Why Is My Dehumidifier Not Draining Through The Hose? (Solved)

Nothing can be more annoying than not being able to drain the water from your dehumidifier. 

In this post, I’ll be answering the question: why is my dehumidifier not draining through the hose?

I am going to also show you how you can easily fix this problem. By following these easy steps, you are sure to have it working again in no time.

Let’s get started…

Why Is My Dehumidifier Not Draining Through The Hose?

There are many reasons why your dehumidifier is not draining through the hose, the most common reason is a clogged hose or has bends, also if the end of the hose is too high, the bucket is full, the end of the hose is standing in water, or there could be an improper connection of the hose adapter.

Let’s take a closer look at each reason…

The Hose Is Clogged Or Has Bends

This is one of the major reasons your dehumidifier won’t drain through the hose. A clogged or bent hose prevents water from draining into it, so instead, it pools around the unit.

Check for kinks, bends, or clogs in the hose and remove them if you see any. It’s also a good idea to occasionally clean out the entire dehumidifier, including all parts of the drain line.

The End Of The Hose Is Too High

The hose drainage setup often relies on gravity. If the end of the hose is on a higher level relative to the unit, then the water won’t be able to flow through.

In this case, you should lower the end of your hose so that it’s on a level with or below the base of the dehumidifier. If this doesn’t solve your problem, you can also try raising your dehumidifier so that gravity is working in its favor.

A good rule of thumb is to always have the hose running downhill at least one foot before it reaches the drain or bucket.

The Bucket Is Full, Or The Drainage Spout Isn’t Open

If there’s already a significant amount of water in the bucket, it won’t be able to drain through once more liquid gets into it.

Most dehumidifiers are designed to stop any further drainage once the bucket is full. So if the full-bucket indicator is on, empty the bucket and then turn the dehumidifier back on.

If your bucket isn’t full, ensure that the drainage spout is open and not blocked by any debris or other items.

You can usually tell if it’s working properly because water should drain from where you’ve connected the hose to your unit.

The End Of The Hose Is In Standing Water

If you have routed the drainage hose into a drain, like into a sink or a standpipe, ensure that its end is not in standing water.

When this happens, the water from your unit won’t come out due to the pressure difference created by the standing water.

Often, the water from your unit doesn’t have as much pressure as water in a standpipe, which prevents it from draining properly. So adjust the output end accordingly if you have this problem.

Improper Connection Of The Hose Adapter

Improper installation of the hose adapter can lead to your dehumidifier not draining through the hose. Be sure that all pieces are in place and are securely fastened together.

You should also check for any leaks around this area if you notice water pooling near your unit, even when it’s turned off. A faulty power cord connection can cause similar problems with drainage.

Check that the cord is screwed in tightly and doesn’t have any visible damage, including at either end of it.

Any damaged cords should be replaced immediately to avoid electrical accidents or injury when using your dehumidifier.

How To Get A Dehumidifier To Drain Through The Hose?

• Ensure the hose adapter is installed properly
• Make sure the draining hose runs downhill
• Ensure the hose is not clogged and has no kinks and bends
• Make sure the end of the output isn’t in standing water
• Empty the bucket if it’s full

Does A Dehumidifier Need A Drain Hose?

Most dehumidifiers come with a drain hose, but you don’t always need the hose if you can empty the bucket by hand or have a drainage system for it.

Can You Drain A Dehumidifier Into A Bucket? 

Yes. However, make sure that the unit is on a higher level than the bucket. This way, the water from the unit will always be running downhill with the help of gravity.

Dehumidifier Drain Hose Maximum Length

Most companies provide draining hoses up to 16 feet long.

However, depending on where you set ut the unit, this may be too long, increasing the risks of backflow, kinking, and clogging. You might want to cut off excess hose if you do not need the entire length.

Can A Dehumidifier Drain Uphill?

No. As noted earlier, the drainage system is designed to drain with the help of gravity. So make sure that you set up a dehumidifier on a higher level than your drainage bucket or system to work properly.

Where Do You Connect The Drain Hose On A Dehumidifier? 

The drain hose is attached to the drain port, often found at the back of the unit. Most units will have this part clearly shown. There are also user manuals that come with your unit that show the exact location.

How To Clean Dehumidifier Drain Hose

Remove the hose from the unit. Making sure it has no bends or kinks, flush it with some high-pressure water, say, from a tap. Flush with some white vinegar and soap solution and then rinse with high-pressure water.

Can You Use A Garden Hose On A Dehumidifier?

Yes. However, see that the garden hose fits properly into the drainage hose, so there are no leaks. Also, make sure that the hose is slanted, so it doesn’t cause backflow problems with your unit.

Final thoughts: How do you fix a dehumidifier that won’t drain?

Fixing a dehumidifier that won’t drain should not be too difficult, provided you know what to do.

In most cases, it’s a simple fix that doesn’t need a professional technician or contractor. So follow the steps above and see if they help with your particular problem.

If the problem doesn’t go away, there could be some issues in the unit, and this calls for professional help.