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Lockeddehumidifier no longer collects water

posted on February 21, 2010 at 11:54AM Inappropriate?

25350650000 dehumidifer worked great for several years. goes on, seems to cycle but doesn't collect water (only a small amt of wate) in the bucket. exhaust air is no longer warm. what stopped functioning? how much to repair it?

replies: 13 latest post: April 14, 2010 at 10:23PM by BlueCrewGuyInMA
Displaying all 13 posts
posted on February 21, 2010 at 12:27PM
 

The condensor may have gone out, may want to buy a replacement

posted on February 21, 2010 at 12:32PM
 

Main cause of failure on these was dirty evaporator and condenser coils.Need to take the cover off and clean them with compressed air usually,though mechanical failure is not unheard of.How much,depends on how much your appliance tech charges,no more than 1/2 hour work usually.About 75$ around here,plus parts if necessary.

 

 

 

posted on February 21, 2010 at 01:26PM
 

Checked inside. A bit of dirt on front that cleaned up with a soft brush. Very little on there compared to examples from images of such. It's been operating in a fairly low dust environment, occupied residiential rooms with hard surface floors, not a basement or shop. 

Running again now for a few minutes, still cool air and not a drop in the bucket.

Part runs $110. Could this be a DIY job, or is plumber, HVAC repair needed?

posted on February 23, 2010 at 08:29AM
 

It seems to cycle as normal, but without the hot exhaust and no water to the bucket. Does this dehumidifier use a refrigerant that needs replenishing like an air conditioner?

posted on February 23, 2010 at 09:07AM
 

Dehumidifiers use refrigerant,but the refrigerating system is sealed,like a refrigerator or window a/c.If refrigerant is lost,there is a leak.Not all that common.

 

 

posted on February 23, 2010 at 10:45AM
 

Is this down to a condenser going out? Is it a DIY or an HVAC job?

posted on February 23, 2010 at 12:25PM
 

  30+ years in the appliance service department,I never saw a condenser need to be replaced in a dehumidifier (though I saw hundreds of them need cleaning).If it did need replacing it would require sealed system repair,requiring EPA certification,and would not be economical as relates to replacement cost of a dehumidifier.I think you would be well served to have a professional evaluate the unit.Theres no other way you will know for certain what is wrong with it.

 

posted on February 23, 2010 at 09:21PM
 

Thanks for the tip. That's huge help. If you fish, Bill, here's to a record catch!

posted on April 13, 2010 at 08:29PM
 
In response to Billfish's post from February 23 2010 12:25PM
Right on the money. The local Sears repair service took a look at it. The conclusion - nothing wrong, just needed a good cleaning. Seals all looked good. Picked it up today, and it's collecting water in the bucket as before. Great to have the unit back in working order. It is a important in this household. Total cost, $59.99 plus tax, no parts needed. Thanks for taking the time to explain.
posted on April 13, 2010 at 09:16PM
 

Glad all is well.

 

posted on April 14, 2010 at 08:20AM
 
In response to Billfish's post from April 13 2010 09:16PM

Turns out someone at the Sears service center put some really smelly perfumed soap in the bucket. It spilled out when the unit was being moved. The pillow and padding used to transport in the SUV caught most of it. Didn't notice right away with the windows open and other goods loaded up from the hardware store. Tried to wash it out of the bucket with lots of hot water. It must be some sort of concentrate. It smells like a cheap car wash. The unit's instructions say don't use anything like that. Will call the service center today. Any ideas on getting that horrible smell out of the bucket? It was very clean when it was taken in as it is emptied regularly and allowed to dry. There was no mildew, dirt or odors when it was delivered.

posted on April 14, 2010 at 09:00PM
 
In response to wi84soe29348fa's post from February 21 2010 11:54AM

a dehumidifier is just like an air conditioner....after a few years it loses it functionallity and is usually just cheaper to replace than trying to repair.

posted on April 14, 2010 at 10:23PM
 
In response to wi84soe29348fa's post from April 14 2010 08:20AM

That may have been a bacteriostat, commonly used in humidifier tanks to control bacterial growth. It would work equally well to help control bacterial growth in a dehumidifier bucket. Really, any stagnant body of water can be kept bacteria-free with bacteriostat. Just don't drink that water!

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