🏗 How I Found Out My Dehumidifier Could Drain Up

The Drainage Dilemma

When I first set up my dehumidifier, I assumed it had to drain down—gravity and all that. So, I placed it near a floor drain. Easy, right? Wrong. The floor drain was too far, and running a hose across the room was a tripping hazard waiting to happen.

The Messy Experiment

I thought, “What if I just lifted the hose up into the sink?” Big mistake. The water went up… and then right back down. Turns out, dehumidifiers without a pump can’t defy gravity.

I tried an external bucket method—collecting water, then manually dumping it. That got old fast. I needed an automatic fix.

Discovering Pumped Drainage

After some research, I found out that some dehumidifiers have built-in pumps. Even better, I could get an external condensate pump that would push water up from any dehumidifier. I had options!

My First Setup Failure

I bought a small external pump, but I didn’t read the lift height specs. The pump could only push water up 6 feet—my sink was 7 feet up. Water overflowed everywhere. Lesson learned: always check the pump’s maximum lift height before buying.

The Final Fix

I got a better pump with a 15-foot lift capacity, secured the tubing properly, and—boom—water drained effortlessly up into my sink. No spills, no tripping hazards, and no more dumping buckets!

Not everyone agrees with using external pumps. According to Rick Dawson, Certified HVAC Technician, ASHRAE Member, built-in pumps are more reliable because they integrate seamlessly with the system. He warns that external pumps can clog faster due to debris buildup.

🔄 Understanding Dehumidifier Drainage: Gravity vs. Pumped Drainage

Why Gravity Drainage Didn’t Work for Me

At first, I thought I could just run a hose from my dehumidifier to a nearby drain. That’s how most dehumidifiers work, right? Let gravity do the job. Well, here’s the catch—gravity only works if the drain is lower than the dehumidifier. If not, the water won’t flow.

I tried propping the dehumidifier on a small stand to create a downward slope, but it wasn’t enough. Water pooled in the hose instead of draining properly. Even worse, when I turned the machine off, backflow happened, sending dirty water back into the dehumidifier. Yikes.

When You Need a Pump

After my gravity fail, I learned that a pump is the only way to drain water upward. There are two options:

• Built-in pump – Some dehumidifiers come with an internal pump, pushing water up to a sink or out a window.
• External condensate pump – A separate device that connects to your dehumidifier and handles the drainage.

I didn’t want to replace my dehumidifier, so I chose the external pump option. It was cheaper, and I could attach it to any unit. But I also learned that not all pumps are equal—some have higher lift capacity than others.

Built-in vs. External Pumps: What I Found Out

I almost bought a built-in pump model, but after reading reviews, I found that:

• Built-in pumps work well but can fail faster since they run whenever the dehumidifier does.
• External pumps last longer because they only activate when water reaches a certain level.

After weighing my options, I decided to go with an external pump with a 15-foot lift height. It cost less than replacing my entire unit, and I could reuse it later if I ever upgraded my dehumidifier.

However, some professionals argue that gravity drainage is still the best method. Mike Carlson, Licensed Plumbing Engineer (CIPHE), believes pumps add unnecessary complexity and can break down over time. He suggests placing dehumidifiers near floor drains whenever possible.

🚀 Testing My Dehumidifier’s Drainage Limitations

Checking the Manufacturer’s Specs

Before I set up my external pump, I checked the dehumidifier’s manual. Turns out, it had a maximum drain hose length recommendation—something I never considered before. Manufacturers design dehumidifiers to work under certain conditions, and exceeding those limits can cause drainage issues.

My model specified:

• Gravity drainage: Hose length up to 6 feet
• Pump-assisted drainage: No limits, but dependent on the pump’s lift capacity

If I had gone straight to testing without checking, I might’ve wasted time with a weak pump that couldn’t push water high enough.

Experimenting With Different Heights

I set up the pump and ran the drain hose to my 7-foot-high sink. At first, I noticed the water drained slowly. I checked the pump’s max lift capacity—15 feet—so this should have been easy.

After some trial and error, I found out:

• A longer hose slows drainage due to friction inside the tubing.
• Sharp bends in the hose cause backflow—water would get stuck.
• A wider hose diameter reduces clogging and improves flow.

By shortening the hose and securing it in a straight line with no kinks, I finally got smooth drainage.

Common Issues When Draining Up

Here’s what I learned the hard way:

• Airlocks stop water flow – Trapped air in the hose prevents drainage. Solution: Tilt the dehumidifier slightly to help prime the hose.
• Backflow happens – If the sink gets clogged, water can flow back down. Solution: Use a one-way check valve to prevent this.
• Pump overheating – Running continuously without breaks can burn out the pump. Solution: Choose a pump with an auto-shutoff feature.

What Experts Say About Pumped Drainage

I thought I had figured it all out, but then I came across another perspective. According to Dr. Henry Lawson, Mechanical Engineer (CIBSE), dehumidifier pumps often fail due to improper installation rather than poor quality. He recommends securing hoses at a 30-degree angle for better efficiency and longer pump life.

