An electric drip coffee maker is one of the most popular ways to brew coffee in the United States. Almost every home has one and uses it on a daily basis. Just like any small appliance, an electric drip coffee maker can break and need repair. Most of the issues that arise can be assessed by the owner and fixed with basic knowledge. Before spending money on a new coffee maker or paying someone to fix it, take time and see if you can fix it on your own. The most common issues have to do with the on/off switch, the thermostat and the dripping brew basket.
Instructions How to Fix Electric Drip Coffee Maker
Things You'll Need:
Screw driver
Circuit probe
Multi-tester
Owner's manual
White vinegar
Check the On/Off Switch
Step 1
Find the on/off switch on the coffee maker. Each make and model is different so it may take a moment to locate it. Be sure the coffee pot is unplugged to avoid electrocution.
Step 2
Remove the bottom and back of the coffee maker by taking a small flat-head screw driver and wedging it between the gap in the plastic. Force the walls apart causing the bottom and back to come off. Follow the wires and connectors that are used to turn the machine on and off.
Step 3
Use a circuit probe by placing the two ends on the terminals responsible for powering the switch. The circuit should show a continual flow as a closed circuit. If it shows a broken connection, you will need to replace the the wires and possibly the terminals.
Test the Heating Element
Step 1
Keep the coffee pot unplugged and empty any water in the unit. Turn the coffee maker over and open the bottom of the unit by either forcing it open with a screw driver or unscrewing it if it has screws.
Step 2
Use a multi-tester to check the connectivity of the thermostat. If the the circuit has malfunctioned, it will need to be replaced. You can commonly diagnose a thermostat issue in the heating element by attempting to brew a pot of coffee. When you try to brew, the on switch will be on, the coffee warmer will be warm, but you won't hear the water heating and boiling within.
Step 3
Remove the connector and replace the thermostat. If that doesn't work, the issue may be caused by something else. Consider the power cord itself if nothing on the coffee maker is working such as lights, on/off switch and other obvious electrical elements to the coffee maker.
Cleaning the Drip Element
Step 1
If the coffee pot is overflowing from the brew basket, it may be clogged. Remove the filter and the brew basket from the coffee maker. Soak the brew basket in hot water with a 1/2 cup of baking soda for 10 minutes to break up any compacted coffee residue.
Step 2
Take a pipe cleaner and run it through the opening that the coffee drips out of to remove any excess buildup preventing the coffee from dripping.
Step 3
Remove the the attachment on the dripping element that prevents the coffee from dripping when the coffee pot is removed during the brewing process and brew some hot water to see if that part is defective. If it is, you can either leave it off or replace it with a new one.
Remove Mineral Depostis
Step 1
Remove mineral deposits and coffee oil build up using white vinegar. Empty the coffee maker of any used coffee grounds or brewed coffee. Rinse the coffee pot and the filter brew basket.
Step 2
Use 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water to fill the water basin of the coffee maker. Turn the coffee machine on and brew the entire pot of water/vinegar solution.
Step 3
Allow the brewed vinegar/water solution to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the pot and filter with water, brew another pot of coffee with just water to cure the machine. Use as usual.