Dehumidifier runs but does not collect water (bucket stays dry)
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Unplug the unit before cleaning or inspecting internal components. Sealed system work must be done by a certified technician.
Steps to troubleshoot no water collection:
- Check humidity and temperature: Ensure the room is humid enough (above ~50% RH) and warm enough (above 65°F / 18°C). In cool, dry rooms, little or no water will be collected.
- Clean air filter and coils: Remove and wash the filter. Access the evaporator and condenser coils and gently clean dust and lint with a soft brush and vacuum. Blocked coils reduce cooling.
- Observe evaporator coil: With the unit running, carefully inspect the evaporator. It should become cool and develop a light, even frost pattern. If it stays warm or only a small section frosts, there may be a sealed system issue.
- Listen to compressor: Confirm the compressor is running (a low humming sound and slight vibration). If the fan runs but the compressor never starts, see compressor/start relay diagnostics.
- Sensor check: A faulty evaporator thermistor can cause the control to shut the compressor off too early. Test and replace if readings are out of spec.
- Call a professional for sealed system issues: If coils are clean, sensors are good, and the compressor runs but no cooling occurs, a technician must check refrigerant charge and compressor performance.
Test: After cleaning and any repairs, run the unit for several hours in a humid room and verify that water accumulates in the bucket or drains through the hose.