Finding a puddle around your dehumidifier? A leaking unit is usually a tank or drainage problem rather than an internal failure, and tracing where the water appears points you straight to the cause.
Here is why a dehumidifier leaks and how to fix it.
This article will teach you:
- Where leaks come from
- How the drain and tank work
- What to check first
- When a part has failed
Why the Dehumidifier Leaks
- A misaligned or cracked tank.
- A full tank that overflowed before shutoff.
- A clogged or disconnected drain hose.
- Ice melting off frozen coils.
What You’ll Need
- A towel
- Your owner’s manual
How to Fix a Leaking Dehumidifier
- Reseat the tank. Make sure the tank sits square and the float works.
- Check the drain. If using continuous drain, confirm the hose is attached and sloped down.
- Clear the hose. Flush a clogged drain hose so water flows out.
- Inspect for ice. Melting ice from frozen coils can pool water.
Pro Tip: If you use the continuous drain hose, it must run steadily downhill the whole way. Any dip or upward run backs water up and pushes it out of the unit.
When to Look a Little Deeper
Because leaks tie to drainage and coils, it helps to check those, and reviewing a clogged hose, a pump that will not work, or the humidity sensor can reveal the cause.
Because placement affects drainage, confirming where to place the unit for best results and keeping it clean with a deep clean both help prevent leaks.
When to Call a Pro
A cracked tank should be replaced. If water leaks from inside the cabinet with a clear drain and intact tank, an internal line has failed and needs service.
Wrapping Up
Leaks are usually the tank or drain. Here’s the recap:
- Reseat the tank squarely.
- Confirm the drain hose slopes down.
- Clear a clogged hose.
- Check for melting coil ice.
Check the tank and drain first, and the puddle usually stops. You’ve got this.