How to Disassemble a Drip Coffeemaker

Usually, removing mineral deposits with regular cleaning is only problem you'd ever face with a coffeemaker. But, like with all small appliances, bigger problems can crop up with your coffee machine, such as electrical shorts, faulty thermostats, and defective valves. In order to fix these issues, disassembling your coffee machine is necessary. Here's how to disassemble a typical drip coffeemaker. Relax, it's not that difficult-you probably won't even need coffee before you begin!

Disassemble a Drip Coffeemaker Step 1: Unplug & remove parts:
Unplug the coffee maker from the wall. Remove the coffee filter basket and glass carafe.

Disassemble a Drip Coffeemaker Step 2: Unscrew the base:
Turn the coffee maker upside down. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the base plate. Pry the base plate away from the coffee machine.

Disassemble a Drip Coffeemaker Step 3: Remove the thermostat:
With the base plate removed, you'll see the entire heating assembly. This is the main part of the coffeemaker that needs disassembly before servicing, troubleshooting, and replacement begins. The thermostat located at the bottom of the coffee maker and placed next to the coffee maker's heating element. A coffee maker's heating element is typically clear or white in color, U-shaped, and located directly below the black warming plate. Using your screwdriver, pry the thermostat's mounting bracket away from the heater and remove.

Disassemble a Drip Coffeemaker Step 4: Pull off the tube connectors:
Pull the tube connectors off of the circulating tube (the circulating tube is located directly below the heating component. It looks much like the heating element, except it looks like a tube and is mounted with a bracket). Don't remove these completely from the connecting pump valves unless you're certain they need replacing.

Disassemble a Drip Coffeemaker Step 5: Remove entire heating assembly from casing:
Remove the leads attached to the heating element and detach the switch. Locate any tabs on the side of the entire heating assembly. Squeeze the tabs inward and pop the unit out. This should be enough for you to lift the entire heating assembly out of its housing.

Congratulations - your coffeemaker is disassembled and ready for servicing. Now, you can safely troubleshoot and repair any issues with your coffeemaker. Soon, you'll be brewing pots of coffee that taste so good, you'd think it fights crime! Remember to clean your coffeemaker regularly - not only does frequent cleaning (every 4 weeks) keep your coffee tasting yummy, it prevents mineral deposits from developing and also thwarts annoying electrical issues.