Last Updated on June 16, 2023
It’s frustrating to have trouble with the heat pump dryer when it’s not collecting water. This is especially true if you’re used to seeing water in the reservoir. However, there are several reasons why this might happen and some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the problem.
When your heat pump dryer is not collecting any water, check for a blocked or unattached hose preventing the water from flowing properly. Also, the culprit could be filter issues, lint accumulation, plumbing setup, blockage in the drainage system, or a sensor or control board malfunction.
By identifying the root cause of the problem, you can take the necessary steps to fix it and get your dryer running smoothly again.
Today we will discuss the issues when your dryer is not collecting any water and the steps for troubleshooting. So continue reading.
Why is My Heat Pump Dryer Not Collecting Water – Possible Reasons
Recently heat pump dryers have become popular for their energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. But sometimes you may encounter an issue where your pump dryer is not collecting water.
If you’re wondering why your heat pump dryer isn’t collecting water, there could be a few possible reasons.
- Blocked or Unattached Hose
- Filter Issues
- Plumbing Setup
- Faulty Condensate Pump
- Misalignment or Damage to the Condenser Tray
- Blockage in the Drainage System
- Sensor or Control Board Malfunction
Blocked or Unattached Hose
One of the possible explanations for why the heat pump dryer doesn’t collect water might be a blocked or unattached hose. The hose at the back of the dryer might not be connected correctly to the water container, preventing water from accumulating.
If the hose is obstructed or damaged, it can prevent the water from flowing through it. Also, lint buildup behind the dryer’s drum, restricting the water collection process. So, thoroughly clean the hose and the back of the dryer’s drum to ensure proper water collection.
Filter Issues
Another potential explanation for the failure of your heat pump dryer to collect water is filter issues. Lint and debris could build up in the filters, such as front and additional filters, obstructing the water flow.
Plumbing Setup
If your heat pump dryer is plumbed in, the water may drain directly into the sink plumbing instead of accumulating in a container. The plumbing configuration might be incorrect, resulting in improper water drainage.
Faulty Condensate Pump
The condensate pump in your heat pump dryer extracts and transfers water into the water container. A malfunctioning or non-operational pump can cause inadequate water collection. The pump might be blocked or damaged, causing it to malfunction.
Misalignment or Damage to the Condenser Tray
It’s also possible that your dryer isn’t collecting water because it needs to be aligned or repaired. The condenser tray collects water that evaporates during the drying process. It may fail to collect water effectively if it is improperly aligned or has damaged parts.
Blockage in the Drainage System
There’s also a chance your heat pump dryer isn’t collecting water because of a blockage drain system. Over time debris and other foreign objects can accumulate in the drainage pipe or hose. This obstructs proper water flow, resulting in a malfunctioning water collection system.
Sensor or Control Board Malfunction
A malfunctioning sensor or control board can result in improper water detection and drainage. The control board is responsible for monitoring the humidity levels in your dryer and signaling when water needs to be drained. If it malfunctions, you may notice the water is not collected effectively.
Heat Pump Dryer Not Collecting Water: Troubleshooting Steps
If your heat pump dryer isn’t collecting water, don’t worry. There are some easy resolving steps you can take to fix the issue.
STEP 1. Checking and Clearing the Hose Connection
First, check if the hose connection is clear to allow proper water collection for the heat pump dryer. Make sure that the hose isn’t kinked or blocked by any debris. Straighten the hose out to allow a smooth water flow if the hose is kinked. If debris is blocking the hose, remove it carefully to avoid damaging it.
Next, check if the hose is properly connected to the drain. The hose should be inserted at least 6 inches into the drain to ensure the water flows and not onto the floor. If the hose isn’t properly connected, reposition it and ensure it’s securely attached.
STEP 2. Cleaning Heat Pump Filters
Now it’s time to clean those filters so your trusty machine can work magic and dry your clothes quickly. The filters in a heat pump dryer remove moisture from the air that passes through them.
To clean the filters, first, locate them inside your dryer. They’re typically located near the front of the dryer, behind a small door or panel. Carefully remove the filters and use a brush with soft bristles or a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris.
Once you’ve removed as much debris as possible, wash the filters with warm, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly. Allow the filters to dry completely before replacing them in your dryer.
STEP 3. Removing Lint Buildup From Drums
After that, remove lint buildup at the back of the drum to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential issues. Over time, lint can accumulate in the dryer drum and cause issues with the heat pump’s ability to collect water. This can lead to longer drying times and higher energy consumption.
To remove this buildup, follow these steps:
- Remove the back panel of the dryer using a screwdriver.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or vacuum with a hose attachment to remove lint buildup from the back of the drum and surrounding areas.
- Reattach the dryer’s back panel and plug it back in.
STEP 4. Verifying the Plumb-In Drainage System
Now ensure your drainage system works properly by checking for any clogs or blockages. Start by inspecting the plumb-in drainage system and verifying it’s properly installed and connected.
Look for any kinks or twists in the hose, which could prevent water from draining properly. If you find any issues, straighten out the hose and ensure it’s properly connected to the drain.
Next, check the drain itself for any blockages. Remove the drain cover and use a flashlight to inspect the pipes for any buildup or debris. If you find any blockages, use a plumbing snake or a wire hanger to clear them.
Once you’ve cleared any blockages, reattach the drain cover and run a load of laundry to see if the water is properly draining.
How do heat pump dryers collect water?
The water-collecting process begins with hot air passing through the drum and absorbing the water from your laundry. This air then goes through an evaporator, which removes and stores the water in the dryer’s reservoir. The air is then reheated and returned through the drum multiple times until your laundry is dry.
Heat pump dryers are efficient because they recycle the air multiple times, which reduces energy consumption and saves you money. The water collected in the reservoir can be manually emptied or drained into a plumb-in drainage system.
Do heat pump dryers have a dedicated water reservoir?
Heat pump dryers have a separate reservoir that efficiently collects and stores the water extracted from your laundry during drying. This water is drained through a hose or stored in a tank.
The water tank is usually located at the dryer’s top left or right side and can be easily removed and emptied. Install a drain hose if you do not want to use the water tank.
The drain hose is provided with the dryer and can be used as an extension to the main drain hose. This allows the water to flow directly out of the dryer and into a drain, eliminating the need for manual water removal.
Does the heat pump dryer need a water outlet?
Don’t stress over finding a water outlet for your heat pump dryer. It operates like a self-sustaining ecosystem that repurposes its own water.
Unlike traditional models that need a water source, these dryers recycle hot air to dry clothes. The evaporator draws moisture from clothes, while the condenser collects it and changes it to water. This water collects in a reservoir within the dryer, which has a capacity of 3 to 6 liters depending on the model.
As soon as the reservoir becomes full, the dryer ceases operation until it is emptied. If your heat pump dryer has stopped collecting water, the full reservoir requires emptying.
Water Collection Problem: Troubleshoot Your Heat Pump Dryer
If your heat pump dryer isn’t collecting water, don’t panic. There could be various reasons behind this issue. One of them could be a full water reservoir. Alternatively, it might be that the drainage hose is blocked. In any case, you need to troubleshoot the problem for your dryer to operate efficiently.
You can easily piece together the solution by following the troubleshooting steps and understanding how heat pump dryers collect water. Once done, you can enjoy the benefits of a fully functional dryer.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. They can provide valuable insights and expertise to ensure your dryer performs at its best.
