How To Drain A Keurig (All Water Reservoirs)

Tara Williams

Food Writer & Editor For KitchenSanity

Tara Williams is a seasoned food writer and editor who's been with KitchenSanity since its beginning. With a knack for experimenting with food and creating delicious recipes, she's your go-to for straightforward kitchen advice and practical tips from personal experiences. As a mom of two, Tara understands the value of time. She crafts articles that enhance your cooking skills and free up time for what matters most—like family moments.

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Learning how to drain a Keurig water reservoir is essential if you plan on putting it in storage, traveling with it, or deep cleaning after someone mistakenly put milk in the reservoir.

In this guide you will learn simple steps to drain and empty out the internal water reservoir with or without disassembling your machine.

Keep in mind that by servicing your Keurig with these methods may void your warranty.

Related | Keurig Problems

Disassembly Instructions

Depending on your Keurig model, accessing the tube inside may be at the bottom, back, or front of the machine. The following video demonstrates bottom access.

  1. Most Important Step! Be certain to unplug your Keurig and let it cool, preferably overnight to make sure you don’t get scalded by hot water or hot parts.
  2. Dump the water reservoir. On many Keurig’s these are on the side and can easily be pulled up and towards you for easy emptying.
  3. Unscrew the screw at the back or bottom of the machine to reveal the access panel. Inside you should see a tube with a plug in it.
  4. Place a pitcher under the tube and pull the plug. Water from the internal water reservoir will flow into the pitcher. As it trickles to a stop, replace the plug and put the cover back on the access panel.
  5. Plug in your Keurig and put a cup on the tray. Attempt to brew until no more water comes from the machine. You may need to trick your sensor in to thinking that the main reservoir is full (See the video below).

Related | How Long Can You Leave Water In Your Keurig

Empty A Keurig Without Disassembling

The key here is to trick your Keurig in to thinking it has a full reservoir which will allow the brewing mode to start.

Once brewing has started, the machine will suck out all available water from within the lines and internal reservoir. At least that’s the idea and it does appear that a lot of water comes out.

To fool your Keurig in to thinking that it has a full reservoir of water, you will need to move the floating magnet up away from the sensor. Depending on your unit this may or may not be easy to accomplish.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve completely drained your Keurig, you may want to start cleaning it with vinegar to help remove excess mineral buildup before any remaining moisture settles and dries inside.

Related | How To Clean A Keurig With Vinegar

Share with us about your successes and any tips you might have for others who are planning on draining their Keurig coffee makers.

Written By Tara Williams

Tara Williams is a seasoned food writer and editor who's been with KitchenSanity since its beginning. With a knack for experimenting with food and creating delicious recipes, she's your go-to for straightforward kitchen advice and practical tips from personal experiences. As a mom of two, Tara understands the value of time. She crafts articles that enhance your cooking skills and free up time for what matters most—like family moments.

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1 thought on “How To Drain A Keurig (All Water Reservoirs)”

  1. I found an easier way. I took off the water tank, taped up the
    water entrance hole with adhesive tape. Poked a small hole in the
    tape. Took my small electric bike pump with needle and pushed
    the needle thru the hole and started the pump. Water gushed out
    and it was done in about two minutes.

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