How To Drain a Dehumidifier Through a Hose

How To Drain a Dehumidifier Through a Hose
Written By
Chris Deziel
Chris Deziel
Published: Jan 4, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

In humid weather, the bucket can fill in a matter of hours, and if you aren't around to empty the bucket, the appliance won't work until you return. To prevent this scenario, most manufacturers provide a hose thread adapter to which you can attach a garden hose. It may be already there on the back of the machine or the bucket, or you may have to install it.

Things You Will Need

  • Screwdriver
  • 1/2-inch plastic tubing
  1. Unplug the dehumidifier.

  2. Look for a hose thread connection on the back or on the bucket. Not all units come with these installed, but if yours has one, you can simply screw on a garden hose. Instead of an adapter in place, some models have a hole into which you must screw the adapter, which usually comes with the unit. The hole is usually covered by a rubber plug.

  3. Pull out the plug, insert the adapter and secure it with the screws that come with it, using a screwdriver.

  4. Connect the drain port to the adapter with 1/2-inch plastic tubing. This tubing comes with the hose adapter; if you lost it, purchase a piece that is approximately 12 inches long. If the adapter is connected to the bucket, you don't need to install this hose.

  5. Place the dehumidifier on a level surface at a higher elevation than the drain into which you want the water to empty. Check the level with a torpedo level, and if the dehumidifier is tilted, place shims under it to level it.

  6. Thread a garden hose into the threaded drain port and extend the hose to the drain. Make sure the hose has no upward slope at any point along its path, or water will back up from that point.

The Drip Cap

  • Most dehumidifiers come equipped with a bucket that acts as a reservoir to catch water.
  • Not all units come with these installed, but if yours has one, you can simply screw on a garden hose.
  • Thread a garden hose into the threaded drain port and extend the hose to the drain.

References

Photo Credits

Gary Ombler/Dorling Kindersley RF/Getty Images

Gary Ombler/Dorling Kindersley RF/Getty Images

Chris Deziel

Chris Deziel has a bachelor's degree in physics and a master's degree in humanities. Besides having an abiding interest in popular science, Deziel has been active in the building and home design trades since 1975. As a landscape builder,…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.