Can I drain my dehumidifier into an unknown basement pipe?
Connecting a dehumidifier to an unknown basement pipe requires figuring out what the line was intended for and whether you need a trap or air gap. DIY installation attempts can lead to mistakes like using too much glue that blocks water flow, leaving the unit running without any visible drainage.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Draining into the water softener
- 2Running the line into a floor sump pump
- 3Testing the pipe capacity with a continuous run or inspecting it with a sewer camera
- 4Hiring a professional to do the installation
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Im not the best at diy but trying to learn. Ran to Lowe’s bought a threaded 3/4 elbow. Connected to a 3/4 p trap. Then a connector to a threaded area to receive the hose adapter.”source ↗
“Unit has been on for almost an hour and I’m not seeing water flow. Is there a world where I maybe used too much glue and it’s blocking water ?”source ↗
“I was wondering if I could drain/pump my dehumidifier into it (the white 1/4” line in the photo).”source ↗
“Is it obvious what this pipe/circle in front of it would’ve been intended for? Can I pump my dehumidifier into it (if so, do I need a trap, air gap, something else)?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 4Where do I run the vent for a washer installation?
- 5What is this extra pipe dripping into my sink drain?
- 3How to maintain an outdoor sump pump discharge pipe in the yard
- 26How to clear a clogged AC condensate drain line
- 2Why is there condensation and damp spots on walls only on laundry days?
- 2How to find where an unmapped drainage pipe discharges