Keurig Rivo Not Puncturing? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

We rely on them every day, and many of us return to these magic dispensers of one cup of java goodness many times a day. These are our beloved Keurig coffee machines, a staple of our kitchen decor, but what happens when they stop working, malfunction, or simply stop feeding us that dark liquid gold? We freak out! No, (okay, maybe for a brief moment of panic) we calmly assess the situation and take action.

If your Keurig Rivo is not puncturing, the needle could be clogged, and require cleaning, a simple fix. There could be a problem with the lid arm mechanism, another simple fix. And there could also be an accumulation of coffee or other particles in the needle tube. That fix is a bit more complex but manageable with the right tools.

There might be few things we take for granted the way we do our coffee makers. So when our Keurig Rivo isn’t puncturing those tasty little coffee pods, it may take a minute to recover from the shock – what just happened?

Then it becomes apparent as we lift the lid arm, provided we can close it, to begin with (an issue that will be addressed shortly), as our happy little unpunctured pod reveals the problem. The first plan of action is to make sure the needle is working properly. That will typically require a few easy steps.

Using fresh clean water, fill the water tank about half full, and run enough cycles to empty the water tank again. Now, wipe out the water tank with a damp clean cloth to remove any vinegar traces.

After allowing to air dry, your Keurig Rivo should be ready to be a part of your morning routine once more, a very important part. Unfortunately, the problem with the Keurig Rivo not puncturing goes a bit deeper, and that requires a deeper more thorough cleaning. It will also require a couple of tools and some direction.

When the first two fixes don’t work, this step is the last resort before your final options. This step should only be attempted if you have some mechanical inclination and feel at least moderately comfortable with knowing you won’t destroy your coffee maker.

If you have reservations or don’t feel comfortable with disassembling your coffee machine, then you can proceed past this step. This cleaning process should take approximately an hour to complete, less time more skilled mechanical types, maybe more for the less adept. Don’t worry, it isn’t a race, just an attempt to save our beloved coffee makers.

Getting access to the needle and tube assembly will require removing the top cover of the Keurig Rivo. Do this by first carefully removing the rubber seal. A screwdriver may be used to help get it started. Many Keurig models also have plastic clips that help to secure the seal. These can be removed by simply pulling them directly out.

Once the rubber seal is removed you will see a set of screws around the outside of the top cover. Depending on your make and model, your Keurig may not have an outer rubber seal. Simply use your Phillips screwdriver to remove them, and now the top cover of the Keurig Rivo should be free.

The inside of your Keurig Rivo should have a set of tubes, secured by clips and two sets of a couple of housing screws. Locate the tube that runs to the needle in the lever arm. Using your Phillips screwdriver again, remove the two screws holding the needle assembly in place. Next, remove the two screws that secure the silicone tubing clamp.

Once the screws are removed, work the tubing off of the check valve. Now, the needle and tube assembly should come out. Carefully remove from the coffee machine.

“The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray,” penned Burns, an 18th-century poet from Scotland. And even back then we knew, that sometimes things don’t go according to plan. So if we have attempted these fixes, or at least the first two (for the less courageous or mechanically inclined), it is time to get a new plan.

Keurig has contact service lines for both residential and commercial customers. If it is time to call in help or (gasp!) start looking at a new coffee maker, Keurig support can be reached at the following numbers:

Related Questions

Are Puncturing Issues Common for Keurig Rivo Coffee/Expresso Machines?

They are great coffee machines and a great addition to any kitchen, and with any luck, they will last a long time. That isn’t always the case, however, and sometimes problems arise. The good news is there isn’t any ongoing or major concern with the Keurig Rivo not puncturing.

Why Won’t Lever Arm for Keurig Rivo Close?

This situation is always a best-case worst-case scenario. The chances are good that there are coffee grinds or some obstruction in the lever arm mechanism. A thorough cleaning should resolve the issue. On the other hand, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, at least you have the numbers for support.