Sometimes coffee machines (like almost everything else) break for no apparent reason. When everything seems fine on the outside, then the problem must be on the inside, so here are some tips to help you identify the most common problems and, if you’re lucky, repair your coffee maker yourself.

Problem: The coffee maker does not turn on.
Symptoms: The light on the coffee maker does not come on, it does not make any sound and it never gets hot.
Possible Causes and Solutions: This could be due to a blown fuse, faulty power cord, or something more important. If your coffee maker has a fuse and it is blown, replace it, but always do so with the same type and rating of fuse, to avoid the possibility of more serious problems. If you can’t find a fuse, plug your coffee maker into a different outlet, just to make sure this isn’t the cause.

If it still doesn’t work, replace the power cord (you can do it yourself if you’re careful and know the basics of electricity, but if you don’t want to do it yourself you can ask a professional to do it). If after replacing the cord with a new one, it still does not work, contact a coffee maker repairer.

Problem: The coffee maker is on but no coffee is coming out.
Symptoms: The coffee maker is on and gets hot, but no hot water comes out.

Possible causes and solutions: The tubes may be clogged. Sometimes the water leaves residues of calcium and other minerals in the tubes, clogging them after a while. Try using your coffee pot with vinegar instead of water. If it becomes unclogged, run water through your coffee maker a minimum of three times to remove the vinegar.

Problem: The coffee maker is on but is only getting dirty cold water instead of coffee.
Symptoms: The coffee maker sucks in water and pours it over the coffee, but this water is cold.

Possible Causes and Solutions: The heating coil in your coffee maker may be dead or dying. Unfortunately there is nothing you can do as replacement coils are extremely difficult to find and install. Consider buying a new coffee maker.