Why does my Keurig not work after descaling?

Answered by Stephen Mosley

After descaling your Keurig, if you are still experiencing issues with it not brewing a full cup, there could be a problem with the needles that pierce the K-Cup. It might sound surprising, but debris such as foil from the K-Cup can get stuck in these needles, causing a disruption in the flow of water.

When you brew a cup of coffee with a Keurig, the machine uses two needles to puncture the top and bottom of the K-Cup. The top needle punctures the foil lid, while the bottom needle pierces the bottom of the cup. These needles create small holes through which hot water is forced to brew your coffee.

Over time, debris like coffee grounds, tea leaves, and even small bits of the foil can accumulate in the needles. This can lead to a partial blockage or complete clog, resulting in a weak or interrupted flow of water during the brewing process.

To check if the needles are the issue, you can perform a visual inspection. Lift the handle of your Keurig and look inside the K-Cup holder. You should see two sharp needles protruding from the top and bottom. Take a close look and see if there is any visible debris or clogging in these needles.

If you do notice any debris, you can try cleaning the needles to restore proper functionality. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Unplug your Keurig and allow it to cool down completely.
2. Remove the K-Cup holder by lifting the handle and pulling it out.
3. Carefully inspect the needles for any visible debris or clogs. Use a flashlight if needed.
4. If you see any debris, take a paperclip or a needle and gently insert it into the needle to dislodge the clog. Be very gentle to avoid damaging the needles.
5. Once you have removed any visible debris, run water through the needles to flush out any remaining residue. You can use a small cup or a sink for this step.
6. Reinsert the K-Cup holder back into the machine and close the handle.
7. Plug in your Keurig and try brewing a cup of hot water without a K-Cup. This will help flush out any remaining debris.

If cleaning the needles doesn’t solve the issue, there might be a more serious problem with your Keurig that requires professional assistance. In such cases, it’s best to contact Keurig customer support or take your machine to an authorized service center.

If your Keurig is not brewing a full cup after descaling, the needles that puncture the K-Cup could be clogged with debris like foil or coffee grounds. Cleaning the needles by gently dislodging any visible clogs and flushing them with water might resolve the issue. However, if the problem persists, it’s recommended to seek professional help.