Why Is My Keurig Leaking? (Most Common Reasons Examined)

1. Overfilling The Water Reservoir

It can be tempting to overfill the water reservoir in your Keurig machine so you don’t have to refill it as often, but that would be a mistake.

When you start the Keurig coffee maker brewing process, the water will be heated and expand slightly.

If your water tank is too full, the heat and pressure will cause water to spill over the top of the water reservoir, causing a leak from the top of your Keurig machine.

Solution:

Don't overfill the water tank. Never go above the fill line, and you shouldn't have any trouble.

The water reservoir isn't removable in the Keurig K Mini, so it can be harder to judge. I recommend using a measuring jug and keeping the water level above 6 oz and under 12 oz.

2. Clogged Needles

Your Keurig coffee maker brews using hot water and a K cup. Needles in the brew head puncture the top and bottom of your K cup, allowing water to pass through.

Over time, coffee grounds or other debris can clog these needles. The clogged needles won't be able to puncture the K cup, and when water is pumped through, it will leak from your machine.

It's common to see steam rising from the brew head if the needles are clogged.a

Solution:

Clean the needles by following these steps:

3. Broken Or Loose Gasket

The upper gasket seals the base of the entrance needle. The silicone seal prevents water from flowing out of the sides of the K-cup pod holder.

If the upper gasket is damaged or there’s a perished seal, it can cause some leaking.

Solution:

First, check the upper gasket for any visible damage. Do this by opening the lid of the Keurig, looking for the entrance needle, and seeing if it’s loose or broken.

If it is, replace the gasket by following these steps:

4. Defective Pod Holder

If your pod holder is defective, it won't hold your K cup in place. This can prevent the needles from puncturing your K cup, causing leaking.

If you notice a humming noise when you start the brewing process, and the K cups come out damaged, you likely have an issue with the pod holder.

Solution:

Contact customer services.[2]

They should be able to help you repair or replace it.

5. Damaged Internal Pipes

The internal water pipes allow water to travel through the water tanks when you start brewing. If you have a leaking Keurig, it could mean damage to the internal pipes or heating element.

Solution:

It's difficult to check the internal components without taking the Keurig apart, and the easiest thing to do is contact Keurig customer services and explain the issue.

However, you can try to diagnose and fix a Keurig yourself by replacing the damaged internal component.

This is a more complicated process and could be hazardous. It could also void your warranty, so attempt it at your own risk.

First, you need to identify what/where the problem is. The best way to do that is to open up the Keurig and run a cycle so you can see what’s happening. Follow these steps:

6. Faulty K-Cups

Keurig coffee makers only work with a specific type of coffee pod called a K cup.

These contain ground coffee, and your Keurig will force hot water through the K cup and into your coffee mug underneath.

If you notice your Keurig leaking water from the top, it could be because your K cup is faulty. This is usually because there’s too much air in the K cup or it’s not sealed properly.

It could also be because you’re using the wrong type of coffee pod.

Solution:

Only use official K cups and align them with the arrows in the K cup holder. If the K cup looks odd, damaged, or too full, don't use it in the coffee machine.

7. Lid Not Tightly Closed

Before you start a brew cycle, you have to open the brew head, insert a K cup, and close it. The brew head should close tightly to hold the K cup inside.

If the lid isn’t closed tightly, the pressure from the cold water will build and push back upwards. This can lead to water and coffee leaking from the top of the pod holder.

Solution:

Close the lid tightly before using the Keurig coffee maker. If it doesn't close properly, contact Keurig customer service because your Keurig brewer may need to be repaired or replaced.

1. Faulty Or Dirty Water Tank Seal

Your Keurig coffee maker water reservoir/water tank connects to an intake valve that allows cold water through the coffee maker.

A seal connects the water tank to the intake valve, and if it becomes damaged, it can lead to leaking from the bottom of your coffee maker.

Solution:

Start by descaling your coffee maker to clean the seal. Pour a descaling solution (or white vinegar solution) into your water reservoir and run the descaling cycle.

This should remove any mineral buildup blocking the water tank seal.

If the fault isn’t fixed, contact Keurig customer support because you may have a faulty water tank seal that needs to be replaced.

2. Broken O-Ring

The O-ring is a small silicone ring that seals the bottom of the water tank to the hose underneath. If the O ring is damaged, water may leak from the bottom of your Keurig.

It's normal for O-rings to become damaged over time. Check for a bad O ring by emptying the water reservoir and looking at the bottom where the hose meets the tank.

The O ring should be clearly visible, and you'll be able to see if it's damaged or in the wrong place.

Solution:

Check for any damage to the O ring and push it back so it fits snugly at the bottom of the water tank.

If it's missing or damaged, order a replacement and snap it into place. This should stop the leaking.

3. Cracked Water Tank

The water tank/water reservoir holds all the water for brewing. If you notice small but consistent leaking from the bottom of your Keurig, it could mean the tank is cracked.

Start by removing and inspecting the water reservoir for visible damage. I usually fill my water reservoir and hold it over a sink to see if there's leaking.

This will help you find cracks that aren't visible to the naked eye.

Solution:

Replace the water tank. You can order a replacement water reservoir from Keurig and slot it straight in. Just make sure you buy the right water tank for your Keurig brewer.

1. Defective K-Cups

One of the most common reasons your Keurig is leaking grounds or coffee is that you are using the wrong coffee pods.

You can only use genuine K cups in your Keurig brewer. Different types or brands of coffee pods won't fit properly in the K cup holder, and the puncture needle won't make a proper hole.

This can lead to hot coffee spilling out from the Keurig coffee maker onto your drip tray.

Solution:

Only use official Keurig K cups. Always double-check that the K cup is sitting correctly in the holder before starting a brew cycle.

2. Dirty Or Bent Exit Needle

If coffee is leaking from your machine and over your drip tray when you press the brew button, it could mean your exit needle is bent or broken.

This will prevent it from puncturing a hole in the bottom of the K cup and stop coffee can’t traveling down into your mug.

Solution:

Clean and examine the exit needle following these steps:

3. Overfilling Reusable K-Cups

Reusable K cups are small pods you can load with your own coffee grounds. They work the same way as K cups but are cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Overfilling the reusable K cup with coffee grounds can block water from flowing into your cup. The water pressure can cause the coffee to travel back up and leak from the brewing chamber.

Solution:

Don’t fill the reusable K cup above the max fill line (this should be clearly visible in the reusable pod).

4. Faulty Tube Connector Or Worn-Out Filters

This is one of the main reasons that coffee leaks into your drip tray and mug. Old filters and damaged tube connectors will disrupt the flow of water and cause your Keurig to leak water.

Eventually, it can lead to coffee leaking from your coffee maker and over your surfaces.

Solution:

Replace the faulty parts. Remove the water reservoir to access the filter and connectors. Use a paper towel to dry off the area and inspect for damage.

Order replacement parts and fit them into the machine.