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Keurig K155 Troubleshooting Made Simple: Fix It Fast
You love starting your day with a hot cup of coffee from your Keurig K155. But suddenly, it’s not working right. Maybe it’s not brewing, making strange noises, or showing a weird message on the screen. That’s frustrating, especially when you need your coffee the most. I’ve been there, and I know how annoying it can be. But here’s the good news — you don’t need to throw it out or panic. This article will walk you through fixing the Keurig K155 with clear steps anyone can follow.
Check the Power and Display First
One of the most common issues with the Keurig K155 is that it won’t turn on or the display stays blank. When this happens, the first thing to check is the power source. It may sound simple, but it’s very important. You might think something is seriously wrong with your machine, but it could just be a loose plug or a dead power outlet.
Start by unplugging the machine and plugging it back in. Make sure the cord is fully pushed into the outlet. Try a different outlet to make sure the one you’re using isn’t broken. If you’re using a surge protector, plug the machine directly into the wall instead. Surge protectors can sometimes block the power your Keurig needs.
Next, look at the power button. Press and hold it for 10 seconds to see if the display lights up. If it doesn’t, you might have a blown fuse inside the machine or a faulty power button. But before thinking it’s broken, press around the screen gently. Sometimes, the touchscreen gets stuck or needs a soft press to respond.
If the display comes on but doesn’t show the full menu, it could mean the internal system is frozen. Just like a computer, the Keurig needs a restart. Unplug it again, wait for 5 minutes, then plug it back in. Hold the power button again. Most of the time, this simple restart helps the machine reset and start working.
- Make sure the machine is plugged in all the way
- Try a different wall outlet
- Avoid using a surge protector
- Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds
- Gently tap the touchscreen
- Unplug and replug after 5 minutes to reset
Clean Out the Water Reservoir and Filter
If your Keurig K155 isn’t brewing, or if it gives you a message like ‘Add Water’ even when it’s full, there might be something wrong with the water reservoir. Sometimes minerals from tap water build up inside the tank or near the sensor that tells the machine if water is present.
Start by removing the water reservoir. Empty it completely and wash it with warm soapy water. Be sure to rinse it well so no soap stays inside. Wipe around the bottom of the tank, especially the spot where it connects to the machine. That’s where the sensor reads water levels, and if it’s dirty or wet with coffee, it can confuse the system.
Next, check the water filter inside the reservoir. If it’s old or clogged, the machine might not pull in water. You should replace the filter every 2 months. If you haven’t done that in a while, take out the filter holder, remove the old filter, and put in a new one after soaking it in fresh water for 5 minutes.
Once the tank and filter are clean, fill the reservoir with clean water. Reattach it carefully and make sure it clicks into place. Then try to brew a cup. If the problem is still there, run a few brew cycles with just water and no K-cup. This helps clear out any air bubbles or blockages in the line.
- Remove and wash the water tank
- Rinse it well to remove soap
- Clean the bottom where it connects to the machine
- Replace the water filter if it’s older than 2 months
- Fill with clean water and reattach securely
- Run water-only cycles to clear air or clogs
Fix Slow Brewing or No Brewing at All
When your Keurig K155 brews very slowly or not at all, it usually means something is blocked. Coffee grounds or hard water minerals can clog the internal tubes. The best way to fix this is by cleaning out the needle and running a descaling process.
Start by turning off the machine. Open the K-cup holder and look up at the needle that pierces the pod. Be very careful — it’s sharp. Use a paperclip or a needle to poke around inside it gently. You may pull out some coffee grounds stuck inside. Clean the bottom needle too by pressing on it lightly and poking with the paperclip. This simple step helps more than you think.
Next, run a full descaling. You can buy a descaling solution made for Keurig or use white vinegar. Fill the reservoir with half vinegar and half water. Start brewing without inserting a pod. Run several brew cycles until the tank is empty. Let the machine sit for 30 minutes, then rinse it by running a full tank of clean water through the machine.
