Coffee Maker Not Brewing? 10 Common Problems and Fixes
Coming half-asleep to the kitchen, pressing the brew button, and… nothing happening is the worst thing that can happen. Check this list out before you give up and drive to the closest coffee shop. Ten problems that can be fixed explain most of the problems that are happening.
1. It’s Not Plugged In Properly (or the Outlet Is Dead)
Even though it seems obvious, this is the most usual cause. Make sure the plug fits all the way into the outlet, and use a different device to test the outlet. Check to see if the power strip is on before you use it.
Fix: Plug directly into a wall outlet to rule out a bad power strip or tripped circuit.
2. Mineral Buildup (Limescale) Is Clogging the Machine
Over time, hard water deposits minerals inside the tubing inside your machine. If you haven’t descaled your machine in at least six months, this buildup can stop the water from flowing and the coffee from brewing.
To fix it, use a commercial descaling product or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to run a descaling cycle. After the full brew cycle, run it through two cycles of plain water to clean it.
3. The Water Reservoir Isn’t Seated Correctly
There are a lot of machines that won’t let you brew unless the water reservoir is locked into place correctly. If it’s not quite right, the machine might not even notice that there’s water there.
Fix: Take out the reservoir, clean the contact points, and then put it back in place until you hear or feel a click.
4. The Machine Is Overheating and Shutting Off
In coffee makers, the heating element will turn off if it gets too hot, which can happen because of a clog or an electrical problem. This could be the reason why your machine starts up and then stops in the middle of its cycle.
Fix: Take the machine out of the wall and let it cool down for 30 minutes. If it keeps happening, the heating element might need to be fixed or replaced by an expert.
5. Clogged Filter Basket or Spray Head
Over time, oils and coffee grounds build up on the spray head, which is what sprays hot water over the grounds. This is where a clog can slow or stop the flow of water.
Fix: If you can, take off the spray head and clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
You can clear out small holes with a toothpick or pin.
6. Air Lock in the Water Line
The internal tubing can get air trapped in it, especially after descaling or moving the machine. This stops water from flowing properly.
To fix it, run the brew cycle twice or three times with only water and no coffee. This will help get rid of the air pocket and get the flow back to normal.
7. A Broken or Worn-Out Heating Element
If your coffee is only warm or not warm at all, the heating element may have broken.
Most machines that are over 3 to 5 years old do this.
Fix: If you’re sure you can do it, test it with a multimeter. If not, take it to a service shop. A lot of the time, especially when it comes to cheap tools, it’s cheaper to replace than to fix.
8. The One-Way Valve Is Stuck or Dirty
Almost all drip coffee makers have a small check valve that only lets water run in one direction from the reservoir to the heating chamber. Mineral buildup and coffee grease can make it stick shut.
Fix: Find the valve, which is usually where the reservoir connects to the tubing, and clean it gently with vinegar. If the valve isn’t removable, you can also replace it.
There is often a separate power switch and brew button on many new machines. Make sure the machine is fully on and not just in sleep mode if the screen is on but nothing happens when you press “brew.”
Fix: Go to the brew controls and find a small power icon or switch. Make sure that it is turned on.
10. Old or Faulty Internal Wiring
Trouble with the wires could be the reason why your machine works sometimes and not others, or why it worked yesterday but not today. If the machine has been dropped, been in spills, or is a few years old, this is especially true.
Fix: You shouldn’t be able to do this one yourself. Talk to the maker of your machine if it’s still under warranty. If not, think about how much it would cost to fix the machine versus how much it would cost to buy a new one.
When to Just Replace It
If your coffee maker is more than 5 years old and keeps giving you trouble, it might be cheaper to get a new one than to keep fixing the old one. When the heating element or wire breaks on an entry-level or mid-range machine, it’s often cheaper to buy a new one than to fix the old one.
The Bottom Line
Most issues with coffee makers are caused by buildup, a loose connection, or a part that won’t move. These are easy fixes that you can do in less than 30 minutes. Before you think the worst, check for the simple things first, like power, water reservoirs, and clogs. Once it’s up and running again, descaling it regularly (every one to three months, depending on how hard your water is) will help you avoid this problem again.
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