⚙️ Best Dehumidifiers That Drain Up (Expert Recommendations)

What I Looked for in a Dehumidifier with a Pump

After struggling with my old setup, I realized that not all dehumidifiers are created equal. Some had stronger pumps, while others barely managed to push water a few feet up.

I did my homework and found the most important features when choosing a dehumidifier that can drain up:

• Pump strength: The maximum lift height should match your drainage needs. A pump that can only push water up 5 feet won’t work for a laundry room sink that’s 7 feet high.
• Hose compatibility: Some dehumidifiers only work with specific hoses, while others allow you to attach standard tubing.
• Auto-shutoff & safety features: A pump should turn off when the water tank is empty to avoid burning out the motor.

Top Dehumidifiers with Built-In Pumps

I checked expert reviews and found three solid options that were highly rated for their pumped drainage:

• Frigidaire 50-Pint with Pump – Can pump water up 15 feet, making it ideal for basements.
• hOmeLabs 50-Pint with Pump – High efficiency, with a durable 1.6-gallon water tank.
• Honeywell TP70WKN – Quiet operation, great for living spaces.

Best External Pumps for Dehumidifiers

Since I went the external pump route, I also looked at the top-rated condensate pumps. Here’s what I found:

• Little Giant VCMA-20ULS – Can handle up to 20 feet of vertical lift.
• Diversitech IQP-120 – A compact design, perfect for tight spaces.
• Wayne ESP25 – Heavy-duty, great for large-capacity dehumidifiers.

Maintenance Tips for Keeping the Pump Working

A dehumidifier pump isn’t set it and forget it—it needs regular maintenance:

• Flush the hose monthly to prevent mold buildup.
• Check for clogs in the pump intake.
• Clean the pump reservoir every few months to avoid blockages.

Some experts don’t think built-in pumps are the best choice. Laura Jennings, HVAC Engineer, ASHRAE Certified, suggests external pumps last longer because they operate separately from the dehumidifier, reducing wear and tear. She recommends external pumps for heavy-duty use.

📖 Case Study: How a Customer Solved a Tough Drainage Issue

The Problem: A Basement With No Floor Drain

A friend of mine, Jake, had a serious moisture problem in his basement. He bought a 50-pint dehumidifier but quickly realized there was no convenient way to drain it. His only option? Manually emptying the water tank—which meant at least twice a day.

Jake tried using a gravity drain, but there was no nearby floor drain. Running a hose across the floor to another room wasn’t practical. He needed a way to drain water up to the laundry sink, which was about 7 feet above the dehumidifier.

The Solution: Installing an External Pump

After some research, Jake found that his dehumidifier didn’t have a built-in pump. Instead of buying a new one, he opted for an external condensate pump.

Here’s how he set it up:

1. Placed the pump next to the dehumidifier, ensuring it was on a level surface.
2. Connected the dehumidifier’s drain hose to the pump’s intake.
3. Ran a discharge hose from the pump up to the laundry sink.
4. Used a check valve to prevent backflow.

The Results: A Hands-Free System

Jake’s setup worked perfectly. His dehumidifier now drains automatically, and he no longer has to empty the tank. He also noticed that his basement felt less humid because the dehumidifier was running more efficiently.

Table: Dehumidifier Drainage Before & After Fix

You can find reliable dehumidifier pumps at Sylvane.

Not everyone thinks external pumps are the best solution. Daniel Fox, Certified Home Inspector, InterNACHI Member, argues that a properly placed floor drain is the simplest and most fail-proof drainage method. He recommends considering plumbing modifications for a long-term fix.

❓ FAQs About Dehumidifiers Draining Up

Can any dehumidifier drain up?

No, not all dehumidifiers can drain up. Standard models rely on gravity drainage, which means the water must flow downward. Only dehumidifiers with built-in pumps or those connected to an external pump can push water up to a sink or drain higher than the unit.

How far can a dehumidifier pump water up?

It depends on the pump’s lift capacity. Built-in pumps usually push water up to 15 feet, while external condensate pumps can handle 20 feet or more. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying a pump.

How do I stop backflow issues?

Backflow happens when water flows back down the hose, causing leaks or overflows. You can prevent this by:

• Using a one-way check valve in the drain hose.
• Keeping the discharge hose at a steady angle with no sharp bends.
• Ensuring the sink or drain isn’t clogged.

Do external pumps work better than built-in pumps?

It depends on your needs.

• Built-in pumps are convenient, but they can wear out faster since they run with the dehumidifier.
• External pumps last longer because they activate only when needed, but they require extra setup.

What’s the best tubing to use for upward drainage?

Experts recommend using reinforced vinyl tubing to prevent kinks and leaks. The diameter should match your pump’s outlet size for optimal flow efficiency.

Some professionals believe gravity drainage is still the most reliable option. Emily Shaw, Licensed Building Engineer, ASCE Member, states that “Any system requiring a pump adds complexity and failure points. A well-placed floor drain will always outperform a mechanical pump over time.”