Your Keurig powers on, heats up, and seems ready to brew—but when you press the button, little or no water comes out. This is one of the most common Keurig problems, and it’s almost always fixable at home without calling customer support or buying a new machine.
Water flow issues typically stem from one of eight causes. We’ll work through them in order of likelihood, starting with the fixes that take just seconds.
Understanding Why Water Gets Stuck
Before troubleshooting, it helps to know how water moves through your Keurig. Water travels from the reservoir through a filter, into a heating chamber, then through internal tubes to the needle that punctures your K-Cup. A blockage or malfunction anywhere in this path stops the flow.
The good news: most blockages are mineral deposits (scale) that dissolve easily with the right approach.
Fix #1: Check the Basics First
Rule out the obvious before diving deeper:
- Is there enough water? Fill the reservoir to at least the minimum line
- Is the reservoir seated correctly? Remove and reattach it firmly until it clicks
- Is the machine fully heated? Wait for the ready indicator before brewing
These simple checks solve the problem about 20% of the time. If water still won’t flow, continue to the next fix.
Fix #2: Clear Air Bubbles from the Lines
Air pockets form in Keurig water lines, especially after the machine sits unused or after moving it. Trapped air prevents water from flowing properly.
The quick fix:
- Unplug the machine
- Remove the reservoir
- Shake the machine gently side-to-side about 10 times
- Refill the reservoir and reinstall
- Run 3-4 water-only brew cycles (no K-Cup)
Alternative method: While running a brew cycle, briefly place your finger over the dispensing needle to create back-pressure. This often dislodges stubborn air pockets. Be careful—the water is hot.
Fix #3: Clean the Entry and Exit Needles
Coffee grounds and scale accumulate on the needles that puncture K-Cups. Clogged needles restrict water flow significantly.
What you’ll need: A straightened paperclip or Keurig’s cleaning tool
Cleaning the top needle:
- Open the K-Cup holder and look inside the top
- You’ll see a needle with small holes around it
- Insert the paperclip into each hole and move it around gently
- Wipe away any debris that comes out
Cleaning the bottom needle:
- Remove the K-Cup holder assembly (it pops out)
- Locate the needle on the bottom of the holder
- Clear it the same way using your paperclip
- Rinse the holder under running water
- Reassemble and run a water-only cycle
Warning: These needles are sharp. Work slowly and carefully.
Fix #4: Descale the Machine
If you haven’t descaled in more than 3 months, mineral buildup is probably your culprit. Hard water accelerates scale formation, sometimes clogging machines within weeks.
Proper descaling process:
- Empty the water reservoir
- Fill with descaling solution (follow package directions for water ratio)
- Run brew cycles repeatedly until the reservoir is empty—don’t insert a K-Cup
- Let the machine sit for 30 minutes with the power on
- Rinse by running at least 12 cycles with fresh water only
The rinse step is crucial. Leftover descaling solution causes its own problems and tastes terrible in coffee.
Fix #5: Clean the Water Reservoir Filter
Many Keurig reservoirs have a small mesh filter at the water intake point. This filter catches debris but eventually clogs.
- Remove the reservoir and empty it
- Look for the small screen filter at the reservoir outlet
- If removable, soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes
- Scrub gently with a soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling
If your reservoir has a charcoal water filter cartridge, check whether it needs replacement. Expired filters restrict water flow.
Fix #6: Check the Water Reservoir Magnet
Keurigs use a magnetic float to detect water levels. If this magnet sticks or shifts out of position, the machine thinks the reservoir is empty even when it’s full.
- Remove the reservoir and look inside at the bottom
- Find the small magnetic disk or float
- Tap it gently to free it if stuck
- Clean any debris around it
- Fill with water and watch whether the float moves freely
Fix #7: Address Internal Valve Issues
Inside the machine, a small spring-loaded valve controls water release from the reservoir. Mineral deposits or corrosion can cause this valve to stick.
Symptoms of a stuck valve:
- Machine seems to try brewing but produces no water
- You hear the pump running but nothing comes out
- Descaling doesn’t help
What to try:
- Turn the machine upside down over a sink (unplug first!)
- Tap the bottom firmly several times
- This sometimes frees a stuck valve
If the valve is corroded, replacement parts are available online, but installation requires some mechanical skill.
Fix #8: Check the Water Pump
If nothing else works, the water pump itself may have failed. This is less common but does happen, especially in machines over 3-4 years old.
Signs of pump failure:
- Complete silence when the machine should be pumping
- Unusual grinding or clicking sounds during brew attempts
- Machine worked fine yesterday, completely dead today
Pump replacement is possible for the mechanically inclined—parts cost around $15-30. However, many people find it more practical to replace the machine at this point, especially if it’s out of warranty.
Preventing Water Flow Problems
Once you’ve got water flowing again, these habits prevent repeat issues:
- Descale every 3 months (monthly if you have hard water)
- Use filtered water to reduce mineral deposits
- Run a water-only cycle weekly to flush the lines
- Don’t let water sit in the reservoir for more than a few days—it encourages bacterial growth and scale
- Replace water filter cartridges every 2 months or 60 tank refills
When It’s Time to Call for Help
Contact Keurig support if:
- Your machine is under warranty (1 year for most models)
- You’ve tried all fixes and water still won’t flow
- The pump makes unusual sounds suggesting mechanical failure
Most water flow issues resolve with cleaning and descaling. If you’ve been neglecting maintenance, your Keurig is telling you it’s time to pay attention. Regular care keeps these machines running reliably for 5+ years.