Posted by Janet James
1 month ago

Why is my coffee maker leaking water everywhere?

I've had this coffee maker for about a month now and it started leaking water from the bottom during brewing. It's frustrating because I rely on it every morning for my daily cup, and now there's water all over the counter. I bought it on Amazon, and it's supposed to be a reliable model, but maybe I got a defective one. My kitchen space is small, so I can't afford a bulky replacement, and I need something that fits under the cabinets. I've tried cleaning the reservoir and checking the seals, but that didn't help. I also tightened all the visible parts, yet the leak persists. Budget-wise, I'm hoping for a fix rather than buying a new one since I spent a decent amount already.

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Alyssa Barnes avatar
Alyssa Barnes 🥉 243 rep
1 month ago
Top Answer

Coffee makers can leak from the bottom due to issues like worn seals, cracks in the reservoir, or mineral buildup blocking proper water flow. Given that your unit is only a month old and cleaning or tightening parts hasn't resolved it, the problem might stem from a manufacturing defect in the water reservoir or heating element assembly. Start by unplugging the machine and inspecting the bottom for visible cracks or loose components; if none are apparent, descale it using a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water run through a brew cycle, followed by two cycles of plain water to rinse.

If descaling doesn't stop the leak, contact the manufacturer for warranty support since it's likely defective. As a reliable replacement that fits small spaces with its compact design measuring 8.25 inches wide and a budget-friendly price under $30, consider the Amazon Basics coffee maker. It actually features a 60-ounce reservoir for multiple brews and a removable filter basket for easy cleaning.

One minor drawback is the lack of programmable settings, but it brews consistently without leaks based on user reviews, making it a solid, no-frills option for daily use.

Hana Dubois avatar
Hana Dubois 60 rep
1 month ago

Unplug it, turn it over, and check that the gasket seats cleanly with no wear or misalignment in the base; a gentle reseat can stop the leak. Since it is so new, skip the hassle and file a quick warranty claim if anything looks off.

Mila Santos avatar
Mila Santos 3 rep
1 month ago

A leak that shows up during brewing usually comes from one of two places. Either the brew basket is overflowing into the chassis because the drip stop is sticking or the carafe is not lifting the valve fully and or an internal hose or seal around the heater is leaking once things get hot but then quick test. Place the machine on dry paper towels and run plain water with the unit pulled forward from under the cabinets. If the towels get wet near the front under the basket area, look at the drip stop and carafe alignment. If they get wet toward the center or rear, that points to an internal path.

Before assuming a defect, pop out the brew basket and press the little stopper underneath to make sure it moves freely and snaps back. Clean that area and the basket holes with warm soapy water and a toothpick to clear coffee oils. Make sure the carafe sits all the way in so it opens the stopper fully. If the reservoir has a spring valve at the bottom, press it a few times with a clean finger to ensure it seals and is not stuck by grit. Then descale with a mild vinegar solution and follow with two full rinses. Scale can force water to back up and spill where it should not.

If it still leaks and the wet spot shows up toward the middle or back of the base,, that is likely an internal hose clamp or O ring that is not sealing once hot. Since it is only a month old, do not open the base. Unplug it, document the leak with photos or a short clip, and contact the seller or the manufacturer for a warranty exchange. Been there.

For a small kitchen, brew with the machine pulled forward so steam does not condense under the cabinet and run down the back, which can mimic a leak. A shallow tray or towel under it for a day or two helps you monitor whether the fix worked.

Sky Chowdhury avatar
Sky Chowdhury 32 rep
1 month ago

Had the exact same issue not long ago, water everywhere on the counter, super frustrating.

Mine started leaking because of hard water buildup that I didn't catch early enough, even though I cleaned it regularly.

I ended up mixing vinegar and water, ran it through a couple cycles, and boom so yeah...

problem solved.

But if that doesn't work and it's still under warranty like yours seems to be, just send it back, no point in dealing with a defect when you can get it sorted for free, you know?

Worth a shot before anything else.

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