Learning how to drain a Bunn coffee maker is a necessary step before deep cleaning or storage. Draining the unit removes old water from the internal tank, which is important for maintenance and preparing the machine for a period of non-use. This guide will walk you through the simple process.
It is a straightforward task that only takes a few minutes. Properly draining your brewer helps ensure your next pot of coffee tastes fresh and your machine operates reliably for years.
How To Drain A Bunn Coffee Maker
The core process for draining a Bunn coffee maker is generally the same across most home and commercial models. These brewers are designed with a unique internal hot water tank that needs to be emptied manually. Follow these steps to do it safely and completely.
What You Will Need
Gathering a couple of items before you start will make the job easier. You likely have everything on hand already.
- Your Bunn coffee maker
- A large bowl or pitcher (at least 10-cup capacity)
- A standard kitchen measuring cup (2-cup size is ideal)
- A clean, absorbent towel or several paper towels
- Optional: A funnel for pouring water back in later
Step-By-Step Draining Instructions
Ensure your coffee maker is unplugged and completely cool before starting. Working with a hot machine or components can risk burns.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Move your Bunn brewer to a stable, flat surface near your kitchen sink. Place the large bowl or pitcher on the counter directly in front of the machine. This will catch the water you drain.
Step 2: Remove the Brewer Funnel and Carafe
Take out the brew funnel (or basket) and the empty glass carafe. Set them aside in the sink or on a towel. This gives you clear access to the sprayhead and the area where the carafe normally sits.
Step 3: Locate and Open the Drain Tube
Look inside the empty carafe area. At the back, near the warming plate, you will see a small, flexible silicone or rubber tube. This is the drain tube. Carefully pull the tube forward until its end is positioned over your waiting bowl.
Step 4: Initiate the Drain Cycle
Plug in your Bunn coffee maker. The internal tank will begin to heat immediately. Without adding any coffee or water to the top reservoir, simply press the brew button. You will hear the sound of water moving.
Hot water will begin to flow out of the drain tube and into your bowl. Let the cycle run until the water stream completely stops. This usually takes less than a minute.
Step 5: Ensure Complete Draining
After the automatic cycle finishes, some water may remain in the tank. To get it all out, unplug the machine. Then, gently lift and lower the front of the coffee maker a few times, tilting it slightly back and forth. This helps any remaining water find its way to the drain tube.
You can also give the drain tube a soft shake. Use your measuring cup to catch any final drips.
Step 6: Final Cleanup
Once no more water drips from the tube, carefully tuck it back into its original position against the back wall. Wipe down the entire carafe area, warming plate, and the exterior of the machine with a damp towel. Your Bunn is now fully drained and ready for cleaning or storage.
Why Draining Your Bunn Is Essential
Unlike most drip coffee makers, Bunn brewers have a sealed, internal hot water tank. This design allows for speed brewing but means water sits in the tank between uses. Draining it periodically is key for several reasons.
- Prevents Stale Water Taste: Old, reheated water can make your coffee taste flat or off.
- Prepares for Deep Cleaning: You must drain the tank before running a vinegar or cleaner solution through it.
- Prevents Scale Buildup: Draining helps remove some loose mineral particles before they form hard limescale.
- Essential for Storage: If you won’t use the brewer for weeks or months, you must drain it to prevent mold and mineral deposits from stagnating water.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When learning how to drain a Bunn coffee maker, a few common errors can cause messes or incomplete results. Being aware of these will make your task smoother.
Forgetting To Place a Catch Container
Always position your bowl or pitcher before pressing the brew button. Water flows quickly and can flood your countertop if you’re not prepared. The water is also very hot and can cause scalds.
Not Letting the Machine Cool First
If you’ve just brewed a pot, the tank, components, and water inside are near boiling. Attempting to handle the drain tube or machine can lead to serious burns. Always allow at least 30 minutes for it to cool down.
Failing To Remove the Brewer Basket
If you leave the brew basket in place, water from the drain tube might splash against it and create a mess. Removing it ensures a clear path for the water into your bowl.
Not Draining Before a Cleaning Cycle
If you plan to descale your Bunn, you must drain the existing tank water first. Adding vinegar solution to a full tank will cause it to overflow and will dilute the cleaning strength.
