How to drain dehumidifiers is a common topic with Sylvane customers. Humidity issues, particularly in basements or crawl spaces, require a dehumidifier to keep homes healthy and comfortable.
What happens to the moisture a dehumidifier collects? Luckily, there are multiple options for draining your dehumidifier. To quickly find a section of this article, use the following links.
VIDEO: How to Drain Your Dehumidifier Automatically
- Do you have to drain a dehumidifier?
- How often do you have to drain a dehumidifier?
- Methods of Draining a Dehumidifier
- What about leaks or pump issues?
- Where do you drain water from a dehumidifier?
- What can I do with water from a dehumidifier?
Do you have to drain a dehumidifier?
In the process of removing moisture from your indoor air, the condensate (water removed) will collect inside an internal bucket. Since it can only hold a specific, limited amount, the bucket will need to be emptied or drained.
How often do you have to drain a dehumidifier?
As the dehumidifier collects condensate, the bucket must be emptied or drained. How quickly this happens depends on the size of the unit and the relative humidity (RH) of your space. The higher the RH, the more quickly the bucket will fill, and the more often it will need to be emptied.
Methods of Draining a Dehumidifier
There are three ways to empty or drain condensate (water) from a dehumidifier: manually, using gravity draining, or using a condensate pump.
Manual Condensate Removal
The easiest way to get rid of the collected water is to manually empty the condensate bucket when it becomes full. Almost all dehumidifiers are equipped with an illuminated alert when the bucket is full, and the unit will shut down when this happens. Simply remove the bucket from the unit, empty it, and replace it.
Gravity Draining
To set up gravity draining:
- Find the drain port on the back of the unit.
- Unscrew the drain plug that connects to your dehumidifier.
- Attach a hose (typically not included with purchase; a standard garden hose can be used).
If your unit doesn't include a drain hose, then a standard garden hose fits most dehumidifiers. The key to this type of draining is that it only works using gravity, so your hose has to lead to a floor drain or other location that’s below the drain port.
Some customers improve drainage by raising their dehumidifier onto another flat surface. A table is ideal, but it needs to be large, flat, and able to hold the weight of your dehumidifier. If you want to use this method, check your setup to make sure the dehumidifier is draining properly.
Condensate Pumps
The most hassle-free way to automatically drain your dehumidifier is with a condensate pump, and many dehumidifiers come with internal condensate pumps. Most pumps push water up to 15 feet vertically or horizontally and will easily reach a sink or out of a window.
Some customers even pump moisture out through doors by cutting a small hole through the door and extending the hose through it to direct water outside.
- Internal Condensate Pump: If your dehumidifier comes with an internal pump, you can expect a drain hose specifically made for your model to be included. Simply attach one end to the drain port and direct the other end to an appropriate drain location. This can include a sink, a drain access port, or a window. When the bucket fills to the predetermined level, the pump is activated and begins to operate.
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External Condensate Pump: If you already have a dehumidifier that doesn't include an internal pump, you can add an affordable external condensate pump. These are simple to set up:
- Attach a hose to the back of the dehumidifier.
- Direct the end of the hose to the external pump.
- Attach the hose included with the pump and direct the other end to an appropriate drain location.
When the pump is full of water, it activates and pushes water up and out of the unit. Once you set it up, review it to make sure the water is making it to your desired location.
One important thing to remember is that all of the manufacturers we work with agree: don't extend your drain hose. It can void warranties and oftentimes create problems.
What About Leaks or Pump Issues?
If you’re using your dehumidifier’s built-in pump, the unit will be alerted if the pump malfunctions and will automatically turn off.
If you’re using an external condensate pump, there is no direct electronic connection between it and the dehumidifier, so the unit will not turn off should there be a problem with the pump. Make sure the pump is properly working before leaving it for long periods of time.
If you’re worried about potential leaks, a water leak detector will notify you when a leak occurs and is an inexpensive way to enjoy peace of mind, especially if you have to be away for a while. Get notifications directly on your phone with the Honeywell Wi-Fi detector.
Where do you drain water from a dehumidifier?
Collected condensate can be drained into a convenient floor drain, out of a window, through a drain access port in the wall, or any other appropriate place the hose will reach. If your unit has a pump, you can drain it vertically or horizontally to a window, sink, or other raised location.
Your specific dehumidifier or external pump will provide information about how far it can pump water. Most dehumidifier pumps, whether internal or external, can move water between 15 and 17 feet vertically or horizontally. We always suggest you check your dehumidifier's setup prior to long-term use, just to be sure.
What can I do with water from a dehumidifier?
Many customers wonder what to do if they don’t want to discard their collected moisture in a sink or down a drain. It can be used to water plants, wash your car, or do other types of tasks. However, condensate is not potable and should not be consumed by you or any pets you have (and we get this question a lot).
In Summary
There are multiple ways to drain collected moisture from your dehumidifier: manually remove the internal bucket, add a hose to use gravity and direct moisture to a floor drain, or use a condensate pump to push moisture up and out.
Still Have Questions?
Draining your dehumidifier can be confusing depending on your set up. If you’d like a personal consultation, please contact our product experts at 1-800-934-9194. You can also reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter. For more helpful air quality videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel.
