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How to fix a coffee maker leak

We'll locate the leak, replace the carafe or descale the unit, and tell you when to replace the coffee maker.

How-to · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement carafe (model-specific)
  • White vinegar (for descaling)

At a glance

  • Unplug the coffee maker and empty the reservoir before working on it.
  • Locate the leak—carafe, reservoir, water tube, or brew basket area.
  • Replace a cracked or chipped carafe with a model-specific replacement.
  • Descale the unit if mineral buildup causes overflow; run vinegar through a cycle.
  • If the reservoir or internal tubing is cracked, replace the coffee maker.
Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

Steps

Goal: Unplug the unit, locate the leak, fix the carafe or descale, and know when to replace the coffee maker.

  • Unplug the coffee maker. Empty the reservoir and remove the carafe.
  • Good: Unit is off and empty. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Unit is hot—wait for it to cool.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Fill the reservoir and run a brew cycle. Watch where water appears—carafe, reservoir, brew basket, or under the unit.
  • Good: You see the leak source. Proceed to Replace carafe or Descale based on location.
  • Bad: Leak is from the reservoir or internal tubing—replace the unit.

Replace carafe

Goal: Fix leaks from a damaged carafe.

  • Order a carafe for your exact model. Replace the old carafe. Confirm it fits snugly and has no cracks. Run a test cycle.
  • Good: No drips from the carafe. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—check the reservoir or spray head.

Descale

Goal: Remove mineral buildup that causes overflow.

  • Fill the reservoir with equal parts vinegar and water. Run a brew cycle without the carafe. Run two cycles with plain water to rinse. Check that the spray head and tube are clear.
  • Good: No overflow or drips. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—the reservoir or tubing may be cracked. Replace the unit.

When to replace

Replace the coffee maker if:

  • The reservoir is cracked.
  • Internal tubing is damaged.
  • The leak persists after replacing the carafe and descaling.

Do not attempt to repair internal parts. For other plumbing fixes, see Fix a kitchen faucet that leaks or How to unclog a drain.

Verification

  • No drips from the carafe, reservoir, or under the unit when brewing.
  • Coffee brews at normal volume.
  • No water pooling on the counter.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my coffee maker leak?
Common causes: a cracked or chipped carafe, a loose or cracked reservoir, mineral buildup causing overflow, or a damaged water tube. Drip coffee makers have several places where water can escape.
Can I fix a coffee maker leak myself?
Yes. Most leaks are fixable by replacing the carafe, descaling the unit, or reseating the reservoir. Unplug the unit first. If the reservoir or internal parts are cracked, replace the coffee maker.
When should I replace a leaking coffee maker?
Replace the unit if the reservoir is cracked, internal tubing is damaged, or the leak persists after replacing the carafe and descaling. A new unit is often cheaper than repair for internal leaks.

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