Why Is My Keurig Leaking? [And How To Fix It]

Getting down to the bottom of an issue with one of your kitchen devices sometimes feels impossible. Have you started to notice your Keurig leaking and have no idea what could be wrong? Well, we've done plenty of research into this question and have the answers for you. Let's check them out below.

The most common cause for a leaking Keurig is that you've put too much water into its reservoir. Luckily, you can remedy this by removing your coffee machine's water reservoir and pouring out some of the excess water.

Furthermore, your Keurig may have a clog that is causing it to leak. To fix this, you'll want to descale your appliance, giving it a good clean. And finally, a loose or broken upper gasket could also be to blame for leaking, so a few things usually cause this.

As we begin, we will cover all things Keurigs and discuss how to stop one from leaking. Whether you're new to this brand or regularly experience issues with your device, we're here to offer some help. With that said, let's dive right into this post!

coffee pouring through the bottomless portafilter in white ceramic cup and leaks away, Why Is My Keurig Leaking? And How To Fix It

What Causes A Keurig To Leak?

If your Keurig starts to leak, chances are it is overfilled. Typically, when you put too much water into your system's reservoir, this can cause leaking before, during, and after making espresso.

To stop leaking, remove your Keurig's water reservoir and pour some of the excess liquid into the sink. Doing this should prevent any further water from leaking onto your countertop.

Keurig k-cup coffee maker with three k-cup pods

Another cause for a leaking Keurig is if your coffee maker is dirty. Usually, a clogged valve or tube inside your Keurig will cause water to become stuck, ultimately leaking.

To fix this, descale your Keurig using one of the brand's specialty descaling kits.

If your Keurig is still leaking after trying both these things, that could mean it has a broken or damaged upper gasket. In this case, we recommend reaching out to Keurig about a repair or replacement, which you can do here.

Why Is My Brand New Keurig Leaking?

If you've recently purchased a Keurig espresso maker and notice leaking, your appliance could be defective. As we mentioned, overfilling a Keurig will cause leakages regardless of age.

However, if you haven't done this and still see water near your Keurig's base, it may be time to reach out to them directly.

Luckily, the brand does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you aren't happy with your new espresso machine, you can easily return it within that period.

Additionally, Keurig will repair or replace your machine within the first month, so that's another thing to consider.  So if you notice something is off, make sure to contact Keurig ASAP.

Can You Fix A Leaking Keurig?

repairman fixes a broken coffee maker

Yes! It is possible to repair a leaking Keurig yourself. As we covered, doing this won't take much more than a good descaling most times, which the brand makes pretty easy with its all-in-one descaling kit.

In general, it's a good habit to descale a coffee machine every few months, Keurig or not, so make sure to do this periodically. Not cleaning out an espresso maker can result in clogging, leaking, and even broken parts, hence why it's so important to do so.

On the other hand, your Keurig could need an expert's advice, so if you still see water after descaling, it's best to reach out to the brand rather than make any DIY repairs.

Keurig 3-Month Brewer Maintenance Kit

This Keurig maintenance kit comes with a descaling solution, two water filter cartridges, four rinse pods and promises to improve coffee taste and system performance.

Check out this kit on Amazon here.

Why Is My Keurig Leaking Coffee Grounds?

If your Keurig leaks coffee grounds, this is most likely because grinds or tea are clogging the exit needle. This clog will block water from clearing the area after each brew, ultimately making a mess on your counters.

To fix this clog, you'll need to use the provided tool Keurig includes for unblocking the exit needle or a paperclip. According to Cross Country Cafe, Keurig used to include this declogging tool with all of their machines but has since stopped doing so.

Instead, you can use a simple paperclip, which you want to stick into the exit needle, moving it around a bit. Repeat this process a few times, and your Keurig should be fixed.

Are Keurigs Hard To Clean?

In general, cleaning and maintaining a Keurig espresso machine won't be very hard. Considering these appliances essentially maintain themselves between descaling, you don't need to do much.

With that said, it is a good habit to wipe down your Keurig with a damp cloth regularly and wash out its water reservoir periodically.

