How to stop my dehumidifier from leaking

If you’ve walked into a room and been startled to find a puddle under your dehumidifier, you might have scrambled to wipe up the mess and wondered how this could happen. No one wants to experience the chaos that can be caused by a faulty appliance. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you correct a leaking dehumidifier problem for good.

Several issues can cause dehumidifier leaks, so let’s walk through the troubleshooting process so you can find out what’s going wrong with your specific unit.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your dehumidifier while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

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Common reasons your dehumidifier is leaking water

Misaligned water tank

This is often one of the simplest causes of a leaky dehumidifier. If the removable water tank isn’t properly aligned or seated, condensation can spill out the sides instead of draining into the tank.

Cracked or damaged water tank

Over time, the plastic water tank can develop cracks, splits, or holes that allow water to leak out even when it’s aligned. If the tank has any signs of damage, you’ll need to replace it.

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Loose drain hose

If your dehumidifier drains directly into a floor drain or condensate pump, a loose drain hose can cause drips and leaks. Make sure the drain hose is secure and doesn’t have any kinks or coils that could block proper drainage.

Clogged drain hose

A drain hose that’s blocked with debris, algae or mold can also lead to backups and leaks. Regularly detach it and give it a good cleaning with a pipe cleaner or stiff wire brush to prevent any problems.

Full/overflowing water tank

If the water tank is allowed to fill up completely, there’s nowhere for the new condensation to go, so it may overflow. Empty the tank regularly to prevent leaks.

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Stuck float switch

The float switch signals when the water tank is full and needs to be emptied. If this switch gets stuck, the unit may keep running and overfill the tank.

Carefully scrub and adjust the switch to make sure it’s able to move and signal the unit to shut off when the water tank fills up.

Frozen evaporator coils

When the evaporator coils get too cold, they can freeze over and cause ice buildup that eventually melts and leaks out from the dehumidifier.

Your unit could experience frozen evaporator coils if it has restricted airflow or a faulty humidistat.

If the humidistat is set to the wrong temperature or isn’t reading the temperature correctly, the compressor may stay on longer than usual and cause the coils to freeze. If your unit has dirty air filters or another blockage restricting airflow, there won’t be enough heat to prevent the condensation on the coils from turning to ice.

If the evaporator coils are frozen, power off the dehumidifier and let them thaw out completely before running it again. Only operate the unit in temperatures above 65°F to prevent future freezing.

Condensation drips

Even after the dehumidifier shuts off, condensation can continue to drip off the warm coils for a little while. If you move the unit too soon after it’s turned off, that moisture might end up on your floor.

READ MORE: How to prevent appliance fire hazards

How to troubleshoot a leaky dehumidifier

Step 1: Clean the air filter

A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing the evaporator coils to freeze and subsequently leak as they thaw.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing and cleaning the air filter. This typically involves rinsing the filter with water and letting it dry completely before reinserting it.

Step 2: Check the water container

1. Turn off the dehumidifier and disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Check that the water tank is correctly seated and fully inserted.
3. Look for any cracks or damage in the water tank that might cause water to leak out.

Replace the tank if necessary. If the container looks good, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Check the evaporator coils for frost

• If you see frost on the coils, turn off the unit and let it thaw. Move it to a warmer location to speed up the thawing process.
• Make sure the room temperature is within the operating range specified by the manufacturer. Dehumidifiers typically work best at temperatures above 60°.

Step 4: Inspect the unit for damage

Look over the unit for cracks or damage where water might escape. You might be able to temporarily fix minor cracks by sealing them with waterproof silicone, but any significant damage will likely require more extensive repair or replacement of the unit.

Step 5: Inspect the drainage system

If your dehumidifier has a continuous drainage feature:

1. Make sure the hose is securely connected to the dehumidifier.
2. Look through the hose for any obstruction that might cause water to back up and leak. Clear any blockages that you find.
3. Look over the hose for any signs of damage and replace it if needed.

Step 6: Test the humidistat

An improperly working humidistat might cause the dehumidifier to run continuously, which can lead to water overflow and leaks. Some models have a test mode on the humidistat to check its functionality. Replace the humidistat if it’s defective and one is available for your model.

Dehumidifier cleaning & maintenance tips

Prevent leaks from happening in the first place with these maintenance tips to keep your appliance in tip-top shape:

• Keep the unit on a level, even floor.
• Empty the water tank often. How often you’ll need to do this depends on how much moisture it’s pulling from the air and the size of the tank.
• Clean the water tank regularly to ward off mold and mildew. Make sure it’s dry before you reinstall it.
• Keep an eye on the air intake and exhaust grilles. Dust and debris can block them, which can negatively affect airflow and make your dehumidifier work harder than it needs to, which can strain its internal parts.
• Keep the dehumidifier away from walls and furniture so it can perform correctly.
• Check the air filter every month and clean or replace it as needed. A fresh filter stops dust from getting inside the unit and helps the air and the machine stay clean. Check your unit’s manual for manufacturer recommendations on cleaning and replacing the filter.
• Check and clean the coils at least once a year to clean off any dust or dirt.
• If your dehumidifier drains through a hose, regularly inspect it to make sure it’s not clogged.
• Check the power cord every now and then for damage. A frayed or damaged cord can be dangerous.
• Don’t try to hide the power cord. Keep it away from flammable materials like bedding, papers and boxes.
• If you’re not going to use the dehumidifier for a while, clean it thoroughly, empty the water container and clean the air filter before you put it away. Store it in a cool, dry spot.
• Consider investing in a hygrometer to check the humidity levels in your home. This can help you decide how much you need to use your dehumidifier.
• When in doubt, always look at the user manual and technical sheet for your unit. They are your best resources for specific maintenance instructions and troubleshooting.

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More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you fix your leaky dehumidifier.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more. We can also help you troubleshoot common dehumidifier problems here.

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