How to Drain Your Keurig Coffee Maker

Quick Answer

• Always unplug your Keurig before draining.
• Remove the water reservoir.
• Run brew cycles with no pod to empty internal lines.
• Use a descaling solution for a thorough clean.
• Check your specific model’s manual for exact instructions.
• Draining prevents mineral buildup and ensures better-tasting coffee.

Who This Is For

• Keurig owners who are moving their machine.
• Anyone storing their Keurig for an extended period.
• Users experiencing slow brewing or unusual noises.
• People who want to perform deep cleaning and descaling.

What to Check First

Brewer Type and Filter Type

Know what model Keurig you have. Different models might have slightly different reservoir designs or internal workings. Most Keurigs use paper filters or a reusable filter, but for draining, we’re talking about the internal system.

Water Quality and Temperature

Use filtered water for brewing. Tap water can have minerals that build up. For draining, you’ll be running water through the system, so starting with clean water is key. The water temperature will be ambient when you’re draining for storage, but if you’re descaling, it’ll be heated.

Grind Size and Coffee Freshness

This isn’t directly relevant for draining, but it’s good practice to think about. Freshly ground coffee makes a world of difference. For draining, focus on the water and the machine itself.

Coffee-to-Water Ratio

Again, not for draining. This applies when you’re actually making coffee. When draining, you’re just pushing water through.

Cleanliness/Descale Status

If your Keurig is acting up, it might be due for a descale. Draining is often part of the descaling process. If you haven’t descaled in a while, this is a good time to do it. Check your manual for recommended descaling frequency.

Step-by-Step: How to Drain Your Keurig Coffee Maker

1. Unplug the Machine:

• What to do: Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet. Safety first, always.
• What “good” looks like: The machine is completely inert, no lights on, no sounds.
• Common mistake: Forgetting this step and risking electrical shock or damage. Avoid it by making it the very first thing you do.

2. Remove the Water Reservoir:

• What to do: Gently lift the water reservoir straight up and off the base. Empty any remaining water into the sink.
• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is empty and detached.
• Common mistake: Trying to drain the machine while the reservoir is still attached. You need to remove it to access the internal components.

3. Empty the Drip Tray:

• What to do: Slide out the drip tray and empty any collected water. Give it a quick rinse if it looks grimy.
• What “good” looks like: The drip tray is clean and empty.
• Common mistake: Leaving old coffee drips to fester. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in cleanliness.

4. Position a Mug:

• What to do: Place a sturdy mug or container under the brew head. This will catch the water as it drains.
• What “good” looks like: The mug is securely positioned to catch all the water.
• Common mistake: Using a flimsy cup that could tip over. You don’t want a coffee-flavored mess.

5. Run Brew Cycles (No Pod):

• What to do: Turn the machine back on. Without inserting a K-Cup pod, initiate a brew cycle (usually a small cup size works best). Let it run until it stops.
• What “good” looks like: Water flows from the brew head into the mug.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to not insert a pod. This will just brew coffee and make a mess.

6. Repeat Brew Cycles:

• What to do: Continue running brew cycles with no pod until no more water comes out. You might need to do this 3-5 times, or until the machine sounds like it’s trying to brew but nothing is coming out.
• What “good” looks like: The flow of water slows to a trickle and then stops completely.
• Common mistake: Stopping too early. You want to get as much water out of the internal lines as possible.

7. Drain the Internal Lines (Optional but Recommended):

• What to do: Some models have a way to access and drain internal lines. Check your manual. Often, this involves carefully tilting the machine or using a syringe (again, check the manual).
• What “good” looks like: Any residual water is expelled.
• Common mistake: Forcing it or trying to drain parts not meant to be drained. Always defer to your specific model’s instructions.

8. Clean the Reservoir:

• What to do: Wash the water reservoir with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly.
• What “good” looks like: The reservoir is clean and free of any residue.
• Common mistake: Not cleaning the reservoir, which can lead to mold or mildew if stored.

9. Dry Components:

• What to do: Allow the reservoir, drip tray, and any other removable parts to air dry completely before reassembling or storing.
• What “good” looks like: All parts are bone dry.
• Common mistake: Reassembling a damp machine, which can lead to mold or odors.

10. Reassemble (if needed):

• What to do: Once everything is dry, reattach the reservoir and drip tray.
• What “good” looks like: The machine is ready for use or storage.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to put the reservoir back on if you’re immediately using it.

