Ninja Coffee Maker Leaking Water – What To Do?

A day typically starts with a fresh cup of coffee. Many brands produce coffee makers, and Ninja is one of them. However, sometimes these machines will begin to leak water. What can you do to fix it? We have some solutions for you!

The first step to finding the solution would be locating the source of the leak. In most cases, it's the reservoir. It may be seated incorrectly. Otherwise, it needs help sealing water inside. If it's not the reservoir or gasket, it's an internal problem. 

A leaky coffee maker is never a good sign. The solution to the problem can be easy. But, it can also be out of our reach. Regardless, troubleshooting will help us narrow our options. To learn more on this topic, keep reading. 

Troubleshooting A Ninja Coffee Maker

The whole coffee maker deals with water. However, there are a few places where it could leak. It could be at the bottom of the machine. 

The other area is underneath the reservoir. The last place it could be leaking from is the brew basket. Two of these problems have easy solutions. One of them will require you to call customer service. 

In any case, let's start troubleshooting the machine. 

Leaking Brew Basket

If the brew basket is leaking, it could be a mistake on your part. There are two types of filters you can use for this component. There's a permanent filter, and there's a paper cone filter. 

The permanent filter will be a metal mesh cone. As the name implies, it's a filter you don't have to replace. You can use it as long as your machine works. It can work as well as new as long as you clean it. 

Some people will mistakingly use both. A paper cone filter would sit on top of the permanent one. Add the coffee grinds, and it's a recipe for disaster. The solution to this problem would be to only stick to one brew basket filter. 

If that's not the problem, check the brew basket. More specifically, make sure it's sitting correctly. The filter should slot right in effortlessly. The same goes for the brew basket.

Cup Sizes

If you feel like the machine is using more water than it should, it could be because you're using the incorrect cup. Ninja coffee makers have several serving options. They are:

• Cup: 9.5 oz
• XL Cup: 11.5 oz
• Travel Mug: 14 oz
• XL Multi-Serve: 18 oz

To avoid overflowing the cup, you need to adjust it by 2-3 oz. This way, you avoid having to clean up the excess coffee. 

Coffee Grounds

The coffee grounds you use to brew coffee could also be the culprit. If the brew basket is overflowing, it means it's clogged. Clogs happen when there are too many coffee grounds in the brew basket.

It also happens when you use finely ground coffee. To brew coffee without a problem, Ninja recommends using medium-ground coffee.

The Reservoir

The more serious leaks will appear near the reservoir. Unfortunately, they're not all fixable. The first probable culprit would be an overfilled reservoir. 

It will have a marker to indicate the maximum amount you can fill. Going over this marker will make the machine leak water. Of course, the solution here would be to avoid filling the reservoir with more than 43 ounces. 

Underneath the Reservoir

Leaks under the reservoir have no concrete explanation. According to one video from Ninja, we could assume it leaks from the bottom because there's too much water inside. 

Here's the video we're referencing:

Even the manual doesn't explain why this happens. Instead, Ninja recommends removing the reservoir and wiping the bottom with a damp microfiber cloth.

You'll need to wipe the base valve of the coffee maker too. Since there's no explanation for this leak, we can only assume it's operating as intended. 

It might be annoying to clean underneath the reservoir every time you use the coffee maker. But, as long as it's working, there should be no real trouble. Nevertheless, leaks are unacceptable. 

Luckily, you can fix this problem with some tools you may have lying around. 

Stopping the Leak

Fortunately, some Ninja coffee machine owners have gotten creative with solutions. The best explanation for the problem is the lack of a seal between the reservoir nozzle and the base valve. 

Since the seal is weak, water will slowly drip underneath. To solve this problem, you can use a rubber washer.

Click here to see this rubber washer on Amazon.

The problem with this solution is the limited options you have. It needs to be thin enough to avoid messing with the locking mechanism. Additionally, the washer should be a snug fit. A 1-inch washer seems to be the size that fits the nozzle. 

Here's a YouTube video demonstrating the solution:

If you use an appropriately-sized washer, it should lock into place with a bit of effort. The reservoir won't secure into place if the washer is too thick. 

Leaking From The Bottom of the Machine

Water coming from the bottom of the machine isn't a good sign. When this occurs, it indicates a problem with the internal connections. The tube or tube connectors within are probably loose or broken. 

Fixing the problem will involve taking apart the machine. You can correct the connection or try to find replacement parts. Unfortunately, this DIY project requires some technical knowledge. 

You can damage the machine if you don't know what you're doing. Even Ninja recommends talking to customer support for help. The owner manual has no information in regards to fixing this problem yourself. 

Warranty

If this problem occurs a few months after your purchase, you can send the product back to the manufacturer. Ninja coffee makers have a warranty of one year. It's the best option for you if the machine leaks from the bottom. 

Attempting to fix the issue by disassembling the machine will void your warranty. Weigh your options carefully. 

Will Ninja Replace My Coffee Maker?

Since there's a defect with the coffee machine, you can submit a warranty claim. Of course, you'll want to discuss this with customer service first. But, you might be curious to know what Ninja will do. 

According to their website, Ninja will try to fix the problem. They'll repair the system and send you the original unit back. If the whole machine is defective, they will send you a replacement. 

However, they'll also increase your warranty coverage. Instead of a 1-year guarantee, it extends to two years. You could also take it in for repair at a local repair shop.

Still, Ninja also states that any defects caused by an unauthorized repair person will void the warranty. For this reason, it's best to send the unit back to the manufacturer instead of attempting to fix it yourself.

Why Does My Ninja Coffee Maker Keep Stopping?

Sometimes the problems don't stop at leaks. In some cases, the coffee maker will stop before it does anything. Is the machine defective? Not exactly. 

Two reasons your coffee maker will keep stopping; user error or mechanical problems. Regarding user error, you might have activated a setting that prevents the coffee maker from dripping. 

Of course, that's if the machine is receiving power. You'll know it's not an electrical problem if the indicators light up. If you want your coffee maker to brew, turn off the drip stop option. 

There will be a lever above the carafe you can slide side to side. 

Hard Water Issues

Some states will have water with a higher mineral content than others. It's generally not a problem if you filter it out with an RO system. Without an RO system, the minerals will build up on the reservoir and base valve faster. 

Over time, it will be enough to block water from traveling where it needs to be. To fix the problem, unlock the reservoir. Then, take a paper towel and clean the buildup out of the base valve. 

Next, take a look at the bottom of the reservoir. You will need to remove any buildup from that area too. Rinse it under water and agitate with your finger. 

It should start releasing water faster after cleaning the underside. Here's a video for guidance:

Mineral Buildup

Unfortunately, the outside of the machine isn't the only area hard water can affect. It will build up on the inner valves and tubes. When this happens, the clean indicator will light up. 

It doesn't take much involvement on your part. You can use a descaling solution or a homemade one. 

The homemade cleaner will contain white distilled vinegar. We'll need to pour 16 ounces of it into the reservoir. Then, fill the reservoir with water until the fill line. 

Next, press the clean button to start the cycle. Afterward, you'll need to run one or two more cleaning cycles with water. This way, you can flush out the vinegar.

Here's a descaling tutorial from Ninja:

In Closing

Machines make our life much easier. But they can also make it frustrating. Hopefully, one of these solutions solves your headache. Good luck troubleshooting your Ninja coffee maker!

Before you go, are you having problems with other Ninja products? We also have a troubleshooting guide for the Ninja Foodi. To learn more, check out:

Ninja Foodi Won’t Turn On – What To Do?

Do you own a Ninja blender? If it's not working, check out our post:

Ninja Blender Not Working – What To Do?