Furthermore, you may also need to clean out your Keurig's exit needle every so often, but this isn't a regular area to focus on. With regular descaling and good coffee-making practices, you won't need to give your system much TLC.

Do Keurigs Get Moldy Inside?

loose and cleaning burr of coffee grinder

Although this isn't common, it is possible for a Keurig to grow mold. Figuring that your coffee maker does hold water in its plastic reservoir, this can become a breeding ground for mold/other bacteria.

However, this is entirely preventable through regular cleaning, so mold won't be a problem if you maintain your appliance well.

Furthermore, we recommend washing out the inside of your Keurig's water reservoir 1-2 times per month with a gentle dish soap, which should kill any bacteria that may be lingering.

Hot water can also get rid of bacteria and mold, so we recommend turning up the heat while cleaning.

Are Keurigs Parts Dishwasher Safe?

You don't want to put Keurigs parts into the dishwasher for the most part. The brand recommends wiping down the interior and exterior of your appliance with a damp cloth a few times per week, so that should be sufficient.

However, if you have one of the brand's Keurig Classic Series brewers, you are fine to place its K-Cup pod holder onto the top shelf of a dishwasher.

When it comes to a Keurig's water reservoir, this can't go into the machine. Instead, place your reservoir into the sink and rinse it with hot water and soap. You can let it soak for about 15 minutes, dry it, and put it back into your coffee maker.

Are Keurig Reusable Cups Dishwasher Safe?

For those wanting to clean their reusable K-Cups in the dishwasher, this is completely safe to do. Your reusable cups are top-rack safe, which is standard for plastic dishes according to the brand.

Additionally, you can also clean a Keurig reusable K-Cup with soap and water, so the machine isn't the only option. Generally, the less dishwashing for Keurig parts, the better, so keep that in mind.

Do Keurigs Come With A Warranty?

Yes! Every Keurig coffee maker will come with a one-year limited warranty. This protection covers all craftsmanship if a defect occurs within the first 365 days post-purchase.

To receive this coverage, you will need to register your appliance on Keurig's website, so make sure to do that as soon as you purchase your system.

Limited warranty for coffee maker does exist

Furthermore, Keurig promises to repair or replace your espresso machine within the first year if anything happens, which makes registering your product all the more worth it.

If your Keurig experiences a problem outside of the one-year warranty period, you can still reach out to them and see what they say. Some customers have had success with this and received discounts for a new coffee maker, so it can't hurt to try.

How Long Do Keurig Espresso Machines Last?

Typically, you can expect a Keurig espresso machine to last around 3-5 years. Although this seems like a short timeframe, Keurig is one of the longer-lasting systems on the market.

Assuming you clean and maintain your appliance regularly, you could see it last a bit longer. Again, this is different for everybody, so no Keurig is the same.

Is Buying A Keurig Worth It?

Overall, we would agree that purchasing a Kuerig is worth it. Considering how easy to use and maintain these coffee makers are, you're sure to enjoy yours often.

On top of that, Keurig K-Cups come in endless flavors, which means you can have a different cup of coffee every week. Especially if you love drinking coffee in the morning (or all day), having a Keurig can save you money compared to driving to Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts every time you're craving some.

To Wrap Things Up

coffee pouring through the bottomless portafilter in white ceramic cup and leaks away

Whether you have a Keurig coffee maker or want one, it is essential to know how to fix it. From what we found, if your appliance starts leaking, check to see if you've overfilled its water reservoir.

Furthermore, your Keurig may need to be cleaned and descaled if it leaks, which you can do using one of the brands cleaning kits. On top of that, your Keurig could have a broken upper gasket which causes leaking, in which case you need to contact them directly.

Regardless, make sure to wipe down your Keurig a few times per week, and don't forget to descale it every 2-3 months.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related kitchen posts below!

What Kind Of Beverages Can You Make In A Keurig? [Inc. Simple Recipes!]

How To Clean A Keurig Needle [With And Without A Tool]

How Long Does A Keurig Last?

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