If you’re experiencing a Keurig only making a partial cup, a Keurig only making a partial cup, or even your Keurig only filling half cup, you’re not alone.
This is a common issue that many Keurig users face, but don’t worry, there are several things that you can do to troubleshoot this problem.
Some common issues that can cause a Keurig coffee maker problems not brewing full cups include a blocked needle, low water level in the reservoir, or a clogged diaphragm valve at the bottom of the water reservoir.
If you’re wondering why your Keurig only brews a small amount or my Keurig only brews half a cup, it’s important to follow the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article to fix the issue.
Check The needles that punctures the k-Cups
First, check to see if there is anything blocking the needles.
There are two needles that punctures the K-Cup and allows the water to flow through. One is at the top of the lid and one is at the bottom(be careful not to poke yourself).
If there is something blocking the needles, it will not puncture the pod properly and will not make a full cup of coffee. The video below explains how to clean the needles, I usually use tooth pick or paperclip to clear mine out.
Check the water level in the reservoir
Check to see if the water reservoir is full. On some Keurig machines, the reservoir is on the back of the machine, and it may be hard to see the amount of water in the machine. Also, some Keurig’s have a water sensor that prevents you from making coffee if the water is too low, so If it is not, then refill it and try again.
If you have tried these two things and still having issues the final step may fix your problem this is what finally fixed my problem and seems to be a very common issue.
Clean the diaphragm valve at the bottom of the water reservoir.
Why Does The Valve Get Stuck?
Over time scum can build up in the valve (gross I know) but this can clog the valve and prevent the water from being pulled from the reservoir properly, causing you to have a smaller cup of coffee.
How To Clean The Diaphragm Valve on a Keurig Machine.
1. Remove the Reservoir
Start by removing the reservoir from the machine(it just pulls straight off).
2. Dump The Water
Dump all of the water out of the reservoir.
3. Flip The Reservoir Over And Locate The Valve.
The valve is a black tube on the bottom of the reservoir with a spring in it.
4. Brush The Valve
Using a brush and some soap and water scrub around the valve until all of the scum is gone. You may need to use a toothpick or something similar to get all of the scum out of the tiny hole in the valve.
5. Reassemble And Test
Reassemble your machine, add water, and run a few test cups. This will flush the valve of any residual soap.
Supply:
- Soap
- Water
Tools:
- Small Brush
- Toothpick
If all Else Fail Check the check valve.
If you’re mechanically inclined and feel comfortable opening your machine there is a water check valve that can get clogged over time preventing enough water from reaching your cup. It is usually located inside the top of the machine near where the water enters the K-Cup. This Article on ifixit.com goes over removing and cleaning the valve, and maybe useful.
How do I keep the valve from clogging in the future?
If you’re like me when you bought your Keurig it came with a filter to put over the valve at the bottom of the reservoir, and after a while, you threw it away and never replace it…
Use that water filter! It may not totally prevent the valve from clogging again, but it will help.
Water filter are fairly inexpensive and can be bought in bulk on Amazon and while you may only need the filters, I recommend getting a brewing care kit and cleaning your whole machine.
This helps your coffee taste like when you first bought the machine. (Who doesn’t like good tasting coffee?)
Keurig Brewing Care Kit
- INCLUDES: 4 Keurig Rinse Pods, 1 Descale Solution, and 2 Water Filter Cartridge Refills
- RINSE PODS: Helps reduce flavor carry-over between brews
- DESCALING SOLUTION: use this solution to clean and remove mineral deposits that can built up inside your coffee maker
- IMPROVE COFFEE TASTE: by removing mineral buildup that can affect the taste of your coffee
- WATER FILTER CARTRIDGES: filter chlorine, calcium, and other impurities from your water to enhance coffee’s taste and quality
Other Helpful Videos About Cleaning Your Keurig
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’re now enjoying a full cup of coffee, and aren’t too grossed out by what you had to clean out of your coffee maker.
If you have any questions? Leave me a comment below, or feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them!
I did everything you said and it’s only making 1/2 cup in a measuring cup! Now what?
If you’re mechanically inclined and feel comfortable opening your machine there is a water check valve that can get clogged over time preventing enough water from reaching your cup. It is usually located inside the top of the machine near where the water enters the K-Cup. This Article on ifixit.com goes over removing and cleaning the valve, and maybe helpful.