If your Keurig coffee machine keeps saying to add water, even when the reservoir is full, that is the first indicator for a water level sensor issue.
While a faulty water level sensor is the most common reason, it’s not the only one. In this post, I’ll tell you what you need to check on and how you can easily fix this issue.
What Makes a Keurig Say Add Water Even When It Is Full
There are several reasons why your Keurig might flash to add water, even when the water reservoir is full.
One common cause is a malfunctioning water level sensor. The sensor is responsible for detecting the presence of water in the reservoir and relaying this information to the machine’s control system.
If the sensor is faulty or obstructed, it may incorrectly indicate that the water level is low or that there’s no water, even when there is.
How To Fix the Add Water Error
To resolve the add water error on your Keurig, follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. Check the Water Reservoir
Ensure that the water reservoir is properly seated and filled to the appropriate level. Make sure it is securely in place and aligned correctly with the machine. If the reservoir is not placed correctly, the water level sensor may not detect the water accurately. Also, always fill it up higher than the minimum level.
2. Check the Water Level Sensor
The water level sensor is an internal component, so it’s not easy to check on without dissembling your entire coffee machine. But you don’t have to take your Keurig apart to check on the sensor. There is an easy hack you can do, which you can read about below.
Check the Water Level Sensor
The water level sensor is made up of two things:
- The actual component inside the coffee machine.
- The sensor part, which is an external component under the reservoir.
To fix the issue, we can troubleshoot the sensor so you don’t have to take apart your machine.
Where the Water Sensor is Located
The water level sensor in a Keurig coffee maker is typically located inside the water reservoir. It is a small, rectangular device that detects the water level.
The exact position may vary slightly depending on the model of your Keurig, but generally, older Keurig models have either a magnetic floating water sensor or one on the side of the machine. Newer models have a sensor around the water tank intake.
How To Fix The Sensor Without Taking the Machine Apart
There are two methods you can try, depending on the type of Keurig you have.
1- If your Keurig has a wate sensor on the side. You can try to tape a small piece of paper or tin foil to block the sensor, then put the reservoir back in its place. By blocking the sensor, you are tricking your Keurig that the sensor is blocked due to full water and it will start to work again.
2- If you have a Keurig with a water sensor that is located on the bottom, you will have to check the water inlet and valve for blockage as well as prime the reservoir to get rid of any air bubbles.
Adjusting the Water Tank Magnet
Some older Keurigs like the K75 have a magnet on the bottom of the water reservoir which acts as the water level sensor.
This is one of the easiest sensors to fix because it is visibly located and can be adjusted by hand. All you have to do is insert your hand and manually adjust it to make sure it is connected properly to the machine.
Reset and Prime the Water Reservoir
This simple process can help refresh the sensor and ensure proper water flow through the system, resolving the ‘add water’ error.
All you have to do is make sure that the reservoir is halfway full. Now move the reservoir up and down, making sure that it goes in and out of the inlet continuously, as if you are pumping it.
What you’ll see is some bubbles coming out of the valve. You’ll have to repeat this until the bubbles are gone.
To reset the reservoir, take it out and put it aside. Unplug your Keurig for at least five minutes. Put the reservoir back in its place, make sure it is seated correctly in its place, and plug your machine again. This process helps reset your machine’s electric circuit and get things running again.
Clean the Water Valve And Intake
These two parts get easily clogged and affect the way a Keurig coffee maker will sense water. This is especially true if you have a Keurig with a back reservoir where the sensor sits right under it.
Remove the water reservoir and look at the intake under it. Check for any debris or slime that can be clogging it.
Checking the valve on the water reservoir from the outside and inside for similar dirt and clogs will be helpful, too.
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