How to fix a dehumidifier that won’t drain properly

Got a dehumidifier that’s being stubborn and won’t drain? Noticing water piling up in the tank when it should be flowing out through the hose? No worries, you can try some DIY fixes before thinking about getting a new one. This guide will help you troubleshoot common drainage issues like clogged hoses, faulty pumps, or a continuous drain setup that’s just not cutting it.

The tips in this article might not fit your specific appliance model. We aim to dish out helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance repairs, but different models and setups can mean different steps, error codes, parts, you get the idea. For spot-on guidance, it’s best to peek at the manufacturer’s documentation for your exact model or hit us up with any questions.

Why proper drainage matters

Your dehumidifier’s main gig is to yank extra moisture out of the air. That water either drips into a bucket or goes through a hose into a sink, drain, or maybe an external container. If it’s not draining right, your dehumidifier might overflow or shut off outta nowhere. Sometimes, you’ll still have a damp space ’cause it can’t keep pulling humidity if the tank’s full.

Sorting out drainage issues pronto makes sure your dehumidifier runs like a champ. Plus, it keeps your home safe from mold and moisture damage, trust me, you don’t wanna deal with that mess later. The good news? Most drainage problems are a cinch to fix, especially when you’ve got the right info and easy-to-find replacement parts. Need help finding parts or figuring out your dehumidifier’s model? Swing by our page on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Check your continuous drainage setup

Lots of dehumidifiers let you set up continuous drainage so you don’t have to empty it by hand. Usually, you hook up a hose to a fitting on the side or back. If everything’s set up right, water should flow outta the tank into a floor drain, sink, or even a sump pump basin. A not-so-great setup is often why drainage goes haywire, so let’s make sure everything’s connected the way it should be.

1. Find the drainage port, it’s usually on the back, near where the water bucket sits.
2. If needed, pull out the reservoir to get to the hose connection port. On many models, you’ll see it right above or behind the bucket area.
3. Hook up a garden hose or the hose recommended by your dehumidifier’s maker. Make sure it’s snug, and if there’s a sealing washer needed, don’t forget that.
4. Run the other end of the hose to a drain or sink. Make sure the hose slopes downward without any kinks or loops. Gravity’s gotta do its thing, any uphill bits can cause backups.
5. Double-check the control panel. Pick the continuous drainage option if there’s a setting for it. Some units detect the hose automatically; others need you to press a button.
6. Fire up the dehumidifier to test for leaks. Watch if water flows through the hose. If it’s still pooling in the bucket, go back over your steps and make sure everything’s lined up right.

Give the drain hose a once-over

A clogged or kinked drain hose is a usual suspect when drainage isn’t working. Stuff like debris, dust, or even mildew can build up over time, especially if the hose hangs out in a damp spot. Regular check-ups help you dodge blockages that stop water from flowing smoothly.

1. Turn off and unplug the dehumidifier, better safe than sorry when mixing electricity and water.
2. Detach the drain hose from the port. Most times, you just twist or pull it off. If you’re not sure, your user’s manual’s got your back.
3. Take a good look at the hose. Lay it flat or hold it up and peek through it. If there’s a blockage, you might spot a clump of gunk or buildup.
4. Flush out the hose with water. For stubborn clogs, soak it in some soapy water or run a long, flexible brush through it to break up the mess.
5. Check for kinks or stiffness. If the hose is bent outta shape or feels worn, you might wanna replace it. Keep an eye out for cracks that could cause leaks, too.
6. Hook the hose back up and make sure it’s sealed tight on both ends. Turn on the dehumidifier again and see if the water flows.

Make sure the unit’s level

Sounds almost too simple, but if your dehumidifier isn’t sitting level, it might not drain ’cause water’s pooling away from the hose port or pump inlet. If it’s on a slant or uneven carpet, it can’t channel the moisture right. Giving your appliance a level surface is an easy fix you shouldn’t skip.

1. Shut off and unplug the dehumidifier. Pull it away from the wall so you can check all sides.
2. Place a bubble level on top. Check side to side and front to back. If the bubble’s off-center, adjust it.
3. Use shims or tweak the feet (if it’s got adjustable ones) to get it level.
4. Plug it back in and let it run. See if the water’s now draining like it should.

Check the float switch

The float switch kicks in when the water tank’s full. In some models, a little arm or lever rises with the water level and shuts off the dehumidifier or tells the pump to start. If this part’s acting up, the dehumidifier might shut off too soon or never trigger the pump. Either way, water won’t drain like it should.

1. Turn off and unplug the dehumidifier. You’ll be poking around inside, so better to play it safe.
2. Find the float switch, it’s usually near the water bucket or just above it.
3. Carefully remove the switch. It might just unclip, or you might need a screwdriver.
4. Check the float mechanism. Make sure the arm moves freely. If it’s gummed up with debris or minerals, clean it off with a soft cloth.
5. Look at the electrical connections. If the wires or terminals are corroded, you might need to clean or swap them out.
6. Use a multimeter to test it. With the switch in the ‘up’ position, see if the circuit opens or closes like it should. If there’s no continuity, you might need a new float switch.
7. Put everything back together, plug in the dehumidifier, and see if things are back to normal. A working float switch helps the dehumidifier run smoothly, draining water when it’s supposed to.

Take a look at the internal pump

Some dehumidifiers have an internal pump to push water along, especially if it needs to go uphill. If you’ve tried the continuous drain setup and the hose is clear, the pump might be the culprit. A busted pump won’t move the water, leaving you with a tank that stays full unless you empty it yourself.

1. Unplug the dehumidifier, can’t stress this enough.
2. Find the pump. It’s usually behind an access panel or near the water tank. If you’re not sure, check your manual or our repair help resources.
3. Remove any screws or clips holding the pump in place. Keep them somewhere safe.
4. Inspect the pump and any small tubes connected to it. If you spot cracks or damage, you might need replacement parts from AppliancePartsPros.com.
5. Look inside the pump inlet for debris. Lint or sediment can clog things up, stopping water from moving.
6. Clean it up and put it back together. If you think the pump motor’s shot, you can test it with a multimeter. Set it to measure resistance (ohms). A healthy pump should show some resistance. If it reads zero or infinite, the coil might be toast. Time for a new pump if that’s the case.
7. Plug the dehumidifier back in and see if the pump’s working now. If water’s still hanging around in the bucket, consider other factors like the float switch or whether the unit’s level.

Wrapping up

Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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