Danby DDR586R Dehumidifier - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

I get this complaint once in a while , most times it boils down to a unit that's being used on a Non level surface , most units are designed to gravity drain , if its not level , then Gravity is pulling wrong direction on unit so it drips on floor ;not in bucket drips also can come from a frozen evap coil , this is a sure sign of blocked air flow and possible gas charge over heat (leak) unplug unit for 48 hrs to see if water continues to drain out , if so yep it's iced up

Sounds like it is out of refrigerant and The compressor is overheating. I wouldn't recommend touching it, it may burn your hand. It might be cheaper to replace it than to repair it.

Christina, there are 5 basic, but solvable reason for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2..

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

I hope this will help you troubleshoot & solve the problem. Thanks for choosing FixYa.

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote that will help you understand why and what you cando with a dehumidifier that ices up.

Dehumidifier is Freezing up and not working

heatman101

As you're facing the rear of the unit, you will see a drain hose connection with a drain cap in place, don near floor level. Using a garden hose, no longer than 5 feet, remove the drain cap and save for future uses. Connect the garden hose section to the drain hose connection. Roll the dehumidifier to within 5 feet of a floor drain and place the hose at the inner edge of the floor drain. Be use the hose is sloped down and without bends or kinks. Plug the dehumidifier in, turn it ON and set the humidity extraction level at 35 - 40%. Monitor the hose to make sure its draining after 15 minutes of operation.

Keep in mind, the drain hose relies entirely on gravity to drain. It will not drain, if the hose is not sloped it's entire length down from the unit.

To assist you further, I have included a link to your Owner's Manual, that you can download and print for future reference. http://www.danby.com/cms/uploads/products/en_manual/DDR586R%20EFOM.pdf

I hope this helped you and thanks for choosing FixYa.

its up to your tastes.. the lower you set it the more you will need to empty it, i would set it so you only need to empty it once a day.. jay

There are 5 basic, yet solvable reasons for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%. If it's a manually controlled
unit, set the knob to maximum.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

I hope this helps you to troubleshoot & solve the problem.

Yes bloesst, there sure is.

Turn the unit OFF & Unplug it.

Disconnect the hose from the hose connection. Then, using an appropriately sized, 18" long, plastic Zip Tie, carefully insert the tip of Zip Tie into the hole or tubing. Continue to push it in until you reach a bend in the tubing. You will need to gingerly work the Zip Tie past this bend, until it either bottoms out or you run out of usable Zip Tie. Then slowly pull the Zip Tie back out while rotating (twisting) it. This will breakup any clogs. As you reach the inserted end of the Zip Tie, be prepared, as some water may follow. Reconnect hose, plug the unit in and turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to ON. Set the humidity extraction level to 35% . Allow the unit to run, for an hour or so, while you monitor it for any leakage.

NOTE: If you don't have a Zip Tie, you may use something similar ( i.e.a long pipe cleaner), but NO wire coat hangers.

Hope this helps you get the unit unclogged. Please let me know. Thanks.

Here is a link to the Owner's Manual for your model dehumidifier. You can download and print the manual for future reference. I would encourage you to keep it in a safe, accessible place, as your model has been discontinued. Which also, mean take good are of your unit and do routine maintenance on it. That will add to the longevity to it's use.

http://www.danby.ca/cms/uploads/products/en_manual/DDR586R%20EFOM.pdf

Hope this helps you get the constant drainage hooked up properly.

Since your Danby, discontinued model has several features that require a picture to understand how to set the controls, as well as how to use the remote control. I have provided a link to your Owner's Manual (in case you have misplaced yours) that you can download and print, for future reference.

http://www.danby.ca/cms/uploads/products/en_manual/DDR586R%20EFOM.pdf

The one thing I would suggest, that you keep in mind is that the lower the percentage of humidity extraction you set it on, the more humidity it will absorb. Which is what you want in the summer. Do Not press and hold the arrow down button. Press it down in increments, until you reach the level you desire.

Hope this helps you.

Anya, there are 5 basic, yet solvable reason for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%.
2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder level
in basement applications. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

Hope this helps you to troubleshoot the above and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

There are 5 basic, yet solvable reason for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2.

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder
in basement applications level. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

I hope this helps you to troubleshoot & solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

The model number you listed does not match any current Danby model numbers or it may have been discontinued. However, you can call Danby Customer Service 800-263-2629 and they may be able to provide you with and Owner's Manual.

Hope this helps you.

I need to be clear on what you said. you "can't find where to empty the water." Meaning you have removed the water collection bucket and don't know where to empty it? If that's the case, emptying it in a bath tub, is the easiest way.

However, if you meant, you don't know how to remove the water collection tank. It's on the front of the unit, below the air intake louvers. It simply slides/pulls out of the dehumidifier, when you pull on the indented handles on both sides of the bucket.

