If you own a Keurig, chances are you use it on a daily basis. But what happens when you go on vacation or otherwise don’t use it for an extended period of time? Keurigs are designed to be used regularly, and if they sit for 1-2 weeks or longer, mold growth can occur, which can be dangerous to your health. So, it is absolutely necessary to drain before using them again.
Draining your Keurig is an important part of keeping it clean and preventing mold growth. Do you want to drain your Keurig in as few as 5 minutes? You can learn exactly how to drain a Keurig 1.0 or 2.0 brewer with the help of our step-by-step instructions. In this way, you can help keep your Keurig in top condition for years to come.
Why Is It Important to Drain Your Keurig?
The reservoir of a Keurig machine contains the most readily visible water, however, there are also inner water tanks and tubing that are hidden from view. Mold or germs may develop within the machine due to the remaining water. There’s also a danger that the water can freeze if you store your Keurig in a shed because of the weather. This could harm the water tanks or tube systems.
You’ll also need to drain it if you accidentally put something in the reservoir and want to deep clean your Keurig. If the inner water reservoir is not drained, fungus or bacteria may grow there.
Learn How to Drain a Keurig – 2 Best Ways
Sometimes water can become trapped in the machine or prevent it from brewing at all. Fortunately, there are two genius ways on how to drain a Keurig Coffee Pot. By using these two methods, you can ensure that your Keurig always produces great-tasting coffee.
1) The first method is to simply tune the machine to brew and let it drain itself. This will allow any water that has become trapped to be drained out.
2) The second method is to disassemble the coffee machine and clean all of the parts that come into contact with water using the manual to guide you. This includes the keurig water reservoir, the filter, and the coffee pot.
How to Drain a Keurig Without Disassembly
It’s actually quite simple and only takes a few minutes. You won’t need any tools, either. All you have to do is follow these easy steps on draining Keurig coffee maker.
Empty the External Tank or Reservoir.
Assuming that you have already unplugged the machine, the first thing you need to do is remove the external reservoir. You can find it at the back of the machine.
You’ll trick the machine into thinking the external reservoir is full, even though it’s not. But before that, you need to clear out all of the water from Keurig’s internal reservoir.
Adjust the Reservoir’s Float.
The metal disk is located at the bottom of the reservoir and is used to adjust the float. By moving the disk, you can change how much water the external reservoir holds. You’ll need to adjust the float so that it doesn’t trigger the “add water” light. Simply sliding the disk to the top of its track. Give it a slight push so that it stays in its place, then put the tank back into the machine.
Press the “Brew” Button.
Pressing the brew button will start the draining process. You won’t need to put a coffee pod in, as you’re just trying to empty the machine. Your water reservoir is also empty, so there’s no need to worry about that. Just put a cup under the spout and let the machine do its thing.
Wait for the “prime” Display.
When the machine says “Prime”, it means that the internal tank is all emptied now. So, you can stop draining and proceed to the next step. Your brewing process is completed now and your machine is drained.
If Display “Add More Water” (Optional)
Keurig coffee maker will occasionally say “add more water”. When this occurs, you should repeat the process. You must replace the reservoir and adjust the float once again. The brewing procedure is then repeated. The second brewing is now complete, and the LED display should read “Prime”. This indicates that your machine is completely drained. The internal reservoir is no longer filled.
How to Drain a Keurig 1.0 By Disassembly
In order to empty your internal water tank, you must first disassemble the machine. Keep in mind that this may evoke Keurig’s warranty protection and is not recommended for those without experience or tools necessary
- Flat-head Screwdriver
- Long-nose Pliers
- Plastic Straw
- 5 – 10 Minutes.
Turn off the Machine and Let It Cool.
Press the power button in order to turn off your Keurig machine. if you used it recently, you should wait 30 minutes before starting the disassembly. It is necessary to allow the hot water tank to cool down because it stores hot water.
Remove Screws by Lifting the Pod Compartment Handle
The top of the machine provides access to the internal tank. To accomplish that, Lift the brewer handle. Use the flathead screwdriver to find and eliminate the two screws. They are located at the 11:00 and 1:00 locations. With a flat-head screwdriver, unscrew them.
Remove the Top of the Machine
To remove the loose panel, carefully pull it forward and upward. The inner tubing of your machine will now be visible.
Detach the Silicone Tubes from the Internal Tank
There are two tubes attached to the internal water tank. One is attached to the L-shaped connector at the back right and the other emerges from the top of the internal tank. Zip ties are used to secure the tubes to the metal water filter attachments. To remove the zip ties from the tube, slide them down the tube with needle-nose pliers.
Pour Out Water By Inverting The Machine
Invert the brewer to get water flowing out of the L-shaped opening. Since the water cannot flow out freely, this procedure is quite slow. It requires a method for air to replace the water being drained. The next step will teach you a method to speed up the process.
Insert Straw into the Opening of the Detached Tube
Take a straw and place it where the tank’s top tube was once attached. It will enhance the Airflow, and the water drainage process will go more quickly. Wait until the internal water tank is empty and all the water has been drained.
Reassemble the Machine
When the draining process is finished, you must reattach the silicone tubes. Then slid back the machine’s top into its position. After that, screw the top portion back in place using a flat-head screwdriver and assemble your machine. Now your internal tank is completely emptied.
