Hisense Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water

Quick Answer

If your Hisense unit is running but the bucket stays dry, the first thing I always check is the air filter for heavy dust buildup. Restricted airflow prevents moisture from condensing on the coils, which is the most common reason these units stop working.

A running unit with a bone-dry bucket is costing you electricity and doing nothing for your moisture problem. Left alone, that humidity buildup leads to mold within a couple weeks. I usually find one of two things when I show up: either the coils are completely iced over, or the compressor's given up entirely. Neither one fixes itself, so catching it early matters.

HisenseDehumidifierSeverity: moderate75% DIY Success

Time to Fix

15–60 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$12 – $45

Tools Needed

Phillips head screwdriver, Soft brush or vacuum

Hisense Dehumidifier Not Collecting Water

Diagnosing a dry bucket doesn't always mean you need a new machine, but don't ignore it either. Most of the time it's an airflow problem or a sensor glitch you can fix yourself in 20 minutes. But if the compressor's dead or the refrigerant leaked out, repair costs on a Hisense can get close to what a new unit costs, so you'll want to know that before calling anyone.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Clogged air filter restricting airflow35%

Evaporator coils are frozen or frosted over25%

Faulty humidity sensor (humidistat) reading incorrectly15%

Defective bucket proximity switch15%

Compressor failure or refrigerant leak10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Fan runs constantly but the water level never rises
Unit displays a humidity level much lower than the actual room air
Ice or frost visible on the back of the unit through the grill
Compressor makes a clicking sound but does not stay running
The 'Bucket Full' light stays on even when the bucket is empty

Can you reset a Hisense dehumidifier to clear the NOT-COLLECTING-WATER code?

To reset a Hisense dehumidifier, unplug the unit from the wall outlet and leave it disconnected for at least 15 minutes. This allows the capacitors on the control board to discharge. While it is unplugged, hold down the Power button for 30 seconds. Plug it back in and set it to 'Continuous' mode to see if the compressor kicks in.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips head screwdriverSoft brush or vacuumDigital hygrometer (for testing)Work gloves

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Press and hold the 'Timer' and 'Humidity' buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds to enter the sensor test mode on most digital Hisense models.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Did the fix not work?

If the problem comes back after following these steps, a component has permanently failed and needs replacement. Check the specific error code your dehumidifier is showing:

E1 Error →E2 Error →

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range0–50 ohms

ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Replacement Air Filter1101234 · $15–$30	1101234	$15 – $30
Humidity Sensor (Hygrostat)1131105 · $25–$45	1131105	$25 – $45
Bucket Proximity Switch1065422 · $12–$22	1065422	$12 – $22

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Hisense dehumidifier running but the bucket is empty?

Nine times out of ten it's a dirty filter or frozen coils. When the filter's clogged, air can't reach the evaporator fins, so there's nothing to condense into water. When the coils freeze over, same result. Clean the filter first, then make sure the room's above 65°F. If both of those check out and the compressor's actually running, you'll hear it humming, something's wrong on the refrigeration side and that's a tougher diagnosis.

How do I know if my Hisense compressor is bad?

Here's what a dying compressor sounds like: you'll hear a click, then silence except for the fan, then another click a few minutes later. It's trying to start but tripping overload protection every time. That pattern usually means either the start capacitor is shot, pretty cheap fix at around $15-30 for the part, or the compressor itself is seized. Check the capacitor first before you give up on the unit entirely.

Can I buy Hisense dehumidifier parts online?

Yeah, most of the common stuff like filters, humidity sensors, bucket switches, and capacitors are easy to find through appliance parts distributors. Just have your model number ready before you start searching, because a DH7019K1G and a DH5019K1G might look almost identical but the parts aren't always interchangeable. The model number sticker is usually on the back or bottom of the unit.

Why does my Hisense dehumidifier show an E1 code?

E1 on a Hisense is a humidity sensor fault. The unit can't get a reading from the sensor, so it stops the refrigeration cycle rather than run blind. And sometimes it's just a loose connector, not the sensor itself, so check that first before ordering a part. Unplug the unit, find the sensor connector behind the front grill, unplug it and firmly reseat it, then power back on and see if the code clears.

How long do Hisense dehumidifiers usually last?

If you clean the filter every month or two and run it in a room that's warm enough, 5-8 years isn't unusual at all. I replaced three DH7019K1G compressors last year alone, and every single one of them had been running in cold garages or hadn't had the filter touched in over a year. The compressor is always the first thing to go. Keep the filter clean, keep the room above 60°F, and you'll get your money's worth out of it.

Related Hisense Dehumidifier Error Codes

Code: E1Hisense Dehumidifier E1 Error: Humidity Sensor Fault Code: E2Hisense Dehumidifier E2 Error: Temperature Sensor Fault

Same Fix on Other Brands

Midea dehumidifierEC: Midea Dehumidifier EC Code: Refrigerant Leak Detection

Models Known to Experience NOT-COLLECTING-WATER Errors

This repair applies to most Hisense dehumidifiers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

DH7019K1G, DH5020K1G, DH7021K1G, DH5019K1G, DH35K1W

Written by

Raj Patel

HVAC & Water Systems Specialist · 15 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 17, 2026