How To Change Keurig Water Filter 20

Maintaining your Keurig 2.0 coffee maker is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and consistently delicious coffee. One of the most important maintenance tasks is regularly changing the water filter. A fresh water filter removes impurities and minerals from your water, preventing scale buildup and improving the taste of your brew. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on how to change the Keurig water filter 2.0, along with helpful tips and frequently asked questions.

[Image: Keurig 2.0 coffee maker with water filter housing highlighted]

Understanding the Importance of Water Filter Replacement

Why Change Your Keurig Water Filter?

The water filter in your Keurig performs a vital function: it removes chlorine, minerals, and other impurities from your water source. Over time, these impurities can accumulate, affecting both the taste of your coffee and the longevity of your Keurig machine. Ignoring regular filter replacement can lead to:

Reduced Coffee Quality: Impurities can impart unpleasant flavors to your coffee.
Scale Buildup: Minerals like calcium and magnesium can cause scale buildup inside your Keurig, reducing its efficiency and lifespan.
Potential Damage: Severe scale buildup can damage internal components, leading to costly repairs or the need for a replacement.

Changing the water filter regularly ensures that your Keurig continues to brew the best possible coffee and operates efficiently for years to come.

Recognizing Signs You Need a New Filter

While Keurig recommends changing the water filter every two months or after 60 tank refills, there are other signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement:

Cloudy or Murky Water: If the water in your reservoir appears cloudy, it’s a sign that the filter is no longer effectively removing impurities.
Unusual Taste: A metallic or otherwise off-putting taste in your coffee can indicate a saturated filter.
Slow Brewing: A clogged filter can restrict water flow, resulting in longer brewing times.
Keurig Maintenance Light: Some Keurig models have a maintenance light that illuminates when it’s time to change the filter or descale the machine.

Preparing to Change Your Keurig Water Filter 2.0

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Before you begin, gather the following supplies:

New Keurig Water Filter: Ensure you have a compatible replacement filter. Use genuine Keurig filters or high-quality aftermarket filters designed for Keurig 2.0 models.
Water Filter Handle: The handle is needed to insert and remove the filter.
Clean Water: You’ll need clean water to rinse the new filter.

[Image: Close-up of a new Keurig water filter and filter handle]

Understanding Your Keurig 2.0 Model

While the general process for changing the water filter is similar across Keurig 2.0 models, there might be slight variations. Consult your user manual for specific instructions related to your particular model. Common Keurig 2.0 models include:

K200
K250
K300
K350
K400
K450
K500
K550

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Change Keurig Water Filter 20

Removing the Old Water Filter

Locate the Water Filter Housing: The water filter housing is typically located inside the water reservoir. It’s a small, cylindrical compartment.
Remove the Water Reservoir: Lift the water reservoir from the Keurig base and empty any remaining water.
Detach the Filter Handle: If the filter handle is attached to the old filter, detach it by gently pulling it away.
Remove the Old Filter: Grasp the old filter (or the filter handle, if attached) and pull it straight out of the housing. It might require a bit of force, especially if it hasn’t been changed in a while.
Dispose of the Old Filter: Discard the used filter properly.

[Image: Removing the old water filter from the Keurig water filter housing]

Preparing the New Water Filter

Soak the New Filter: Submerge the new Keurig water filter in a bowl of clean, cold water for about 5-10 minutes. This saturates the filter and removes any loose carbon particles.
Rinse the Filter: After soaking, rinse the filter under running water for about 60 seconds. This further removes any remaining carbon dust.

Installing the New Water Filter

Attach the Filter Handle: If the filter handle is detached, attach it to the new, rinsed filter.
Insert the New Filter: Slide the new filter (with the handle attached) into the water filter housing until it clicks into place. Ensure it’s securely seated.
Reattach the Water Reservoir: Place the water reservoir back onto the Keurig base.