Common Mistakes (and What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Mistake	What it Causes	Fix
Not unplugging the Keurig	Risk of electric shock or damage to the machine.	Always unplug before starting any draining or cleaning.
Leaving water in the reservoir	Mineral buildup, potential for mold or mildew if stored.	Empty reservoir completely and clean it.
Not running enough brew cycles	Residual water left in the lines, leading to scale or freezing damage.	Run multiple cycles until no more water flows.
Forgetting to remove the K-Cup holder	Brewing coffee instead of draining, creating a mess.	Always ensure the K-Cup holder is empty and closed.
Using tap water for descaling/draining	Accelerates mineral buildup and can leave residue.	Use filtered or distilled water for descaling and rinsing.
Not cleaning the drip tray	Can lead to mold, odors, and unsanitary conditions.	Empty and rinse the drip tray regularly.
Forcing parts or using excessive force	Can break internal components or seals.	Consult your Keurig manual for specific instructions on disassembly or draining procedures.
Storing a damp machine	Mold, mildew, unpleasant odors, potential for component damage.	Ensure all parts are thoroughly dried before storage.
Not using a descaling solution when needed	Slow brewing, weak coffee, machine malfunctions, reduced lifespan.	Follow your manual’s advice for descaling frequency and use a proper descaling solution.
Ignoring error codes or unusual behavior	Persistent problems, potential for more serious damage.	If draining and descaling don’t fix it, consult the manual or contact Keurig support.

Decision Rules

• If you are moving your Keurig, then drain it completely because this prevents water from sloshing around and potentially damaging components.
• If you are storing your Keurig for more than a week, then drain it thoroughly because this prevents stale water from sitting in the lines and developing odors or mold.
• If your Keurig is brewing slowly or making unusual noises, then drain it and descale it because mineral buildup is the most common culprit.
• If you see white, chalky deposits in the water reservoir, then you definitely need to descale and drain your machine.
• If you are using a Keurig for the first time after purchase or storage, then run a few cycles with just water (no pod) to flush out any dust or residue.
• If your machine has a specific “drain” or “cleaning” mode, then use that feature as your primary method because it’s designed for this purpose.
• If you can’t find specific draining instructions in your manual, then focus on emptying the reservoir and running multiple brew cycles with no pod.
• If you are concerned about freezing temperatures, then ensure your Keurig is completely drained before exposing it to cold environments.
• If you’re using a Keurig in an RV or boat, then draining it after each use is a good habit to prevent issues while in transit.
• If you want to ensure the best taste from your coffee, then regular draining and descaling are essential maintenance steps.

FAQ

Why do I need to drain my Keurig?

Draining removes residual water from the internal lines. This is crucial for preventing mineral buildup, mold, and damage from freezing if stored in cold conditions. It also ensures your coffee tastes fresh.

How often should I drain my Keurig?

You should drain it if you’re moving it, storing it for an extended period, or if you suspect mineral buildup is causing issues. Regular descaling, which includes draining, is recommended every 3-6 months depending on water hardness.

Can I just empty the water reservoir?

No, emptying the reservoir is only part of the process. You need to run brew cycles to push water out of the internal tubing and heating element.

What if I don’t have a K-Cup pod to run a brew cycle?

You don’t need a pod. In fact, you shouldn’t use a pod when draining. Just initiate a brew cycle with an empty K-Cup holder.

Will draining affect my Keurig’s warranty?

Generally, no. Draining and descaling are considered normal maintenance. However, always check your specific warranty terms.

What kind of water should I use when descaling?

It’s best to use filtered water or a commercially available descaling solution designed for Keurig machines. Avoid using straight vinegar, as it can leave a residue and affect taste.

My Keurig still won’t drain properly. What next?

If you’ve followed the steps and no water is coming out, there might be a clog. Consult your Keurig manual for troubleshooting or contact Keurig customer support for assistance.

Is it okay to drain my Keurig on its side?

Some older models might have specific instructions for tilting to drain. However, for most current models, simply running brew cycles is sufficient. Always refer to your manual.

What This Page Does Not Cover (And Where to Go Next)

• Detailed troubleshooting for specific error codes (refer to your Keurig manual or support).
• In-depth explanations of different K-Cup pod types and brewing strengths.
• Comparisons of various Keurig models and their unique features.
• Advanced maintenance like descaling solutions and their chemical breakdown.
• How to repair a malfunctioning Keurig (contact support or a qualified technician).