How to Fix Keurig Leaking Water/Coffee From Bottom

Coffee lovers everywhere know that Keurig machines have revolutionized the way we enjoy our favorite morning brew. However, when a Keurig starts to leak water or coffee from the bottom, it can be both messy and frustrating. Fortunately, these problems are usually easy to fix when you know what to look for.

In this article, I will discuss some of the common causes of leakage from the bottom of a Keurig machine, as well as how to fix them.

Keurig Leaking From Bottom

There are several possible reasons why your Keurig is leaking from the bottom. The good news is that most of these causes can be fixed without bringing your machine into a repair shop. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Faulty O-Ring

One possible cause of this issue is a faulty O-ring. The O-ring is a little silicone ring that is an essential component of the water tank that prevents liquids from leaking out. It’s located where the hose connects to the water tank. If this part becomes damaged or worn down, it may be necessary to replace it to stop any potential leaks from occurring.

Steps to checking the O-Ring:

Make Sure it is Still Present: Make sure O-ring is still present. You should first remove the water tank and look at where the water tank connects to the hose. If you do not find an O-ring present in this area, chances are it has either been lost or fallen off. In such cases, water will almost certainly leak from the bottom. You can get a new O-Ring from Keurig, but make sure you know which model Keurig you have. The O-rings are different among models.

Ensure it is Properly Aligned: If the O-ring is still in place, check to ensure it is properly aligned. You can use your fingers to push it back into place if needed. It should sit snugly against the bottom of the water tank. 

Check Cracks or Damage: When pushing the O-Ring back into place does not resolve the issue, you can inspect it for cracks or damage by removing and inspecting it. If there is damage, you will need to get a new one. Replacing an O-ring is simple and inexpensive relative to other repair options for your Keurig machine.

If the O-Ring is in good condition and positioned correctly, the water tank may be causing the problem.

Inspect The Water Reservoir

To inspect the water reservoir, begin by removing it from your Keurig machine and inspecting for any visible signs of damage, such as a crack in the side or at the bottom. If there are no obvious signs of damage, check for water at the bottom of the well. If you notice any cracks or breaks in the reservoir, this could be the cause of the leak. You can try to repair the crack using silicon faucet grease and follow the instructions on the package.

If the crack is too severe, you may need to replace the reservoir. Make sure to note your machine’s model so you can order the correct one. Ensure that the reservoir is securely in place and that there are no gaps around it. Once you have done this, plug the machine back in and start it up again.

Keurig Needs To Be Descaled

Keurig coffee maker begins to leak from the bottom, typically caused by a buildup of minerals and other contaminants in the machine’s internal parts. Descaling your Keurig is important in keeping it in good working order. Regular descaling helps keep your machine free from mineral buildup and contaminants, preventing potential problems like leaking.

The company recommends descaling your brewer every three to six months, even if you are using a water filter. If you use Hard Water (high mineral content water) in your Keurig, you should descale it more frequently. I suggest every two months. If your machine is descaled regularly, this shouldn’t be a problem.

If you let the machine sit for a long time, you must descale it immediately. With just a few simple steps, you can descale it yourself and save time and money on costly service calls. If you have a descaling solution, follow the packaging directions. You can buy one online if you don’t have one.

Once you’ve completed the process, run multiple brewing cycles of plain water to remove any remaining residue from the inside of your brewer.

Advanced Leak Issues

If you have eliminated the above possibilities for why your Keurig is leaking water or coffee from the bottom, the issue is likely due to a broken internal part. Commonly, this can be the upper gasket, tube connectors, filters, water line circuit, heating element, or internal pipes.

Diagnosing and replacing these parts requires a very advanced level of knowledge and skill. If you feel uncomfortable opening up your coffee maker, it is best to contact Keurig customer support to learn more about how they can help you with a repair. Opening up your machine may also void your warranty.

Although there are video tutorials available online, we recommend you do NOT attempt to fix the problem yourself unless you are confident in your own abilities. Even then, it is always best to contact Keurig customer support at 1-866-901-2739 for advice on the best course of action.