How to Empty a Keurig of Water? Step-by-Step Guide for Various Models

Keurig coffee makers are adored for their simplicity and wide coffee flavor choices. Leaving water inside it can lead to problems like mold or bacteria and also create a mess with your coffee’s taste and Keurig’s performance. To avoid these issues, you must ensure all the water is completely gone.

But it’s not as simple as just pouring out the water from the tank. However, you don’t need to be worried, as we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions on removing the water from your Keurig.

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How to Empty a Keurig of Water?

You’ve probably tried various methods, like cleaning or flipping your Keurig to remove the water. But it seems none of them did the trick, correct? Let’s explore some quick steps you can give a try. You don’t need any special tools to drain your Keurig. The entire process should only take 3-6 minutes. Simply adhere to these instructions, and you’ll be all set:

1. Drain the water from your reservoir.
2. You might see a little light flashing in the water container, which is connected to the inside of the Keurig through a disc or magnet. Grab this disc and place it at the bottom. Then, position a cup under the brew head
3. Brew a cup without a coffee pod and without adding water separately. This will enable the machine to utilize its internal water and expel it from your Keurig.
4. Your Keurig will display a message telling you to prime it. To do this, brew a small cup of water once more.
5. Afterward, your Keurig will display a message confirming that it has been primed.

While this method is sure to work, certain models of Keurig would work differently. Below, we have given step-by-step guidelines for each one of them.

Clearing Water in a K-Classic or Keurig 2.0

In order to drain your K-Classic or Keurig 2.0, you’ll have to dismantle certain parts to reach the water tank pipes. You’ll need a screwdriver for this task. To successfully carry out the process, adhere to these steps:

1. First of all, clear the machine by taking out any pod that’s inside and removing the water reservoir.
2. Lift the brew handle and softly exert pressure with your hand to lift the top part. Use your fingers to work around it, making it easier to pop the top off.
3. Remove the front section of the machine by flipping it upside and using a screwdriver to loosen all six screws. After removing the screws, slide the side panels upward to separate them.
4. To detach the front piece, tilt it to one side and try to rotate it towards the base. If you notice that it’s separating from the top, attempt to remove it.
5. Take off the upper part of the Keurig panel by using a thin tool to pry it and apply slight pressure gently. Carefully work it around the sides to make it easier to remove.
6. Pull the entire side out to access the inner technical part of the Keurig. At the front, disconnect the circular water intake assembly from the connected pipes by hand.
7. Place a towel beneath your Keurig to catch the draining water. Furthermore, press the center valve of the water intake assembly over the sink to release the water.
8. Dismantle the heated water reservoir from its place by using a screwdriver. Be near the sink and detach the hose from the reservoir, which will initiate the water to flow out.
9. Pause briefly until all the water has completely drained. Following that, reattach the pipes and the heated reservoir, and proceed to reassemble the various components of the machine.

Clearing Water in Keurig Mini, K15, and Mini Plus

Emptying these machines differs from other Keurig models due to their lack of a removable water reservoir. Instead, they feature a disposable water reservoir that refills with each coffee cup brewed. To drain these machines, follow these steps.

1. Start by connecting the machine to a power source and then deactivate it by pressing the power button.
2. Raise the lid and pour water into the water reservoir.
3. Position a larger container beneath the brew head to collect any discharged water.
4. Elevate the brew handle briefly to allow water to flow into the inner heating reservoir, aiding in clearing any blockages.
5. Wait for approximately 5 seconds.
6. Lower the handle and hold down the brew button until no more water is coming out of your Keurig.

Clearing Water in Keurig Rivo or K-Slim

When comparing the Keurig K-Slim to the Keurig Rivo, removing water is straightforward since they lack an internal reservoir in the machine. Instead, they utilize a water pump to draw water from the reservoir, heat it, and then channel it through the tube within the K-cup. While draining the water, simply empty or clean the reservoir and you won’t encounter any complications.

Clearing Water in Keurig Duo

The Keurig Duo is a different model of Keurig coffee maker that has both a single-serve and a carafe brewer. It has a removable water reservoir that can be used for both brewing options. Draining a Keurig Duo requires neither machine disassembly nor the use of any tools; follow these steps:

1. Plug in the machine and power it up.
2. Fill the reservoir with water.
3. Position a container beneath the brew head to collect the draining water.
4. Select the larger cup brew option.
5. After hearing the machine start brewing water, remove the tank after 5 seconds.
6. Let the machine drain a minimum of a quarter cup of water into the container.

Suggested Reading: How To Make Iced Coffee In A Keurig?

Tips and Tricks for Emptying Water From Keurig

Our team has personally tested all the methods mentioned above for draining and encountered certain challenges. Based on our experiences, we have chosen to impart valuable tips to you. Continue reading to discover these insights:

Opt for a Larger Mug and Carafe

Depending on your Keurig model, draining a significant amount of water may be necessary. Try to use a large mug and a carafe to collect the water to prevent spills and overflow. Empty them periodically as they fill up.

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Check the Water Level Indicator

Some Keurig models feature a water level indicator that visually represents the reservoir’s water level. Use this indicator to monitor the draining progress. For models without this feature, manually inspect the reservoir by lifting or removing the lid.

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Exercise Caution with Hot Water

The water dispensed by your Keurig can be hot, especially if the machine has been recently used. So, handle the mug and carafe with care to avoid burns or damage to your countertop. Consider using gloves or a towel and place them on a heat-resistant surface.

Clean and Dry your Keurig

After draining all the water, it’s essential to clean and dry your Keurig before storing or using it again. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the machine’s interior and exterior. We recommend employing a soft brush to clean the needle and pod holder. Ensure thorough drying with a towel or paper towel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Emptying Water From Keurig

While we do not make these mistakes ourselves, they are common among people. Therefore, when you plan to drain your Keurig machine, be sure to steer clear of these common errors.

Unplugging the Machine

Some may mistakenly unplug the Keurig by thinking it’s safer or easier. However, for a few models like the Keurig Mini and K15, the machine requires power to pump out the water correctly.

Must Read: How to safely unplug an appliance

Using Vinegar or Descaling Solution

Some individuals may confuse draining with descaling and attempt to use vinegar or a descaling solution for the draining process. This is not recommended as it could damage the machine or taint the coffee’s taste. Only use plain water for draining and adhere to the manufacturer’s descaling instructions. We recommend cleaning the coffee maker without vinegar.

Forgetting to Remove the Pod or Filter

It’s easy to overlook removing the pod or filter from the Keurig before draining, potentially leading to clogs or contamination. Always remember to eliminate any pods or filters before draining and dispose of them correctly.

Conclusion

Emptying water from your Keurig is straightforward once you know the right steps for your specific model. Whether it’s a standard Keurig, a Keurig Mini, a K-Duo, or any other model, you can prevent mold, bacteria, and taste issues by ensuring your Keurig is water-free when not in use. Remember to handle hot water with care, use larger containers, and avoid common mistakes like unplugging the machine or using vinegar incorrectly. Keeping your Keurig clean and dry is the key to enjoying a fresh and flavorful cup of coffee every time.