By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Joyce_Kaaland]Joyce Kaaland
Before trying to fix a broken drip coffee maker, check to see if your warranty is still valid. If it is no longer valid, check the light switch to see if the light turns on and off. This lets you know whether or not electricity is going through the power cord. This also means that if the light works there is a problem further on in the coffee maker. If it is not heating these first steps are most important. Make sure your coffee maker is unplugged, is on a dry surface, in a place where there is good lighting, the reservoir is empty and the spent grounds have been removed.
The next thing to do after this simple check is to consider what tools may be needed. This would include an appropriate sized flat bladed screwdriver, a circuit probe or multi-meter on the ohm setting and the owner's manual.
Depending on whether the coffee maker is made of metal or plastic will make a difference on how you get the bottom off. A metal one will require removing screws from the bottom plate. For a plastic one, you will need to put the screwdriver in a crack and wedge it with force until the back wall and the bottom come apart. Turn the coffee maker upside down and look at the wiring.
Now you can follow the electrical cords from the two power switch terminal ends. Using a circuit probe or multi-meter, you can find out whether there is a continual flow, which is a closed circuit. If the circuit has a broken connection, known as an open circuit, then the following parts may need replacing. This includes the terminal where the off-on switch is located and the wires that connect to the thermostat and heating element.
You need to also check to see if there is a problem in the thermostat or in the heating element. Using the circuit probe or multi-meter, check for connectivity through the thermostat. If the problem was with the coffee not getting hot enough or if the coffee warmer did not keep the coffee hot, the probe or multi-meter will show only slight connectivity; this means that the thermostat definitely needs to be replaced. To change the thermostat, remove the connectors and replace the new thermostat by reconnecting the connectors.
Before you begin to take the coffee maker apart, check for coffee and mineral deposit buildup. If you have not been cleaning your coffee maker on a regular basis, you could have a lime buildup in the water-line. This can cause the unit to stop working. Use white vinegar to clean your coffee maker on a regular basis. When you begin to clean your coffee maker check for loose-fitting tube connections and make sure they are fully connected. Next, put white vinegar equal to the amount of water you normally put in for a full amount of coffee. Run the brewing process without a filter in the filter basket. Rinse the carafe if you are using one. Then, run the brew cycle again with clean water. Dry the filter basket and carafe and any place you can see that is wet. Now you are ready to brew a much better tasting cup of coffee. You will be surprised by how much better your rel=nofollow [http://www.coffeemakersshop.com/household-coffee-makers.html]coffeemaker runs as well as how great the coffee tastes.
Joyce Kaaland is the owner of CoffeeMakersShop.com and a published author who loves to write. If you want pertinent information about household or commercial coffee making equipment or just have a general question, you can ask anytime at: [mailto:info@coffeemakersshop.com]info@coffeemakersshop.com. Joyce is also called Mrs. Coffee by some because of her knowledge in this field. You'll find her informative blogs at: [http://www.todayscoffeeblog.com]http://www.todayscoffeeblog.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-When-Trying-to-Fix-a-Broken-Coffee-Maker&id=6653173] Tips When Trying to Fix a Broken Coffee Maker
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