How to drain a dehumidifier continuously with a hose or pump

Check what your model has

Look at the back or side of the dehumidifier for a small spigot, often behind a cap or rubber bung, and check the manual. Most compressor and many desiccant models have one, and some include a short hose. The EcoAir DD1 Classic MK6, for example, is listed with a continuous drainage hose included. The manual will say what internal diameter of hose fits and whether the tank must stay in place while draining.

A few models have a built-in pump, which can push water upwards through a hose. The De'Longhi DD230P is listed with a pump that lifts water up to 5 m. Without a pump, drainage relies on gravity only.

Gravity drainage step by step

Gravity drainage works whenever the drain is lower than the dehumidifier's outlet. Raise the unit on a sturdy stand or shelf if needed to get enough fall, but make sure it is stable and level.

1. 1

   Unplug the dehumidifier

2. 2

   Remove the cap or bung from the drain outlet and keep it safe

3. 3

   Push a hose of the right internal diameter firmly onto the spigot

4. 4

   Run the hose downhill all the way to a sink, floor drain or outside gully

5. 5

   Remove kinks and upward loops, and secure the end so it cannot pop out

6. 6

   Refit the tank if the manual requires it, then switch on and check for drips after an hour

Note:Keep the plug, socket and cable well away from the hose and drain. If the unit is used near water, plug it into an RCD protected socket.

When you need a pump

If the only drain is higher than the outlet, such as a kitchen sink above a cellar, or you need to run the hose a long way, a model with a built-in pump is the answer. The pump pushes water up a thin hose to the height stated in the specification. Check that height covers your run with some margin.

An alternative is a separate condensate pump, the type used for boilers and air conditioning. These need careful matching to the dehumidifier and a suitable electrical supply, so they are usually a job for a professional. For most homes a dehumidifier with a pump built in is simpler.

See dehumidifiers for garages and cellars →

Common mistakes

The biggest is a hose that rises above the outlet at any point. Water cannot flow uphill without a pump, so it backs up into the unit and overflows. Others are a hose that is too long and sags in the middle, a loose hose that slips off the spigot, a missing bung when you go back to using the tank, and a hose end that dips below standing water in the drain, which can airlock it.

If you see water under the unit, our guide on a dehumidifier leaking water goes through the checks in order.

Garages, cellars and cold weather

In an unheated garage or outbuilding, a hose that runs outside can freeze in winter and block. Keep the run indoors to a floor drain where you can, or insulate it. Compressor units also lose output and can ice up in the cold; a desiccant unit is usually better for garages. Our guide to the best dehumidifiers for garages, sheds and cellars covers both types.

Keep the drain clean

Every few weeks, check the hose for slime or debris and flush it with warm water. Clean the outlet and the tank as described in how to clean a dehumidifier. A clean hose drains reliably and avoids musty smells.

Frequently asked questions

Do all dehumidifiers have continuous drainage? Most compressor models and many desiccant ones do, but not all. Check for a drain spigot and the manual's instructions.

Can a dehumidifier drain upwards? Only if it has a built-in pump or is connected to a separate condensate pump. Gravity drainage needs the drain lower than the outlet.

Do I remove the tank for hose drainage? It depends on the model. Some need the tank in place for safety switches; others drain through a port inside the tank space. Follow the manual.