If the machine still brews slowly, check the exit hole under the cup stand. Sometimes that part gets blocked too. Remove the drip tray and look inside. Clean any leftover coffee or debris.
- Clean top and bottom needles with a paperclip
- Be careful of sharp needles
- Use vinegar or descaling solution to clean inside tubes
- Let the machine sit for 30 minutes after descaling
- Rinse with clean water cycles
- Check and clean the exit hole under the cup stand
Reset the Touchscreen and Internal Settings
If your Keurig K155 touchscreen isn’t working right, or if the settings seem stuck, doing a reset can fix it. This machine has a small computer inside, and like any computer, it can freeze or glitch. Resetting it brings everything back to normal.
First, turn off the machine and unplug it. Wait for at least 5 minutes. While waiting, press the touchscreen a few times just to release any stuck sensors. After 5 minutes, plug the machine back in and turn it on. If the screen still doesn’t work, press and hold the power button and the menu button together for 10 seconds. This can sometimes force a full reset.
You can also try resetting the factory settings. Go to the menu, then look for an option that says ‘Restore Default’ or something similar. Tap it and confirm. This will reset all your custom settings like language, cup size, and temperature, but it won’t harm the machine.
Sometimes, the screen may be too dirty to sense your finger. Wipe it with a soft cloth. Don’t use strong cleaners — just a little water or a glasses cleaning wipe is enough. Dry it fully before trying again.
- Unplug the machine and wait 5 minutes
- Press and hold power + menu for 10 seconds
- Use the menu to restore factory settings
- Wipe the screen with a soft, slightly wet cloth
- Dry the screen completely
- Try pressing gently around the screen
Fix Leaking or Overflowing Issues
If your Keurig K155 is leaking water from the bottom or overflowing when brewing, there are a few things to check. Leaks are usually caused by loose parts, overfilling, or blockages inside the machine.
Start by checking the water reservoir. Is it cracked? Is it seated correctly? Take it off and look closely at the bottom. If you see any damage, you might need a replacement tank. If the tank looks fine, reattach it firmly and make sure it clicks in.
Next, remove the drip tray and clean it. Sometimes if the tray is full, the machine overflows. Also, check if the overflow drain is clogged. Wipe everything dry and try brewing again with just water.
Also, check the K-cup area. If the needle is clogged, water can back up and leak out. Clean the needle like we mentioned earlier. Don’t forget to also clean the area where the pod sits. If you’re using off-brand pods, they might not fit perfectly, causing leaks.
If the machine leaks from underneath, it could be a seal problem inside. Unfortunately, this may need a professional repair. But many times, simply cleaning and reseating parts will fix the issue.
- Check water tank for cracks or bad fit
- Clean and empty the drip tray
- Clear overflow drain if clogged
- Clean needles and K-cup area
- Avoid off-brand or hard-fitting pods
- If leaks continue, check for internal seal problems
Deal With Keurig K155 Making Strange Noises
Sometimes your Keurig K155 makes strange loud noises when it brews or starts up. This might sound like grinding, hissing, or bubbling. These sounds usually mean there’s air in the system or a blockage inside.
Start by turning off the machine and removing the water tank. Shake the tank gently to release any trapped air bubbles. Fill it with clean water and tap it on the counter a few times to get air out.
Next, run a few water-only brew cycles. This helps push air through the system. If the noise continues, try cleaning the needles and doing a descaling cycle, as already explained. Hard water can make the pump work too hard, which creates extra noise.
Also, check if the machine is sitting on a hard surface that echoes the sound. Try placing a towel or mat under it to soften the vibration.
If the noise is very loud and doesn’t go away, the internal pump may be failing. But in most cases, it’s just air, buildup, or loose parts. Give it a good clean and reset, and you’ll likely fix the noise.
