? The Keurig drain brewer method without disassembly is the perfect solution for you! This method involves adjusting the float in the external reservoir, allowing the Keurig to start brewing and waiting for the “Prime” display. Once the machine’s display says “Prime,” then the brewing process is completed, and the device is completely drained. Follow this step-by-step guide to easily drain your Keurig brewer without disassembly.

Steps:

  1. Drain the water supply
  2. Adjust the float in the external reservoir
  3. Start brewing
  4. Watch for the “Prime”

Step 1: Drain the water supply

By doing this, the Keurig is “tricked” into thinking the water reservoir is full and will begin brewing. After doing so, the Keurig’s internal water tank can be emptied.

Step 2: Adjust the float in the external reservoir

The machine will be done brewing when the message “Prime” appears on the screen. At this point, you can adjust the float in the external reservoir. The Keurig machine has run out of water, as shown by this message. Water will no longer be pumped by your Keurig 2.0 at this time.

After the tank has been drained, readjust the float. A metal disk can be found inside the tank, towards the base on one side. The purpose of this metal disk is to control the volume of water in the storage tank.

It is recommended to pull the floating magnet to the top of its track. The next step is to give it a gentle push to secure it. Put the reservoir’s cover back on.

Step 3: Start brewing

Click the “brew” button to start the brewing process in your Keurig. You should first place a cup under the spout.

If you put in a coffee pod, the machine will drain water, but you won’t get any coffee. The machine will drain any remaining water into your cup or carafe.

Step 4: Watch for the “Prime”

Watch for the “Prime” message: When you see “Prime” on the machine’s screen, you know the brewing cycle is complete. Adding extra water if the machine prompts you to do so. Once the second brew is complete, the screen should read “Prime.”

If you see this, know that your brewer is empty. If you see a sign saying “Keurig no water,” put away your machine and get some new water.

Watch for the "Prime"

How to drain a Keurig (Keurig Mini, Mini Plus, K15)

Duration: 2-5 minutes 

Required tools: 

How to Drain a Keurig without disassembly?

This procedure will guide you through the steps of turning off the power of your Keurig coffee maker, emptying the reservoir, and starting the brewing process. Be sure to follow each step carefully to ensure your coffee maker is properly shut off. With these steps, you’ll be able to drain your Keurig coffee maker.

Steps:

  1. Switch off the power of Keurig 
  2. Place a mug to collect liquid 
  3. Empty the reservoir
  4. Start brewing 

Step 1: Switch off the power of Keurig

Make sure the brewer is off but still plugged in.

Step 2: Place a mug to collect liquid 

Set a mug beneath the Drip Tray to collect the dripping liquid.

Step 3: Empty the reservoir

See if the Cold Water Reservoir is still full. To do so, raise the brewer’s handle, which will allow water from the Cold Water Reservoir to flow into the hot water tank. Do not open it until the handle is closed (if water is still present in the Cold Water Reservoir, this procedure will need to be repeated a second time).

Step 4: Start brewing 

Press and hold the BREW button for at least 5 seconds, at which point water from the hot water tank will start dripping into the cup on the Drip Tray. When only air is coming out of the brewer, you can release the button.

How to drain Keurig K-Slim coffee maker?

The K-Slim coffee machine, in contrast to the other Keurig systems, does not include an internal water tank. As a consequence of this, the only Water Reservoir that needs to be emptied before it can be stored is the one that is located outside.

How to drain Keurig Rivo system?

Water is not stored in the Rivo System like it is in other Keurig machines. So, just the exterior Water Reservoir has to be emptied before being put away.

Why won’t my Keurig drain water?

There are several possible causes of this issue. The most common is a 

  1. Clog in the water line or water filter; try replacing the filter and running some vinegar through the system to clear out any blockages, or you can learn from the guide on how to descale Keurig
  2. A faulty water pump.
  3. A defective water tank. Follow why Keurig is leaking to find out the solution.
  4. Malfunctioning water line.

If none of these solutions solve the issue, you may need to contact a Keurig technician for further assistance.

Also read: Keurig coffee maker problems: A Troubleshooting guide

Frequently Asked Questions – How to drain a Keurig?

Can you drain all the water out of a Keurig?

Once your Keurig home brewer has been primed, you cannot remove the water from the reservoir, except for the Keurig K15 and the Keurig MINI Plus. When putting away your brewer, ensure the removable Water Reservoir is empty and that it is kept in a dry, frost-free location.

What does the drain button do on a Keurig?

The drain button on a Keurig allows the user to drain the internal tank of the machine manually. This is useful when the internal tank needs to be emptied for cleaning or descaling purposes.

Also read: How to Make Espresso With Keurig: The Surprising Answer!

How to clean Keurig Water Reservoir?

It is recommended that the water reservoir be cleaned once a week by wiping it down with a cloth that has been soaked in soapy water, make sure Keurig is lint-free and does not contain abrasive particles, and then rinsing it well.

Also read: How To Use A Keurig Coffee Maker: Setup, Brewing & Regular Maintenance

How long can water sit in the Keurig reservoir?

You should empty and clean your reservoir twice or thrice a week and not let water sit in the reservoir for more than 48 hour.

What should I do if my Keurig won’t pump water from the reservoir?

The accumulation of water scaling, which is debris that builds up over time and interferes with the Keurig water pump, is the most frequent cause of a Keurig not pumping water. There are several different approaches that can be taken to fix this issue. The quickest and easiest method is to remove the water reservoir from the Keurig, empty it completely, and then only fill it up about a third of the way.

How long does Keurig usually last?

Keurigs typically last between two and three years with regular use. Factors such as water quality, frequency of descaling, and how well it is maintained can impact the longevity of the machine. With proper care, some Keurig owners have reported their machines lasting for five or more years.

Also read: The Best Keurig Coffee Makers of 2023 – Reviewed

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