Why Your Dehumidifier Isn’t Collecting Water & How to Clean It

A dehumidifier helps control moisture levels in any space by removing water from humid air. If you don't see water being collected in the tank, it's a sign that your dehumidifier has stopped working or isn't operating at optimal capacity. The problem is usually easy to fix.

In this guide, we'll explore the most common dehumidifier problems and how to clean your unit properly to prevent future issues.

Why a Dehumidifier Stops Collecting Water

Don't freak out if you see your dehumidifier has stopped working! Most of the time, the issues can be fixed easily. Here are some common reasons that cause interruption while using a dehumidifier.

Room Humidity Level Is Too Low

An electric dehumidifier works to lower humidity to a certain level, which can be set on some models. When the dehumidifier stops working, the amount of moisture may have reached the required level. In other words, when the air is already dry, dehumidifiers will automatically stop and won't produce water. 

Solution: Check the humidity setting on your unit. The usual aim for humidity for an indoor environment is between 40–50%. If needed, feel free to adjust it further. Hire dehumidifiers from Speedy for expert advice on the right humidity level for your project!

Temperature Is Too Cold

Compressor dehumidifiers use refrigerated coils to condense moisture. If the air temperature is below +5°C (41°F), these coils may freeze. This will cause your dehumidifier to stop working properly. 

Solution: Try moving the unit to a warmer room or hire a low-temperature model. However, the better option for reducing the humidity in a cold environment is to use a desiccant dehumidifier, which uses a moisture-absorbing wheel instead.

Water Tank Is Full or Misaligned

In some cases, the water tank attached to the dehumidifiers is full or misaligned, which will prevent the unit from collecting water in the tank, or on some models, operating at all. The stuck float switch is designed to shut the machine off to prevent overflow. Otherwise, it'll lead to leaking problems and mess up the nearby areas.

Solution: Empty the tank, clean the float, and reseat the container firmly in place. If the water tank has a defect, you'll need to contact the supplier and ask for an exchange. Here are the steps to clean the water tank if you have one:

1. Remove the water tank carefully.
2. Empty any remaining water.
3. Rinse the tank with warm water.
4. Wipe the inside with a cloth dipped in diluted vinegar to prevent mould.
5. Rinse again with clean water and dry with a towel.

Some dehumidifiers might come with an auto pump-out feature, which means there will be a hose for water to flow directly to the drain. If your unit has a drain hose, you'll need to detach it. Run warm water through the hose to flush out dirt or blockages and reattach it. Having a dehumidifier with a drain hose simplifies the cleaning process since you don't have to check and empty the water tank constantly.

Clogged or Dirty Filter

Moist air is pulled from the surroundings through a filter. If the filter is clogged, airflow is restricted, reducing efficiency and increasing energy use. 

Solution: Remove the filter, clean it with warm soapy water, and replace it if worn out. You should always clean or replace filters regularly after use or between long periods of time.

To clean a filter on a dehumidifier:

1. Remove the filter. This is placed behind the vents on the front or top of a dehumidifier where the humid air is drawn in from.
2. Wash it in warm, soapy water.
3. Rinse and dry the filter completely

Faulty or Broken Component

A dehumidifier may not operate and extract moisture if any internal parts, like the fan motor, compressor, or humidistat, are defective. This problem is far more difficult to spot and find the root cause. 

Solution: If basic checks don’t work, consult the manual and call a qualified technician for repair. To avoid having to deal with breakdown headaches, consider hiring a dehumidifier from Speedy! We ensure all units are serviced and suitable for your project's needs.

Unsuitable Dehumidifier for the Space

Choosing the wrong model can also result in a dehumidifier not working as expected. For example, using a small dehumidifier for a large room or warehouse will limit its effectiveness at resolving the problem. Although the dehumidifier may seem like it's working and the water tank is filling up, your room might never reach the level of humidity that you need. Especially in construction projects where dehumidifiers are used to help with the drying process. 

Solution: Use a dehumidifier with a higher output. If you're working on a construction site, you likely need to hire an industrial dehumidifier. Our Dri-Eaz dehumidification unit can remove up to 48 litres of water per day.

Low Refrigerant Fluid

If you've used your dehumidifier for a long time, the unit may run out of refrigerant fluid, which is used to cool down the coils. Compressor dehumidifiers need refrigerant fluid to cool the coils. If it runs out, the unit won't be able to condense moisture in the air.

Solution: Refilling refrigerant fluid requires special tools and professional help. You might need a qualified technician to check and refill it. At Speedy, we ensure all units are serviced and ready to use, to avoid hassle-free use every time.

Poor Placement of the Dehumidifier

Placement affects performance. If the unit is kept in a confined space, airflow can be blocked, which can prevent it from collecting water. On the other hand, if it’s placed in a very large area, the dehumidifier will struggle to lower the humidity and may take a long time to reach the level you want.

Solution: Place the unit in the centre of the room away from walls and furniture. Keep windows and doors closed to prevent more humid air from entering the room.

How to Clean a Dehumidifier Properly

Regular cleaning helps your dehumidifier to last longer, run efficiently, and prevents mould and odours. Always turn off and unplug the unit before deep-cleaning it.

Here are the steps to clean a dehumidifier.

1. Clean the filter. Remove the air filter and wash it in warm, soapy water to remove dust and blockages. Let the filter dry completely before installing it again. Change your filter if it looks damaged or worn out. 
2. Empty and wash the water tank/ Flush the drain hose. Make sure your water tank is always clean and not overfilled. Rinse it regularly to avoid bacteria or mould growth inside. Let it dry and reattach securely
3. Clean the air grilles using a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust from the air inlet and outlet.
4. Wipe the coils using a soft, damp cloth. If the coil is frozen, let it thaw naturally and restart it in a warmer environment.
5. Make sure everything is dry and assembled correctly into the unit before turning it back on. 

Learn more about how to use a dehumidifier with Speedy!

Why You Should Hire Dehumidifiers from Speedy

If your dehumidifier isn't drawing water, the issues may lie in the important components like the water tanks, filter, coils, and power supply. Try doing some quick fixes, such as cleaning the filter, aligning the water tank correctly, or defrosting the coils.

Hire Dehumidifiers from Speedy

By hiring a dehumidifier with Speedy, you can avoid these troubleshooting headaches. We take care of all maintenance tasks to save you the stress of cleaning and storing a dehumidifier. Our machines are always checked, tested and serviced before being hired out. By hiring, you can get expert advice on the specific model you need for your room size. If anything goes wrong, our team is always here to offer support and swap the unit if needed.

All humidifiers are ready to hire from more than 200 depots around UK. Check our stock and make your way to the nearest depot to collect or get it delivered in 4 hours. 

FAQs

How Much Water Should a Dehumidifier collect in an hour?

It depends on the model and room conditions. On average, a domestic dehumidifier can collect between 0.5 to 1 litres per hour in a damp space. An industrial dehumidifier can collect up to 2 litres.

Is Dehumidifier Water Distilled?

No. Dehumidifier water isn’t distilled water because it may contain dust, bacteria, or traces from internal components.

Can You Drink Water from A Dehumidifier?

No. Dehumidifier water is not safe to drink as it may contain harmful contaminants.