How to Drain a Keurig 2.0 By Disassembly
If you wish to keep your Keurig coffee maker for storage, you can drain it with ease by following this long procedure. You should check your Keurig manual to know about your machine components. The steps to drain the water from your Keurig 2.0 are listed below.
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Plastic Syringe
- 10 – 15 Minutes.
Remove Chrome Ring Present at the Top
The first step is to take off the chrome ring present at the top of the machine. In order to do this, Simply Lift the handle and detach the chrome ring by unclipping it from the body.
Remove Six Screws on the Bottom by Inverting the Machine
Once this is finished, Turn The Brewer Upside Down and remove the six screws from the bottom using a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Open the Front of the Machine
If the front corner of your Keurig coffee maker model has side silver plastic pieces. Before drawing them outward, you must press them laterally to free them from their hooks. Slide them off, and then remove. The front panel can be slid out in a similar way.
Remove Two Screws near the Top of the Water Reservoir Side
The next step is to take out the screws that you see near the side of the water reservoir. After you have unscrewed them, use a flat object to pry the entire top collar off of the machine.
Take the Machine's Outer Case Off.
Now you need to separate the outer case from the base. The sides of the machine are covered by this outer case. Accomplish this by pressing down on the side tabs and pulling the case away from the base. With the case removed, all of the internal components of your brewer will be exposed.
Remove Water Intake System by Detaching Three Clips
Pop up the water intake assembly up by releasing the three clamps. After that, unplug the component from the two tubes that are connected to it. The black item you just removed still contains some water. To empty it, press the middle and shake.
Remove Internal Filter by Unscrewing the Motherboard’s Base.
The entire water tank and internal filter are secured by two screws. Locate the screws near the base of the motherboard with your Phillips-head screwdriver. Remove them so you can wriggle out an internal filter.
Turn the Brewer to the Other Side.
Turn the brewer to the other side and locate the white plastic washer that connects the entire water tank, pump and internal filter assembly to the base. Remove the screw at the top of it. The water tank assembly is now detached.
Turn It Back to the Motherboard Side and Disconnect the Filter
Turn the brewer back over to the side that faces the motherboard, and disconnect the filter from the pump assembly behind the motherboard. This was a portion of the object that you just took out. Ensure that the filter is empty once it has been completely disconnected. Remove the tube from the top of the water tank so that air can displace the water inside while it is being emptied.
Take out the Tube That Connects the Pump Assembly to the Water Tank
Remove the tubing connecting the water tank to the pump assembly. Water will suddenly start to gush out. So be sure to direct it into a collecting jar or over a sink.
Drain Any Remaining Water from the Pump Assembly Using a Syringe
To expel any remaining water, insert a syringe on the entry tube of the water pump. The tank contains more water than you expect.
Utilize the Syringe at the Top of the Water Tank to Expel Any Additional Water.
To drain any additional water, Borrow one of the pump’s tubes and insert the syringe into the entry at the top of the water tank.
Reassemble the Brewer by Following Your Manual Instruction
You’ve now successfully removed the water from your Keurig 2.0 brewer. To avoid any mishap, it is better that you follow your manual instruction to reassemble your brewer. Make sure that all the component is well secured before you start using your machine again.
Note: Regarding the Warranty
You must be aware that once you open and disassemble your Keurig, the guarantee will no longer apply. In general, most appliances have a 12-month warranty.
How Often Do You Need to Drain Keurig?
You don’t need to bother about draining the water from the Keurig if you use it every day. However, It is not recommended that you should leave water in your Keurig. Leaving water can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria. According to the manufacturers, it should be descaled every three to six months.
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide on how to drain a Keurig helpful. Remember, it’s important to regularly clean and descale your Keurig to keep it working properly. One big thing to keep in mind when it comes to storing your Keurig is that you should always keep it in a cool and dry place. Additionally, it’s necessary to drain your Keurig before taking an extended period of time off from using it, as this can lead to mold growth. While some models of Keurig won’t allow you to fully drain the water. Keep in mind that disassembling the appliance will void the warranty. Hopefully, with this guide, you know how to drain a Keurig properly!
How to Drain a Keurig
Equipment
- keurig Machine
- A cup or mug
Instructions
Empty the External Tank or Reservoir
- The first thing you need to do is remove the external reservoir. You can find it at the back of the machine
Adjust the Reservoir’s Float
- The metal disk is located at the bottom of the reservoir and is used to adjust the float. By moving the disk, you can change how much water the external reservoir holds. You’ll need to adjust the float so that it doesn’t trigger the “add water” light
Press the “Brew” Button
- Pressing the brew button will start the draining process. You won’t need to put a coffee pod in, as you’re just trying to empty the machine.
Wait for the “prime” Display
- When the machine says “Prime”, it means that the internal tank is all emptied now. So, you can stop draining and proceed to the next step.
If Display “Add More Water” (Optional)
- Keurig coffee maker will occasionally say “add more water”. When this occurs, you should repeat the process. You must replace the reservoir and adjust the float once again.
Nicholas’ coffee journey started at a very young age, as it has always been a part of his family. His parents operated five coffee shops throughout upstate New York during his childhood. Nicholas brings with him over 15 years of experience in the beverage industry, where he has held various sales and marketing roles at both domestic and international companies.
Overall, the instructions were clear and easy to follow.
I have tried it. It really works