What To Do After Draining
Once your Bunn coffee maker is drained, you have a few options depending on your goal.
For Immediate Reuse
If you drained for cleaning or maintenance, you can now proceed. To make coffee right away, simply refill the tank. Pour fresh, cool water into the top reservoir—the tank will refill automatically through the internal fill tube. Then, brew a pot of clear water to rinse the system before making coffee.
For Deep Cleaning and Descaling
With the tank empty, you can now add a descaling solution. Use a commercial brewer cleaner or a mix of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Fill the reservoir, let the solution sit in the tank for 30 minutes, then run a brew cycle into a carafe. Follow with at least two cycles of fresh water to rinse thoroughly.
For Long-Term Storage
After draining, leave the drain tube in the outward position and the lid to the top reservoir open. This allows air to circulate and any residual moisture to evaporate, preventing mildew. Store the unit in a cool, dry place. When you take it out of storage, run a few cycles of fresh water through it before brewing coffee.
Troubleshooting Drainage Problems
Sometimes, you might encounter an issue when trying to drain your machine. Here are solutions to common problems.
No Water Comes Out During Drain Cycle
If you press brew and nothing happens, first check that the brewer is plugged in securely. The power light should be on. Also, verify that the drain tube is not kinked or bent, blocking the flow. If the machine hums but no water flows, the internal tank might already be empty.
Water Drips Slowly or Intermittently
A slow drip often indicates mineral scale is partially clogging the drain tube or the tank’s outlet. After draining, you can try to clear it by gently blowing air into the tube. A thorough descaling cleaning is likely needed.
Water Leaks From the Bottom of the Machine
If you see water pooling under the brewer during the drain cycle, stop immediately. This suggests an internal leak, possibly from a cracked tank or loose fitting. Unplug the machine and contact Bunn customer service for support. Do not continue to use a leaking appliance.
Maintenance Tips To Reduce Scale
Regular draining is part of good maintenance, but you can take other steps to keep your Bunn running well. These habits will extend its life and maintain coffee quality.
- Use Filtered Water: Using softened or filtered water significantly reduces mineral content that causes scale.
- Drain Weekly: Make it a habit to drain and refresh the tank’s water once a week if you use the brewer daily.
- Descale Regularly: Follow the manufacturer’s guide for descaling frequency, typically every 3-6 months depending on your water hardness.
- Wipe Exterior Daily: Keep the warming plate and housing clean with a damp cloth to prevent coffee stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Drain My Bunn Coffee Maker?
You should drain your Bunn coffee maker before any deep cleaning cycle and absolutely before storage. For routine maintenance, draining once a month is a good practice to cycle out stale water. If you brew infrequently, drain it after every few uses.
Can I Drain My Bunn Without Using The Brew Button?
The standard method uses the brew button to activate the pump. However, if your machine is unplugged and cool, you can sometimes drain residual water by carefully tilting the entire unit over a sink. The brew button method is safer and more thorough for the main tank volume.
Is It Normal For Water To Remain In The Tank After Draining?
A very small amount of residual water might remain due to the tank’s design. The tilting method described in Step 5 helps minimize this. A tablespoon or two left behind is usually not a concern for storage, as long as the majority was removed.
What Is The Difference Between Draining And Descaling?
Draining is the simple act of removing existing water from the hot water tank. Descaling is a cleaning process that uses a mild acid solution to dissolve hardened mineral deposits (limescale) that build up inside the tank and tubes over time. You must drain before you descale.
My Bunn Has A “Tank Drain” Plug. Do I Need To Use The Tube?
Some commercial Bunn models have a dedicated tank drain plug or valve on the back or side. If your model has one, consult its manual. The process typically involves placing a container under the plug, turning the valve, and allowing the tank to empty. The tube method is for residential-style units.
Now you know the complete process for how to drain a Bunn coffee maker. This simple maintenance task is vital for keeping your brewer in top condition. Regular draining ensures every pot of coffee is made with fresh water and helps prevent performance issues down the line. With these clear steps, you can manage this routine task quickly and confidently.