- Remove air bubbles from the water tank
- Fill tank with clean water and tap gently
- Run several water-only cycles
- Clean needles and descale the machine
- Place a towel or mat under the machine
- Loud noises usually go away after cleaning
Final Thoughts
Fixing your Keurig K155 is not as hard as it seems. Most problems come from small things like dirt, air, or old parts. With just a little time and the right steps, you can bring your coffee machine back to life. Don’t rush to replace it — try these easy fixes first. A clean machine not only works better but also makes tastier coffee. Just follow each step with care and enjoy your coffee without stress again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to use vinegar to clean my Keurig K155?
Yes, it is safe to use white vinegar to clean your Keurig K155. Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaner that helps remove mineral build-up from inside the machine. You can use a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Run this mixture through the machine just like you would when making coffee, but without a pod. After that, run clean water through the machine at least two times to rinse out the vinegar. It’s important to rinse well so your next cup doesn’t taste like vinegar. Use this method every 2 to 3 months.
Can the Keurig K155 be reset?
Yes, you can reset the Keurig K155. To do a simple reset, unplug the machine and wait for 5 minutes. Then plug it back in and turn it on. If that doesn’t work, press and hold the power and menu buttons together for about 10 seconds. You can also reset it to factory settings from the touchscreen menu. Look for an option that says ‘Restore Defaults’ or ‘Factory Reset.’ This will erase custom settings but fix most software issues. Always try a reset if your screen or functions act strange.
Do I need to replace the water filter often?
Yes, you should replace the water filter every 2 months or after 60 tank refills. The filter removes chlorine and other minerals from the water that can harm your machine and affect the taste of your coffee. Over time, the filter gets clogged and doesn’t work well. If your Keurig starts giving warnings or tastes different, it may be time to change the filter. Soaking a new filter in water for a few minutes before putting it in will help it work better right away.
Is it normal for Keurig K155 to make loud noises?
It is common for the Keurig K155 to make some noise during brewing. However, if the noise is very loud or sounds strange, it may be due to trapped air, scale build-up, or loose parts. First, try running a few hot water cycles and clean the needles. Descaling the machine can also help reduce noise. Make sure the water reservoir is filled properly and placed tightly. If the sound continues, place a towel under the machine to soften vibrations. If it’s still loud, the pump might need checking.
Can I fix the touchscreen if it stops working?
Yes, you can fix the touchscreen if it stops working by doing a soft reset. Unplug the machine for 5 minutes and plug it back in. If the screen still doesn’t respond, press and hold the power and menu buttons for 10 seconds. You should also clean the screen gently with a soft, damp cloth. Make sure your hands are dry when using the touchscreen. Sometimes, a frozen system or dirt on the screen can stop it from working. A full reset or factory restore often solves this problem.
Do I have to use only Keurig brand pods?
No, you do not have to use only Keurig brand pods, but they usually work best. Many third-party pods are also compatible with the Keurig K155, but some may not fit perfectly. If the pod is too tight or loose, it might cause leaks or brewing problems. Always check the pod size and shape. If you’re using non-Keurig pods and having issues, try switching back to an official Keurig pod to see if it fixes the problem. Using the right pod also helps prevent needle clogging.
Is it okay if water stays in the tank overnight?
Yes, it is okay to leave water in the tank overnight, but not for too long. If water sits in the reservoir for several days, it can collect dust or bacteria. To keep the machine clean and your coffee tasting fresh, try to change the water every day or every other day. If you’re not using the machine for a long time, empty the tank and let it dry. Regularly cleaning and using fresh water will help your Keurig last longer and make better coffee.
Can I take apart the Keurig K155 to clean it?
You can remove some parts of the Keurig K155 to clean it, but you should not take apart the inside of the machine unless you know what you’re doing. The water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder can all be removed and cleaned with warm soapy water. However, opening the machine’s body could damage it or void your warranty. Most problems can be fixed with simple cleaning steps and regular maintenance. If the problem is deep inside, it’s better to call support or take it to a repair shop.