Whirlpool Dehumidifier: not collecting water

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Whirlpool dehumidifier not collecting water? Despite the unit running, the collection bucket remains empty or collects minimal water. This could be due to low humidity levels, a clogged air filter, or even incorrect settings. Understanding the reasons behind this problem can help restore your dehumidifier's efficiency and keep your space comfortable.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Whirlpool Models

  • No official Whirlpool‑specific troubleshooting documentation found for this symptom; general dehumidifier causes apply.

Possible Causes

Low room humidity or unsuitable environmental conditions

How to Identify: Indoor relative humidity is already low, or room temperature is too low for refrigeration‑based dehumidification.

Part: Ambient environment

Clogged or dirty air filter restricting airflow

How to Identify: Filter appears dusty/clogged; reduced airflow from intake/exhaust; cleaning improves performance.

Part: Air filter

Unit settings or mode preventing water collection

How to Identify: Wrong mode selected; changing settings leads to water collection.

Part: Control settings/system

Faulty compressor or refrigerant issue preventing condensation

How to Identify: Compressor not running or insufficient cooling; warm air from coils; no condensation on evaporator.

Part: Compressor/refrigerant circuit

Faulty evaporator thermistor or sensor shutting down cooling prematurely

How to Identify: System prematurely shuts compressor; sensor testing out of spec stops cooling cycle.

Part: Evaporator thermistor/sensor

DIY Solutions

Clean the air filter

Easy 10-15 minutes
Tools Needed: Soft brush, Vacuum cleaner (optional)
  1. Unplug the unit.
  2. Remove the air filter according to the manual.
  3. Clean the filter with a soft brush or vacuum.
  4. Reinstall the filter and restart the dehumidifier.

Adjust settings and environmental conditions

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: Hygrometer (optional)
  1. Ensure the unit is in a dehumidification mode.
  2. Place the dehumidifier in a warmer, more humid area of the room.
  3. Close doors and windows to increase humidity catchment.
  4. Check with a hygrometer that humidity is high enough for operation.

Professional Repairs

Compressor or sealed refrigerant circuit repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

Sensor or control component replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Compressor does not run or hum but no cooling is felt
Warm air continues to blow with no water collection
Unusual noises or electrical burning smells from unit
Internal components require testing beyond DIY capabilities

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean air filter: Reduced airflow and poor water collection
    Frequency: monthly
  • Monitor room humidity with a hygrometer: Operating in unsuitable environmental conditions
    Frequency: as needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Whirlpool Dehumidifier not collecting water?
Common causes include low room humidity, a clogged air filter, or incorrect settings.
How do I fix Whirlpool Dehumidifier not collecting water myself?
Clean the air filter and ensure the unit is in dehumidification mode.
How much does it cost to fix not collecting water?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $400+ depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not collecting water?
If cleaning the filter and adjusting settings doesn't work, consider calling a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Compressor overheating due to refrigerant leak
  • Evaporator coil freeze-up
  • Faulty humidity sensor

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check for refrigerant leaks. Inspect the compressor and refrigerant lines for any signs of leakage. If found, consider contacting a professional to recharge the refrigerant and repair the leak.

  2. Defrost the evaporator coil. Turn off the dehumidifier and allow it to thaw completely. Clean any ice buildup and ensure proper airflow around the unit.

  3. Test and replace the humidity sensor. Use a multimeter to check the sensor's functionality. If faulty, replace it with a new sensor compatible with your Whirlpool model.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Whirlpool dehumidifier, WDH70EAPW. Compressor starts, but ov...

Community Discussions

Compressor starts, but overheats and shuts off; not collecting any water

The compressor may be overheating due to a refrigerant leak or evaporator leak, leading to a recommendation to replace the unit.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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