{"id":8185,"date":"2024-04-09T09:16:31","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T16:16:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=8185"},"modified":"2024-04-17T08:37:03","modified_gmt":"2024-04-17T15:37:03","slug":"dehumidifier-leaking-how-to-fix-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/c\/dehumidifier-leaking-how-to-fix-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to stop my dehumidifier from leaking"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve 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\u2019t worry! We’re here to help you correct a leaking dehumidifier problem for good.<\/p>\n

Several issues can cause dehumidifier leaks, so let\u2019s walk through the troubleshooting process so you can find out what\u2019s going wrong with your specific unit.<\/p>\n

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your dehumidifier<\/strong><\/a> while you\u2019re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number<\/strong><\/a> at AppliancePartsPros.com<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:<\/em><\/strong> 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.<\/em><\/p>\n

READ MORE: <\/em><\/strong>How Dehumidifiers Work: A Comprehensive Guide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n

Common reasons your dehumidifier is leaking water<\/h2>\n

Misaligned water tank<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Cracked or damaged water tank<\/h3>\n

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\u2019ll need to replace it.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: How to Childproof Appliances<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Loose drain hose<\/h3>\n

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\u2019t have any kinks or coils that could block proper drainage.<\/p>\n

Clogged drain hose<\/h3>\n

A drain hose that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Full\/overflowing water tank<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Making Your Home Appliances Last Longer: An Overview of Average Lifespans<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Stuck float switch<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Frozen evaporator coils<\/h3>\n

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

Your unit could experience frozen evaporator coils if it has restricted airflow or a faulty humidistat.<\/p>\n

If the humidistat is set to the wrong temperature or isn\u2019t 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\u2019t be enough heat to prevent the condensation on the coils from turning to ice.<\/p>\n

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\u00b0F to prevent future freezing.<\/p>\n

Condensation drips<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s turned off, that moisture might end up on your floor.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: How to prevent appliance fire hazards<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

How to troubleshoot a leaky dehumidifier<\/h2>\n

Step 1: Clean the air filter<\/h3>\n

A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing the evaporator coils to freeze and subsequently leak as they thaw.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Check the water container<\/h3>\n
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  1. Turn off the dehumidifier and disconnect it from the power supply.<\/li>\n
  2. Check that the water tank is correctly seated and fully inserted.<\/li>\n
  3. Look for any cracks or damage in the water tank that might cause water to leak out.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Replace the tank if necessary. If the container looks good, move on to the next step.<\/p>\n

    Step 3: Check the evaporator coils for frost<\/h3>\n