How to Set Up Continuous Drainage on a Dehumidifier

Continuous drainage means connecting a hose to the unit's drain outlet so condensate flows away by gravity. The two things that make it work are a hose that runs downhill the whole way and no kinks. If your only drain is above the unit, gravity will not work and you need a condensate pump.

• A hose that fits the outlet (often 3/8 in to 1/2 in, or the adapter supplied with the unit).
• A drain, floor drain, sump or sink that is lower than the outlet.
• A continuous downhill path with no point where water can pool.
• Thread seal tape if the fitting is threaded, and a cloth for the test.

1. Unplug the unit and remove the water tank.
2. Find the continuous-drain outlet and remove its cap or plug if it has one.
3. Attach the adapter and hose; if threaded, wrap the threads with seal tape first.
4. Run the hose so it slopes down the entire way to the drain, with no kinks or loops.
5. Secure the hose so it cannot be pulled or knocked loose.
6. Do not submerge the hose end in standing water, or it can siphon or block.
7. Reinstall the tank if the model uses it as a backup, plug the unit back in and run it.
8. Watch the first hour for leaks at the fitting and adjust the slope if water pools.

• Running the hose uphill or with a dip, so water backs up into the unit.
• Forgetting to remove the outlet plug, which makes it look like the hose does nothing.
• Kinking the hose behind the unit where you cannot see it.
• Draining into a container that overflows when you are away.

If the only drain is above the outlet, or the run is very long, use a condensate pump sized for the unit's drainage rate. Model-specific outlet size and orientation should be confirmed in the official manual.

Manufacturer dehumidifier manuals for drain outlet size, orientation and pump compatibility.