Keurig B40/B60/B70 Automatic Water Filling System
Intro: Keurig B40/B60/B70 Automatic Water Filling System
This is a simple project I did to avoid adding water into my machine each time I take a cup of coffee. It's a pretty simple system but it also requires basic plumbing knowledge and electrical / soldering skills :-). This DIY will work with B40/B60/B70 model or maybe other if you have enough place for the small bracket and water level sensor that we'll see in a moment. Note: some suggested in the comments a mini plastic float valve http://goo.gl/fbu2Jt if its size fits your reservoir it might be a simpler setup (I did not test it).
STEP 1: Ice Maker Maker Tap Valve Kit
Tap Valve Kit
For 3/8" to 1" O.D. tube
Valve with 1/4" O.D. comp. outlet
25'x 1/4" O.D. polyethylene tube
Compression inserts
1/4" O.D. comp. union
For installation of humidifiers, ice makers, and evaporative coolers
STEP 2: Electrical Parts - Electric Solenoid Valve Water N/C 12V 1/4"
STEP 3: Electrical Parts - 12 Volt Relay
Or you can use one you have lying around.
STEP 4: Electrical Parts - 12 1Amp + Power Supply
Or you can use one you have lying around. If it's 12 volt dc and 1 amp or more
STEP 5: Electrical Parts - Water Level Liquid Sensor Float Switch
STEP 6: Plumbing / Water Line Installation
STEP 7: Electrical Parts - Installation
You'll need to wire the solenoid, the relay, the water level switch and the power supply so that the water level switch control the relay that activate the solenoid.
STEP 8: Fix the Custom Bracket
STEP 9: Enjoy!
See demo video:
26 Comments
tothmon 7 years ago
cheeto81 8 years ago
nice trick...i'm still looking for a solution that doesn't fill the tank, but instead feed fresh water directly into the keurig on an as needed basis, so it never just sits in the tank
spdrcr1010 8 years ago
I think this was a great idea. I bought the same switch, and solenoid valve. The water pressure here is too high for a 2A power supply to open the valve so I got a 5A adapter and it works just fine. I also put a needle valve in line after the solenoid to turn down the flow to the water tank.
I drew up a bracket to 3D print to hold the float switch and water line, I'm new to Grabcad but I'll try posing a link here to download the STL. I'll try adding some pics of the finished project here too...
Bracket file link: https://workbench.grabcad.com/workbench/projects/g...
My next revision will add an extension to lower the float holder since this fills the water to the MAX.
Thanks for the instructable!!
cstout1 9 years ago
Do you have any reason to worry about lead being present with the use of a brass water solenoid valve?
pv2smurf 9 years ago
A good float valve walk through is here. Requires no extra electrical hook ups just water line plumbing. This method would work on ANY MODEL as long as the bulb isn't too big for the tank.
*the above is not my video so all questions please send him a message on youtube
SyCoQc 9 years ago
thanks for the link pv2smurf
MrLE 10 years ago
I've been planning on doing this so I thought I would look around and see what anyone else had done. I currently take the tank off the Keurig and fill it from the refrigerator door since that is filtered water. My wife can't handle the large tank so I try to keep it filled. She usually refills it with a large mug if I haven't done my job.
I had planned on finding a valve and float system similar to a toilet tank refill system. So far I haven't found one small enough to fit in the Keurig tank. I still prefer that although they are probably more prone to over filling and over flowing.
I may cave in and use the electric valve and float switch. Instead of the relay I would prefer to go to with an electronic switch. I'm an electrical engineer so that is right down my alley.
Like someone else mentioned it's also a good idea to implement a filter like the ones we use for refrigerator ice and water. It slows down hard water deposits building up in the Keurig.
Nice implementation!
chris.rose.1865904 9 years ago
This is the float I used. It fits and works flawlessly, 2 years so far.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/like/271278325714?lpid=82
veronica.elizabeth.lowe 9 years ago
Thank you! that's actually what I was looking for when I found this guide :) I don't understand the need for the extra electronics, myself.
SyCoQc 9 years ago
That's also a very good idea... But if space is limited the mini plastic float might be to big. If it fits in the reservoir, it's simpler of course. I've just ordered one to see on which Keurig it will fit.
chris.rose.1865904 9 years ago
I had a similar idea though I just used a really small float from Amazon. I will try this electronic method in my Lavica as it may not have room for the float.
Clarkdale44 9 years ago
Hey, its a very nice project. Can you tell me what amps of Relay you have used?
SyCoQc 9 years ago
Clarkdale44 9 years ago
K, thanks, i have one lying around, i got it from an old ups circuit. Its 12v 10A, (N.O).
ronmansfield 10 years ago
It appears to be able to carry enough current to make the relay unnecessary.
Chucktata 10 years ago
My system is about the same as SyCoQc (his switch bracket is pretty clever) but I used a stainless steel vertical float valve from Ebay (
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Stainless-Steel-Liquid-Water-Level-Sensor-Internal-Horizontal-Float-Switch-/221396441174?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338c419856
drilled a hole in the cover) that is capable of carrying 0.5 ampere so the relay is not necessary and it prevents the relay chatter when the switch closes and the inrush to the valve lowers the voltage for an instant. I've been using my level control system for over 18 months happily as I hated hand filling each day. I've also installed it on my Saeco espresso machine. I would recommend installing a throttle valve on the 1/4 line so there is no vibration due to flow. Lastly, I have reverse osmosis water so using brass fittings is not permissible as the water will actually dissolve the zinc in the alloy resulting with leaks. My whole system cost $28 installed. I used to spend 90 seconds filling both machines so I save around 10 hours a year by automating, it was very satisfying. I wish I had thought of the bracket per SyCoQc to avoid drilling the cover.
SyCoQc 10 years ago
The "Sensor Float Switch" I've used is rated at -> Maximum Switching Current: 0.5 A and Max Load Current: 1.0 A. So I think I could have done it without the relay but just wanted to be sure. About the bracket, yes it's a good idea because I'm now using a B70 Platinum model and I've simply swapped my little bracket onto the new reservoir. I'll also soon install a small overflow tube to prevent any spills because one time the float switch or something prevented to stop the water flow. I'll update my instructable. Thanks
maclakey 11 years ago
SyCoQc 11 years ago
maclakey 11 years ago