There are two sharps that function to pierce the K-cup and provide water flow. The upper one seems to have two orifices just below the sharp tip and these may need to be cleaned out. The lower sharp also has an orifice, I found only one, which pierces the lower part of the cup, perhaps to provide air or water passage. If you brew capacchino or cocoa in addition to coffee, that lower orifice may be clogged. You will need a paper clip, flashlight and glasses to find and clear the orifices. Push clip into orifice about 3/4". Proceed slowly.