[Image: Installing the new water filter into the Keurig water filter housing]

Flushing the Keurig After Filter Replacement

Fill the Water Reservoir: Fill the water reservoir with fresh, clean water to the maximum fill line.
Run a Brew Cycle (Without a K-Cup): Place a large mug on the drip tray and run a brew cycle without inserting a K-Cup. This flushes the system and removes any remaining air or loose particles from the new filter.
Repeat: Repeat the brew cycle 2-3 times to ensure the system is thoroughly flushed.

Maintaining Your Keurig Water Filter System

Regular Cleaning of the Water Reservoir

In addition to changing the water filter, regularly cleaning the water reservoir is essential for maintaining optimal performance. Follow these steps:

Empty the Reservoir: Remove the water reservoir and empty any remaining water.
Wash with Soapy Water: Wash the reservoir with warm, soapy water using a soft sponge or cloth.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the reservoir thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of soap.
Dry: Allow the reservoir to air dry completely before reattaching it to the Keurig base.

Descaling Your Keurig

Even with regular filter replacement, mineral buildup (scale) can still occur inside your Keurig. Descaling removes this buildup and helps maintain the machine’s efficiency and lifespan. Keurig recommends descaling every 3-6 months, depending on water hardness. [See also: How to Descale a Keurig]

To descale your Keurig, you can use a commercially available descaling solution or a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Follow the instructions in your Keurig user manual for the specific descaling procedure.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Filter Not Fitting Properly

If the new filter doesn’t fit properly into the housing, ensure you’re using a compatible filter for your Keurig 2.0 model. Also, check for any obstructions or debris inside the filter housing. If necessary, gently clean the housing with a damp cloth.

Slow Brewing After Filter Change

Slow brewing after changing the filter could indicate an airlock in the system. Try running several brew cycles without a K-Cup to flush out any trapped air. If the problem persists, ensure the filter is properly seated and the water reservoir is correctly attached.

Unusual Taste After Filter Change

A temporary unusual taste after changing the filter is normal, as the new filter releases any remaining carbon particles. Running a few brew cycles without a K-Cup should resolve this issue. If the taste persists, try soaking and rinsing the filter again.

Choosing the Right Keurig Water Filter

Genuine Keurig Filters vs. Aftermarket Options

When selecting a replacement filter, you have the option of using genuine Keurig filters or aftermarket filters. Genuine Keurig filters are designed specifically for Keurig machines and are guaranteed to fit and perform correctly. Aftermarket filters can be more affordable, but it’s essential to choose a reputable brand and ensure the filter is compatible with your Keurig 2.0 model.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a Keurig water filter, consider the following features:

Compatibility: Ensure the filter is compatible with your Keurig 2.0 model.
Filtration Quality: Look for filters that effectively remove chlorine, minerals, and other impurities.
Lifespan: Consider the filter’s lifespan and how often you’ll need to replace it.
Certifications: Look for filters that are certified by independent organizations like NSF International, which verifies that the filter meets certain performance standards.

Filter Type	Pros	Cons
Genuine Keurig Filter	Guaranteed compatibility, reliable performance	Generally more expensive
Aftermarket Filter	Often more affordable, wide variety of options	Compatibility may vary, performance can be inconsistent

Key Takeaways

Regularly changing your Keurig 2.0 water filter is crucial for maintaining coffee quality and machine longevity.
Replace the filter every two months or after 60 tank refills, or when you notice signs like cloudy water or unusual taste.
Soak and rinse the new filter before installation to remove loose carbon particles.
Run a few brew cycles without a K-Cup after changing the filter to flush the system.
Clean the water reservoir regularly and descale your Keurig every 3-6 months.
Choose a compatible and high-quality filter, whether genuine Keurig or aftermarket.

Conclusion

Changing the water filter in your Keurig 2.0 is a simple yet essential maintenance task that ensures optimal performance and delicious coffee. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily replace your filter and keep your Keurig running smoothly. Remember to change the filter regularly, clean the reservoir, and descale your machine to enjoy the best possible coffee experience. Now that you know how to change Keurig water filter 2.0, grab a new filter and get brewing!

[See also: Keurig Troubleshooting Guide]