Dehumidifier Dripping Noise: 8 Possible Causes and How To Fix Them

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Hearing a dripping or bubbling noise in your dehumidifier lately? Don’t worry, we’ve been there. The noises you hear can be alarming and an indication that there could be something wrong with your unit.

That said, know that it is completely normal for a dehumidifier to produce a dripping noise. It can be due to factors as simple as improper placement of the unit, mold, or dust and debris buildup in the internal components.

Well, the good news is that these potential issues are easy to fix.

In this post, we will delve into the most common causes of dripping noise in dehumidifiers. We’ll also provide you with possible solutions to get your dehumidifier up and running again.

Why Is My Dehumidifier Making a Dripping Noise?

As soon as you hear a dripping noise coming from your dehumidifier, it is critical to address the issue right away. Make sure to look into all the possible causes of the noise, such as:

1. Dehumidifier Is Placed on Uneven Surface

The placement of your dehumidifier affects its efficiency. Ideally, you should place your unit on a completely flat, even surface. You should also keep it in an upright, vertical position. This way, it can function properly.

Even if you place it on an even surface, if there is something underneath like a towel, the surface might still cause the dripping sound. Plus, an inclined or slanted dehumidifier can produce mechanical vibrations that are rather annoying. This is particularly true when it’s not properly positioned while operating.

Additionally, if you need to transport your dehumidifier, say, while moving into a new house, you must avoid laying it down. When you do this, you run the risk of damaging its compressor. Doing so encourages oil displacement and it will dry up certain parts of the compressor.

If there is something uneven laying underneath your unit, just remove it. Another simple fix is to just keep your unit in a vertical, standing position. Find the right location for your unit until the dripping sound stops.

2. Dust and Debris Build Up

The accumulation of dust and debris, particularly on the air filter may cause not just the dripping sound but the actual leakage.

When the air filter in your dehumidifier becomes clogged, it will restrict the airflow. This means that your unit will have to work harder, adding strain to the dehumidifier which can cause excessive condensation and dripping noises.

Maintenance is key. Always. Clean your unit. Try removing the air filters and checking for any traces of dust. If it’s damaged or excessively dirty, replace it.

3. Faulty Motor

The fan motor is the heart of your unit. When your dehumidifier has a faulty motor, it will not function properly. Inevitably, it will cause mechanical vibrations and dripping noises. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it other than replace the motor.

4. Mold Growth Within the Unit

As you know, dehumidifiers have a reservoir where the condensed water from the humid air falls into. That water tank also makes an ideal place for mold to grow. Over time, this will cause the dripping and gurgling sound in your device.

Cleaning the water tank is your best solution here. Molds are quite easy to spot anyway so you should be able to clean them immediately. However, since they have spores, they are probably spread throughout your home so make sure you have adequate ventilation.

To clean the mold off your dehumidifier, you can use vinegar and let it sit for a while. After that, scrub the tank with a clean sponge, wipe it clean, or allow it to dry.

5. Unfixed Water Reservoir

Speaking of the water reservoir, when was the last time you emptied it? Did you securely position the tank back in place?

If you’re hearing the dripping noise from your dehumidifier, it’s probably because you didn’t fix the water bucket securely. This can also cause mechanical vibrations and cause the reservoir and the unit’s casing to shake.

Try to detach and adjust the water bucket and put it back to its original placement. Also, check for any dirt and debris that are getting in the way and clean it up. But if your bucket is damaged or broken, you need to get a replacement.

6. Malfunctioning Fan

The fan is an important component of a dehumidifier. It is responsible for circulating air throughout the unit. This part draws humid air into your dehumidifier while expelling dry, cool air back into the room. If the fan starts to malfunction, it can be either clogged with dust or broken, which can produce leaks thus dripping noises.

Make sure to inspect the fan blade for any signs of wear and tear. If it’s damaged or broken, you need to replace it. But if the fan isn’t functioning properly due to dust buildups, clean it up and it should go back to running smoothly. You can also try to reduce noise and adjust the fan speed.

7. Clogged Condensate Drain

This is a common issue among leaky dehumidifiers. The condensate line drains out any liquids that collect within the device. It has multiple parts and plays a crucial role in keeping water from entering your dehumidifier’s electrical components.

And over time, debris accumulates in that drain and other parts of the draining unit. So, inevitably, the buildup will clog the condensate drain. Now, the water is trapped.

So, what happens next?

The water has nowhere else to go and it will continue to gather in that component of your dehumidifier. This means that your dehumidifier will not drain water properly. When this happens, it will result in leakage which also produces the dripping water noise.

If there is indeed a blockage in the condensate drain, clean it up. Doing so also prevents water damage to your dehumidifier. You should also check your entire draining unit for any clogs including the unit’s bucket, drainage hose, and condensate pump.

8. Frozen Coil

Ice buildup on the dehumidifier’s evaporator coil is another possible cause of dripping noises. It’s another common but normal issue among dehumidifiers since it is a part of the cycle.

Sometimes, the evaporator coils become too cold that frost may start accumulating on the coils. So, when the ice melts, it can produce a dripping noise. The water can also leak through the unit’s vents.

Thankfully, dehumidifiers come equipped with an anti-frost feature to combat this issue. You can also try adjusting the humidity level in the settings to help avoid frost build-ups on the coil. Consider cleaning the air filter regularly for optimal airflow and to minimize frost buildup.

FAQs

Do All Dehumidifiers Make Noise?

Yes, just like any appliance, dehumidifiers produce noise. This holds true even with units that are advertised as low dB or super quiet. The kind of noise you hear is due to its internal components that make the dehumidifying process efficient.

However, it shouldn’t always make dripping water or bubbling noise. In this case, consult with your manufacturer or have an HVAC technician diagnose the problem so you’ll know what needs fixing or replacing.

Can You Hear Water in a Dehumidifier?

Since it collects humid air and condensates it into the water, you may hear occasional water dripping into the bucket. It’s completely normal. The dripping sound can come from various factors though it shouldn’t be due to a serious issue within the dehumidifier. But even if it is, there are many ways to troubleshoot this problem.

Wrap Up

A leaking noise from your dehumidifier can be alarming, but it is normal and often a repairable issue. But first, you have to figure out what is causing the noise. It’s always a good idea to check with your manufacturer or have an HVAC specialist assess the situation so you can come up with a proper solution.

In the meantime, we hope you’ve found our post helpful in determining the possible causes of the dripping noises in your dehumidifier. If you have more questions about your unit, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for reading!

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