To assist you further, I have included a link to the Owner's Manual to a Danby model similar to yours. You can download and print it for future reference.

http://www.danby.ca/cms/uploads/products/en_manual/DDR25E__DDR30E__DDR45E__DDR5011_manual_v3.pdf

I hope this helped you.

Here is a link to the Owner's Manual you are looking for.

http://www.ajmadison.com/ajmadison/itemdocs/DDR586Rownersmanual.pdf

You can download and print it for future reference.

Hope this helped you. Please let me know. Thanks.

If the machine's compressor runs when you switch it on, then turn the machine on maximum and let it run for an hour or so. Then check the coils in the back with your hand. If they are not getting cold at all, then there is a significant problem with the refrigeration process in the unit. It may have developed a leak and allowed your refrigerant gas to escape, or there may be another internal problem with the compressor. Either way you would need to have it serviced by a fridge technician, or more likely just replaced with a whole new unit since both options can potentially cost about the same.

If the unit runs normally and the coils are getting cold, then make sure they are not totally icing up which will impede the unit's performance. If your dehumidifier is freezing up then that probably means the unit itself is actually working well, and you probably just have the unit turned up too high for the conditions.

Try turning down the setting on the unit so that it cycles on and off every few hours and does not run continuously.

Also try using some warm soapy water to clean off any dust or oily residue from the cooling coils in the rear of the unit. Remember to also clean the air intake filter while you are at it.

The ambient temperature in the room may also be a bit too low, so you can try adding some heat to the room if necessary. A dehumidifier will not work properly if the ambient air temperature is too low. Basically, the warmer and more humid the room is, the better they work. Since warm air rises, you can even try lifting the unit higher up off the cold floor onto a bench or table where the air is warmer.

Sometimes the drain tube leading to the bucket is clogged. You can often clean this out by inserting the pointy end of a long heavy duty plastic zip tie and jiggling it around a bit. Do not insert anything metal or sharp into the tube or you may damage it.

You can click on the following link for a general operating and troubleshooting guide with additional tips on effective dehumidifier operation:

http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/dehumidifier-advice-troubleshooting.html


And here is a link to a tip from another Expert (Heatman101) which includes his very detailed troubleshooting guide for dehumidifiers:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4662409-dehumidifier_running_but_no_water_in


I hope that was helpful to you, good luck and take care.

If you choose to rate this solution, or Heatman 101's tip using the Thumbs Up scale provided, I thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Joe.

Doreen, many folks have been experiencing the same issue as you have. And I tell them all the same thing.

There are 5 basic, but solvable reason for what you described. Please pay particular attention to numbers 1 & 2..

1. The humidity extraction level is set to HIGH. Lower it to 32-35%.

2. Air intake filter is dirty or clogged. Turn unit OFF, & Unplug the
Unit, before removing to inspect & clean it, if necessary. If washed,
allow filter to completely dry before reinstalling. DO NOT operate
the unit without the filter.

3. Obstructed air flow. Maintain a minimum of 12 to 18" of clear air
space around the entire unit.

4. Cooling coils are dirty and need to be cleaned. Use warm water & dish washing liquid to
clean the coils. Rinse and wipe dry. Apply a light coating of WD40 to the coils.

5. Ambient air temperature at floor level is between 40 - 60 degrees.
dehumidifiers do not work well between those temperatures
(Unless, you have a Low Temp Unit). This applies mainly to
where the air temperature at floor level is colder than at shoulder
in basement applications level. Raising the unit up off the floor,
onto a sturdy table, counter top, etc, that can handle the weight
of the unit, plus a full tank of water, will usually resolve this
problem.

If none of the above solves the problem, it may be a case of the compressor needs to be recharged with refrigerant gas or that the humidity condenser sensor has failed. These things usually occur in units that are 5 years old or older. It's rare in a unit younger than that. But, it can happen.

I hope this helped you to troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks,

Hi,
There are many reasons why a dehumidifier willnot work or collect water.
Here is a tip that I wrote to help people to figure out what is going wrongwith their dehumidifier

Dehumidifier is running but no water is in bucket

heatman101

'
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;

Actually, the fan shouldn't be working if the water bucket is not installed properly. So, I believe it's more of a case of the electronic controls need to be reset.

To accomplish this, turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to OFF and unplug the unit for 15 minutes.
After the time as elapsed, plug the unit in and turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to ON. The Bucket Full light should not, now be ON. And the unit can function as it should, after you reset the controls for maximum humidity extraction (32 - 35%).

Hope this helped you troubleshoot and solve the problem. Please let me know. Thanks.

Hi,

Here is a tip that I wrote that will help you understand why and what you cando with a dehumidifier that ices up.

Dehumidifier is Freezing up and not working

heatman101