How to Repair Dehumidifier That Says Bucket Is Full When It Isn’t

If the bucket full light stays on when the bucket is empty, there may be an issue with the sensor assembly, which is the dehumidifier part that monitors the humidity and evaporator temperature. On electronic control models, the sensor assembly tells the control when to begin the compressor cycle, when the fan motor should turn on and off, and when a defrosting cycle is needed. When the sensor assembly fails, the bucket full light stays on. To troubleshoot the dehumidifier, use process of elimination to find out which part has failed. If the float assembly and float switch are working normally, it is likely that the sensor assembly is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the bucket full light is blinking or stays on when the bucket is empty, there may be an issue with the float switch. The switch can be found near the bucket, and is activated by the float mechanism when the bucket is full of water. This dehumidifier part is important because it also functions as a safety mechanism, to keep the appliance from overflowing with water. When the float switch is tripped, it signals the compressor and fan motor to stop working until the water is emptied from the bucket. To check the float switch, first make sure it isn’t manually tripped by the float assembly. If everything appears normal, test the switch continuity using a multi-meter.

If the bucket full light stays on when the bucket is empty, there may be an issue with the float assembly. This dehumidifier part can be found near the bucket. It kicks in when the bucket fills with water to trip the float switch so the bucket doesn’t overflow. When the float switch is activated, it stops the compressor and fan motor from working until the bucket can be emptied. To check the float assembly, check that it is moving freely and not being blocked by any other dehumidifier parts from coming in contact with the float switch. If you see any signs of damage, replace the float assembly.

If the dehumidifier bucket full light stays on but the bucket is empty, there may be an issue with the control board, also known as the PCB. This dehumidifier part is used in electronic control models to turn off the compressor and motor circuits when the bucket is full, via the float switch. If the control board is faulty, it may not accurately indicate when the bucket is full, meaning the light stays on even when the bucket is empty. Troubleshoot your dehumidifier by process of elimination, first making sure the issue is not the float assembly or switch before concluding the control board is faulty.