If your dehumidifier is running but the bucket stays empty, the issue is usually settings, temperature/humidity conditions, airflow, or drainage setup. Use the steps below to narrow it down.

Before You Start

• Make sure the unit is on a flat, level surface.
• If you’ll clean or inspect anything, turn the unit off and unplug it.

Step 1: Confirm It Should Be Collecting Water

• A dehumidifier won’t pull much water if conditions aren’t right.
• Check room humidity: If the room is already low humidity (often below ~50–55%), it may collect very slowly.
• Check temperature: Many dehumidifiers collect less water in cool rooms. If the room is below ~65°F (18°C), efficiency can drop and some units may start to frost up.
• Tip: Set your target humidity to 45–50% and test for a few hours with doors/windows closed.

Step 2: Check the Settings

• Humidity set too high: Lower the setting (example: set to 45%).
• Fan-only mode: Make sure the unit is in Dehumidify mode (not fan-only, laundry/ion-only, etc. depending on model).
• Timer/Schedule: Confirm a timer isn’t turning it off or limiting run time.

Step 3: Verify the Bucket and Safety Switch

• Most dehumidifiers will not collect water if the bucket isn’t seated correctly.
• Remove the bucket and reinsert it firmly.
• Make sure the bucket float (if present) moves freely.
• Check that the “Bucket Full” light is not on.
• If the unit runs but never fills: a misaligned bucket or float switch can prevent proper collection.

Step 4: Confirm Drain Setup (If Using a Hose)

• If you’re using continuous drain, water may be leaving through the hose instead of filling the bucket.
• Make sure the hose is attached securely.
• Confirm the hose runs downhill the entire way (no kinks or upward loops).
• Check for clogs at the drain port or hose end.
• Quick test: Remove the hose and reinstall the bucket, then run the unit to see if it starts collecting water.

Step 5: Improve Airflow

• Poor airflow can prevent moisture removal and reduce water collection.
• Clean the air filter (or replace if needed).
• Make sure intake/exhaust grills are not blocked.
• Leave clearance around the unit (at least 12–24 inches, or per your manual).
• Keep doors/windows closed while testing.

Step 6: Look for Frost/Icing

If coils frost over, the unit may stop collecting water effectively.

Signs:

• Ice/frost on the back coil area
• Weak airflow
• Reduced or no water collection

What to do:

• Turn the unit off and let it defrost completely.
• Run it in a warmer area and ensure the filter is clean.
• If frosting happens repeatedly at normal room temperatures, service may be needed.

Step 7: Run a Proper Test

To confirm operation:

• Place the unit in a humid area (bathroom after a shower works well).
• Set humidity to 35–45% (or the lowest setting).
• Close doors/windows.
• Let it run 2–4 hours.
• If it still collects no water at all, continue to the section below.

When to Contact TCL Support

Reach out for support if:

• The unit runs continuously but never collects water after testing in a humid room
• You hear unusual mechanical noises and performance is poor
• The unit repeatedly ices up in normal room temperatures
• There’s a leak that’s not related to the bucket or drain hose
• Error codes persist after power-cycling