Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water – Reasons and Solutions

Dehumidifiers are essential appliances for many households, especially in areas with high humidity levels. They work by removing excess moisture from the air, which can help prevent mold growth, reduce allergies and asthma symptoms, and create a more comfortable living environment.

However, if your dehumidifier is not collecting water, it can be frustrating and even worsen the problem. This article will explore why a dehumidifier may not be collecting water and provide solutions to help you get your dehumidifier back up and running.

From a clogged air filter to a malfunctioning drainage system, we will cover the most common issues and provide step-by-step instructions to help you troubleshoot and fix the problem. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, this article will provide the information you need to keep your dehumidifier running smoothly and effectively.

Related: Best Dehumidifier for Basement – Top 5 Options in 2023

Why Is My Dehumidifier Running but Not Collecting Water?

If your dehumidifier is running but doesn’t collect water, the following may be the reason. 

• Fan motor
• Capacitor
• Overload
• Electronic Control Board or PCB Assembly

Fan Motor

A faulty fan motor will cause the dehumidifier not to collect water from the air. The fan motor ensures continuous airflow to the evaporator coils, preventing icing scenarios. 

You can fix this issue by ensuring the grille permits free air movement. Also, you should remove dust and debris from the evaporator coils and fan cover. In addition, ensure the fan can rotate freely, and its blower wheel is fixed to the motor shaft.

 

Capacitor

If your room temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit, yet your dehumidifier isn’t collecting water, the compressor circuit’s capacitor may be faulty. The compressor should circulate the refrigerant to collect moisture from the air into the bucket. However, with a faulty capacitor, the compressor won’t operate, and water won’t collect in the bucket. 

If you think the capacitor is the issue with your faulty dehumidifier, you can have a licensed technician check the capacitor.

Overload

If your room temperature is more than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but your dehumidifier isn’t collecting water, the Overload may be faulty. 

The Overload protects the motor from damage. However, if the Overload fails to work, the compressor won’t work too, and no water will collect in the bucket.

Related: Best Dehumidifier for Bedroom – 6 Desiccant & Compressor Models

Electronic Control Board or PCB Assembly

The electronic control board has sensors that auto checks the ambient humidity of the room and communicates to the compressor to operate accordingly. The humidifier won’t collect water if this component miscommunicates with the fan motor and the compressor. 

You can fix this issue by using a multimeter to test the voltage of the output relays. 

How Do You Fix a Dehumidifier That Will Not Collect Water?

Try the following solutions to fix a dehumidifier that will not collect water.

Check if the Float Switch Is Stuck.

The float switch ensures the dehumidifier doesn’t overflow or spill water everywhere.

The water level in the collection tank triggers the float switch when it reaches a certain level. Once triggered, it breaks the control board connection, shutting down the dehumidifier. 

However, the float board can get stuck even with low water levels in the collection tank. If this is the case, follow the steps below to fix it. 

1. Detach the collection tank from your dehumidifier.
2. Locate the float switch assembly. It is in the same area as the collection tank should be.
3. Gently knock the float switch assembly several times to reset it to its desired position.

Check for Clogged Drain Pipe

When you clog your dehumidifier drain pipe, it won’t let water flow freely. Instead, water will get stuck inside the dehumidifier. If the trapped water reaches a certain level, it will trigger the float switch, which will consequently shut down the dehumidifier, preventing further eater collection. 

To unclog the clogged drain pipe, stick a drain snake or a brush inside the pipe to remove trapped debris.

 

Clean the Air Filter

If your dehumidifier air filter is clogged, the humidifier won’t collect water as expected. You can troubleshoot this problem by cleaning the air filter. Fortunately, it is an easy process. Remove the filter and rinse it with clean water. Give it a few minutes to dry before you reinstall it. 

Clean the Dehumidifier’s Coils

A clogged dehumidifier coil will deter airflow even if the dehumidifier is running. If left unaddressed, it may cause the dehumidifier not to collect water. To prevent such from happening, you should disassemble your dehumidifier and dust off the coils using compressed air. 

How Do You Know if Your Dehumidifier Is Not Working?

Your humidifier is not working if you experience any of the following conditions. 

• The humidifier is not collecting water.
• The humidifier rattles or produces a noisy sound when you turn it on.
• The humidifier collects frost.
• The humidifier spills water onto your floor.
• The humidifier stays on and won’t turn off.
• The humidifier runs only for a short period and eventually shuts off. 

Why Do Dehumidifiers Fail So Quickly?

Dehumidifiers fail quickly because they have electrical parts that wear out with time. Also, they have internal wiring systems that may loosen from their respective terminals, causing the unit to fail.

In addition, grime and dust build-up may clog the dehumidifier coils, causing the unit not to collect water.

  

Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water in Winter

You should know that dehumidifiers are more efficient in warm temperatures rather than in cool temperatures. When winter comes, the air becomes dry, making the dehumidifier less efficient. 

If the temperatures drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the dehumidifier will not work efficiently and may not collect water. This condition is more common under extremely low humidity conditions. 

Another reason is that your dehumidifier evaporator coil can freeze when the temperatures drop below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. If the evaporator coil freezes, the humidifier will only be able to collect water if you defrost it.

  

GE Dehumidifier Runs but Not Collecting Water

If your GE dehumidifier runs but can’t collect water, it means that the dehumidifier is faulty. A possible fix for this issue may be a dehumidifier reset. To do so, disconnect it from the power outlet and leave it for about 30 seconds. Reconnect the dehumidifier back to the power outlet and configure its control settings.

   

Will a Dehumidifier Always Collect Water

Yes, the humidifier will always collect water if moisture is present in the air. However, the dehumidifier type will determine how it collects water. For instance, portable electric dehumidifiers have a bucket that collects water when the unit runs, though it varies in size depending on the model.

On the other hand, desiccant dehumidifiers won’t collect water, but rather absorb it. To maintain a steady operation, you need to recharge the dehumidifier.

 

Hisense Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water

If your Hisense dehumidifier doesn’t collect water, it isn’t working as expected. Disconnect the power for about 30 seconds to reset the unit. It should work properly when you reconnect it to the power source and turn it on.

 

 

Meaco Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water

The Meaco dehumidifier allows you to set a point depending on the level you want your unit to dry the air. The dehumidifier will stop working when the relative humidity falls below this level. Don’t worry; it will start working again when the relative humidity rises above the set level. 

 

 

Arctic King Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water

Arctic King dehumidifier has a Frost Guard on the condenser coil. The frost guard shuts down the compressor when frost builds up on the condenser coil. This process will cause the Arctic King dehumidifier not to collect water. The compressor will only turn back on when the frost melts; thus, the dehumidifier collects water again. 

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