Frigidaire Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water? – Learn How to Fix

Wondering why the Frigidaire dehumidifier not collecting water? Let’s find out together!

Although Frigidaire dehumidifiers are commonly used appliances, sometimes they give users trouble, especially if they stop collecting water. Continue reading to learn more about this issue.

A Frigidaire dehumidifier doesn’t collect water due to many factors, including the lack of humidity in the atmosphere, dirty components, and much more.

However, to fix the dehumidifier issue, you need to inspect, clean, and test the suspected components!

Let’s find out more about the dehumidifier not collecting water issue…

Why Frigidaire Dehumidifier Does Not Collect Water?

Understanding the fundamental reasons for the issue is crucial before troubleshooting any appliance.

As making incorrect assumptions about the causes can often lead to additional device issues, they also waste time.

To properly troubleshoot the dehumidifier, let’s have a look at the reasons in more detail.

The following are the most common reasons for dehumidifiers not collecting water:

• Stuck Float Switch
• Clogged Drain Pipe
• Low Humidity Level in the Atmosphere 
• Dirty Air Filters or Coils
• Low Room Temperature
• Defective Fan or Compressor Motor
• Defective Control Board

Next, let’s jump right in towards troubleshooting the dehumidifier to fix the issue!

Easy Fix When Frigidaire Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water!

We assume that you’re now aware of the reasons so you simply need to implement some easy workarounds that we are going to discuss next.

Before you jump in, be sure that you must attempt all solutions in the guide to be able to draw a conclusion.

Let’s jump in!

Quick Tip: Check The Room Temp & Humidity Level

The humidity level must be between 30% and 50%, and the temperature in the room must be between 41°F and 95°F for the dehumidifier to function efficiently.

In case the levels are less than the aforementioned values, then that is why the dehumidifier is not collecting water.

Solution #1 Clear The Air Filter

It is crucial to periodically clean the dehumidifier’s air filter since it frequently becomes blocked and dirty.

In case you haven’t cleaned the air filter for long then in the steps below you’ll learn how and don’t worry, it is very easy and quick to do.

Here is how to clear the dehumidifier air filter:

1. Switch off and unplug the dehumidifier from power.
2. Locate the air filter from the side or back of the appliance.
3. Disconnect the air filter from the dehumidifier.
4. Soak the filter in a mix of lukewarm and soapy water.
5. Let the filter soak for about 10 minutes.
6. Then wash the filter under water to clear the dirt.
7. Let the filter dry completely.
8. Connect the filter back into the dehumidifier.
9. Turn on the appliance to test if it collects water.

In case that didn’t make any change, simply proceed with the next solution!

Solution #2 Unclog Drain Hose

A clogged drainage system of any dehumidifier is one of the common reasons why it’s not collecting water.

When the drain hose clogs over time, water will accumulate or remain within until it reaches its limit, at which point the dehumidifier turns off the float switch.

• When the float switch is disabled, water is not collected!

Here is how to unclog the dehumidifier drain hose:

1. Using a flashlight, look into the drain hose for clogs and kinks.
2. Then unplug the Frigidaire dehumidifier from the outlet.
3. Disconnect the drain hose from the back of the appliance.
4. Run warm water from inside the hose for 5 minutes to soften the clogs.
5. Then take a long and soft-bristled brush and clean the inside of the hose.
6. Run the water inside the hose to any leftover remains.
7. Connect the hose back to the system and test the appliance!

Note: Replace the drain hose if it is fully clogged, kinked, or damaged.

Solution #3 Inspect the Float Switch!

As we have mentioned earlier, when the water level inside the dehumidifier reaches some extent, the float switch is turned off and breaks the link with the appliance control board.

It is possible that the float switch is triggered off or might be stuck and not turning on.

Here is how to check the dehumidifier float switch:

1. Unplug the appliance from the Power Source.
2. Remove the collection bucket.
3. Locate the Float Switch.
4. Clean the float switch using a soft cloth.
5. Tap on the switch by moving it downward and upward.
6. Next, test the switch via a Multimeter.
7. Connect the multimeter probes with the float switch terminals.
8. If there is no Continuity it needs to be replaced.

Note: Replace the float switch if it is stuck and not moving upward or downward!

Solution #4 Clean The Dehumidifier Coils

Cleaning the Condenser Coils is crucial because as you use the dehumidifier, dirt accumulates over time, causing the coils to start retaining water and eventually freeze.

So all you need to do is give a couple of minutes to do a good cleaning of the Frigidaire dehumidifier coils.

Alert: Be sure to not use any water to clean the coils!

Here is how to clean the dehumidifier coils:

1. Turn off the dehumidifier from power.
2. Remove the air filter from the appliance.
3. Locate the coils behind the air filter area.
4. Look for the coil’s condition.
5. If the coils are dirty then take a soft brush and clean them.
6. If the coils are frozen, leave the appliance unplugged for 2 hours.
7. Once the ice on the coils defrosts, then do a good cleaning.
8. Reassemble the filter back and turn on the appliance.

Note: Remember that it will take the dehumidifier at least an hour to begin collecting water!

Solution #5 Check The Fan Blades

Sometimes even the smallest fault might badly affect the overall performance of the appliance.

A good example would be that when the fan blades are broken or defective then they can’t collect moisture and the Frigidaire dehumidifier running but not collecting water.

Hence, before continuing, please take a closer look at the fan blades to see if there is a problem.

Also, move the blades to determine if nothing is blocking their motion or if they are moving freely. In case you notice anything wrong with the blades, replace them!

Solution #6 Test The Fan Motor

Over time the Frigidaire dehumidifier fan motor gets faulty or no longer supports the appliance’s operation correctly.

This is totally normal and you only need to check if there is sound coming from the dehumidifier, where the quietness only suggests that the motor is not working! 

Tip: Check your dehumidifier's manual to find out where the fan motor is located! 

While the Frigidaire dehumidifier is plugged into the power, you can test the motor using a multimeter to check for continuity.

That would suggest whether you’ll need a general replacement or you can continue further to inspect the control board as well.

Solution #7 Test The Control Board

The control board is the parent controlling component that operates the dehumidifier as well as all other components.

It also often gets defective or broken and maybe your dehumidifier has a defective control board and that’s why it no longer collects water.

Note: Look for the error code on display and check if it is indicating a faulty control board.

Need Professional Help?

Now, if your Frigidaire dehumidifier is not collecting water after inspecting all components as per the guide above, perhaps you would need some help.

Even if you’ve identified a faulty component and need a replacement, feel free to contact Frigidaire Support for anything!

Quick Recap:

Whenever the Frigidaire dehumidifier not collecting water, clean the air filter, drain hose, and machine’s coils.

Also, test the float switch, fan blades, fan motor, and control board and based on your findings you can identify which of the components is faulty!

Be sure to visit our blog to find out more guides on Frigidaire appliances!