How to replace a dehumidifier’s water bucket or tank

Your dehumidifier’s water bucket, sometimes known as the reservoir or tank, is where all that pulled-in moisture ends up. If it’s leaking or busted, you might find puddles on your floor or notice your dehumidifier acting up. Here, we’ll help you spot a faulty water bucket and walk you through swapping it out, one step at a time.

The tips here might not fit your exact dehumidifier model. We do our best to give solid advice for DIY fixes, but different models can have their own quirks, like unique troubleshooting steps or parts. For spot-on guidance, it’s best to check your machine’s manual or reach out to us if you’ve got questions.

Signs your water bucket is bad

If your dehumidifier’s water bucket isn’t doing its job, you could run into a bunch of problems. Look out for cracks, warping, or any leaks from the tank. Also, pay attention if your dehumidifier’s running more (or less) than usual. Here are some telltale signs that your bucket needs some love.

• Visible cracks and warping: Physical damage is usually the easiest to catch. Cracks might show up if you dropped the bucket, pushed too hard when taking it out, or if it’s been in extreme temperatures. Keep an eye out for white stress lines or any warping in the plastic—things like obvious cracks, splits at the seams, or dented edges.
• Water keeps pooling on the floor: If there’s water under your dehumidifier, chances are you’ve got a leak. Maybe the bucket isn’t sitting right, or there’s a tiny crack letting water sneak out. If you mop it up and it returns after the next cycle, your bucket’s probably to blame.
• Overflowing or sensor problems: Many dehumidifiers have float switches or sensors to keep tabs on water levels. If these gizmos get bad info because your bucket doesn’t fit right or is damaged, the unit might shut off too soon or not at all. Often, it’s all because the bucket isn’t sealing properly anymore.

Why swapping out the bucket matters

Using a dehumidifier with a leaky bucket can make it shut off too soon or spill water on your floor—not ideal! Besides the slippery mess, it stops your space from getting properly dehumidified. Plus, running it with a cracked bucket can lead to mold and bacteria since moisture builds up where it shouldn’t, and internal parts stay damp. Replacing the bucket ASAP when you spot damage not only keeps your dehumidifier running longer but also helps keep your home healthier.

Prepare to swap out the water bucket

So you’ve figured out your bucket’s busted or leaking. Before you pop in a new one, there are some prep steps to make the job safe and easy.

• Unplug and empty it out: First things first, turn off and unplug your dehumidifier to dodge any electrical shocks. If there’s water in the bucket, pour it out gently. You don’t want to accidentally tip the whole thing and spill water onto the floor or, worse, into the electrical bits.
• Find and check your model number: Since dehumidifiers vary in bucket size and sensor hookups, you’ll need to know your exact model number to grab the right replacement. Not sure where to find it? Check out how to find your appliance’s model number. Having the correct number ensures you get a bucket that fits your unit perfectly.
• Grab your tools and new bucket: Get the matching replacement bucket for your dehumidifier. Have a soft cloth or towel handy to clean inside the unit. Sometimes, you might need a mild soap solution to tackle any mineral buildup or mold. Usually, you won’t need any special tools, but it’s good to have a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver nearby in case you need to tweak the control panel or any brackets.

How to remove and replace the water bucket

Here are the steps to swap out your old bucket for a new one. We’ve kept it straightforward so you can tackle this on your own. If anything seems tricky, check your dehumidifier’s manual or hit us up for repair help.

Take out the old bucket

1. Remove any cover or door panel. Some units have a little front or side panel holding the bucket in place. If so, gently open or remove it to get to the bucket.
2. Pull out the bucket. Grab the handle or edges and slide it out. Different models latch differently, but usually, it’s a simple pull. If it feels stuck, check for junk in the tracks or warping that’s causing it to snag.
3. Check the float assembly or sensor. Some buckets have a float or sensor attached—like a little plastic arm or a clip-on sensor. If yours does, remove it carefully and note how it’s attached so you can hook it up to the new bucket the same way.
4. Look over the reservoir area. Peek inside where the bucket sits for any mold, mineral gunk, or residue. Wipe it down with a soft cloth. If there’s stubborn buildup, a bit of warm soapy water can help. Just make sure the unit’s unplugged, and don’t get water into the electrical parts.

Check and clean around the unit

Before you pop in the new bucket, take a good look around the dehumidifier’s case for any cracks or leaks not related to the bucket. If your unit has a continuous drain option, pay attention to that connection. Make sure the float switch or sensor housing isn’t gunked up. While the bucket’s out, gently clear away any dust or lint from the coils or fan area. This keeps your dehumidifier running smoothly and can prevent future headaches.

Put in the new bucket

1. Compare the buckets. Place the old and new buckets side by side. Make sure the new one matches in size, shape, and orientation. Check for the same float attachment or sensor cutouts if needed.
2. Attach the float or sensor. If your bucket had a float or sensor, hook it up to the new one just like before. Align any brackets or clips, and make sure any float arms move freely.
3. Slide the new bucket in. Insert the bucket the same way you took it out. Make sure it’s flush with the unit. You might hear or feel a click when it’s in place. Alignment is important since many dehumidifiers have an internal switch triggered by the bucket.
4. Close any cover or door. If there’s a cover or door, shut it firmly. Things need to fit snugly; otherwise, the dehumidifier might not start up properly.

Test it out

1. Turn it back on. Plug in your dehumidifier and switch it on. Let it run for a bit.
2. Watch for leaks. Keep an eye out to make sure the bucket’s collecting water without any drips. If you spot a leak, turn it off and double-check for misalignment or any hidden cracks.
3. Check the sensor works. As the bucket fills up, the float or sensor should tell the unit to shut off. If it keeps running when the bucket’s full, re-examine the float or sensor positioning.
4. Empty and test again. Once there’s some water in the bucket, empty it and put it back. Make sure the dehumidifier starts up again. If it does, you’re all set!

Wrapping up

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Got more questions or need help finding the right replacement for your dehumidifier? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you sort out your appliance problems and make sure you get the perfect part for your model.