Emptying the Water Reservoir in a Bunn Coffee Maker
Quick answer
- Disconnect power.
- Locate the reservoir or water tank.
- Open the lid or access panel.
- Tilt the brewer to drain, or use a siphon.
- Wipe down the reservoir if needed.
- Reassemble and reconnect power.
- Test with fresh water.
Who this is for
- Bunn coffee maker owners needing to empty their machine.
- Anyone performing maintenance or moving their brewer.
- Folks who want to use filtered water or clean the tank.
What to check first
Brewer type and filter type
Bunn makes a few different kinds of brewers. Some have a large internal reservoir, others a separate tank. Know which one you’ve got. The filter type (paper, permanent) doesn’t really matter for emptying, but it’s good to be aware of it for brewing.
Water quality and temperature
Always start with cold, fresh water for brewing. For emptying, it doesn’t matter as much, but avoid using hot water unless you’re cleaning and the manual says it’s okay. Make sure the brewer is cool to the touch.
Grind size and coffee freshness
This isn’t relevant for emptying the reservoir. Focus on getting your coffee grounds right when you’re ready to brew.
Coffee-to-water ratio
Again, not a factor for emptying. This is all about your brew.
Cleanliness/descale status
If you’re emptying because it’s time to descale, make sure you have your descaling solution ready. If it’s just for routine maintenance, a clean reservoir is the goal.
Step-by-step (brew workflow)
1. Disconnect Power: Unplug your Bunn coffee maker from the wall.
- What “good” looks like: The brewer is completely dead. No lights, no hum.
- Common mistake: Forgetting this step and risking an electric shock. Always unplug first.
2. Locate the Water Reservoir: Identify where the water is stored. This might be a large tank that lifts out, or an internal reservoir accessed from the top. Check your manual if you’re unsure.
- What “good” looks like: You know exactly where the water lives.
- Common mistake: Trying to drain from the brew basket area. That’s for coffee, not water storage.
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3. Open the Reservoir Access: Lift the lid or open the panel that covers the water reservoir.
- What “good” looks like: The reservoir is fully accessible.
- Common mistake: Forcing a lid or panel that isn’t meant to open that way. Be gentle.
4. Prepare for Draining: Place a large container, like a bucket or sink, beneath the brewer’s spout or drain point.
- What “good” looks like: You’re ready to catch all the water without a mess.
- Common mistake: Not having a big enough container. Water can be heavier than you think.
5. Tilt the Brewer (if applicable): If your Bunn has an internal reservoir and no dedicated drain, carefully tilt the entire machine forward over your container.
- What “good” looks like: Water flows steadily out of the spout.
- Common mistake: Tilting too fast and splashing water everywhere. Slow and steady wins the race.
6. Use a Siphon (alternative): If tilting isn’t practical or your brewer has a drain valve, you might use a small siphon pump or even a turkey baster to remove the water.
- What “good” looks like: You’re efficiently removing water without moving the brewer.
- Common mistake: Not cleaning the siphon tool properly before use, introducing contaminants.
7. Drain Completely: Continue draining until no more water comes out.
- What “good” looks like: The reservoir is bone dry.
- Common mistake: Stopping too soon and leaving a little water behind, which can lead to stale water buildup.
8. Wipe Down the Reservoir: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe out any residue or mineral deposits inside the reservoir.
- What “good” looks like: The inside of the reservoir is clean and fresh.
- Common mistake: Using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can damage the plastic. Stick to mild soap and water if needed, and rinse thoroughly.
9. Close Access: Securely close the reservoir lid or access panel.
- What “good” looks like: Everything is back in place, snug and secure.
- Common mistake: Leaving an access panel ajar, which can let dust or debris into the machine.
10. Reconnect Power: Plug the coffee maker back into the wall outlet.
- What “good” looks like: The brewer powers up as usual.
- Common mistake: Forgetting to plug it back in and wondering why it won’t brew.
11. Test with Fresh Water: Fill the reservoir with fresh, cold water and run a brew cycle with no coffee grounds.
- What “good” looks like: The machine heats and dispenses water properly.
- Common mistake: Skipping this and immediately brewing coffee, only to find out there was a leak or a problem.
Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)
| Mistake | What it causes | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not unplugging the brewer | Electric shock hazard. | Always unplug the brewer before any internal work. |
| Tilting the brewer too aggressively | Water spills, potential damage to electronics or countertop. | Tilt slowly and steadily over a sink or large container. |
| Using a dirty container to catch water | Contaminates the clean reservoir with old water or dirt. | Use a clean bucket or sink, or wash your container thoroughly first. |
| Not draining completely | Stale water can affect the taste of future brews; can lead to mineral buildup. | Ensure all visible water is removed. |
| Using abrasive cleaners or tools | Scratches the reservoir, making it harder to clean and potentially harboring bacteria. | Use a soft cloth and mild soap if necessary; rinse very well. |
| Forgetting to close the reservoir lid | Dust, debris, or even insects can get into the water system. | Double-check that all access panels and lids are securely closed. |
| Replugging before testing for leaks | If there’s a leak, you could short out the electronics. | Run a test cycle with fresh water before normal brewing. |
| Not running a test cycle after draining | You might discover a problem only after wasting coffee grounds. | Always run a water-only cycle to confirm everything is working. |
| Draining into a porous surface | Water damage to cabinets or countertops. | Always drain into a sink or a waterproof container. |
| Rushing the process | Mistakes happen when you’re in a hurry. | Take your time, follow the steps, and be methodical. |
Decision rules (simple if/then)
- If you see a lot of mineral buildup in the reservoir, then you should also plan to descale the entire brewer because mineral deposits can clog the heating element.
- If your Bunn brewer has a removable tank, then lift it out to drain and clean it separately because this is often easier than tilting the whole unit.
- If you’re moving the coffee maker, then emptying the reservoir is a crucial first step because a full reservoir adds significant weight and can slosh around.
- If you’re using filtered water, then emptying the reservoir allows you to start fresh with the good stuff.
- If the water tastes off, then emptying and cleaning the reservoir is a good place to start troubleshooting because stale water is a common culprit.
- If you notice any cracks or damage to the reservoir, then you should consider replacing it because a damaged reservoir can leak and harbor bacteria.
- If you’re unsure about your specific Bunn model, then consult the owner’s manual because Bunn has various designs.
- If you’re using a siphon, then ensure it’s designed for food-grade use, or a dedicated coffee equipment cleaner, because you don’t want to introduce chemicals into your water.
- If you hear any unusual noises when draining, then stop and re-check your steps, as it might indicate something is blocked or not properly aligned.
- If you have a commercial Bunn model, then the draining process might involve a specific valve or drain port; check the manual for those instructions.
FAQ
How often should I empty my Bunn coffee maker’s reservoir?
For daily brewers, emptying isn’t usually necessary unless you’re cleaning or moving it. However, if you’re going to be away for an extended period, it’s a good idea to drain it.
Can I just pour water out of the brew basket area?
No, the brew basket area is for brewing coffee. The water reservoir is a separate storage component that needs to be accessed directly.
What if my Bunn doesn’t seem to have a drain point?
Many Bunn models with internal reservoirs are designed to be tilted to drain. Check your manual for the specific method for your model.
Is it okay to use tap water to flush the reservoir after cleaning?
Yes, after cleaning with soap and water, flush thoroughly with tap water. Then, it’s best to fill with fresh filtered water for brewing.
Will emptying the reservoir affect my coffee settings?
No, emptying the water reservoir is a physical process and does not reset any brewing settings on your Bunn coffee maker.
What are those white flakes I sometimes see in my reservoir?
Those are likely mineral deposits, often calcium and magnesium, from your tap water. Regular emptying and occasional descaling help prevent this.
Can I leave water in the reservoir overnight?
While not ideal, leaving a small amount of water overnight is usually fine. However, for extended periods, draining is recommended to prevent stagnation.
My Bunn has a filter basket. Does that affect how I empty the reservoir?
No, the filter basket is for coffee grounds. Emptying the water reservoir is a separate maintenance step.
What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)
- Detailed descaling procedures for specific Bunn models.
- Troubleshooting brewing issues like weak coffee or slow brewing.
- Replacing specific Bunn coffee maker parts like heating elements or pumps.
- The best coffee beans to use with your Bunn brewer.
- Advanced brewing techniques beyond basic operation.