Tank
Best for portability and occasional use.
UK damp and humidity guide
Continuous drainage vs tank emptying: which dehumidifier setup is better?
Most portable dehumidifiers collect water in a tank. Some also let you attach a drain hose so water flows away continuously. Both setups can work well.
Dehumidifier Drain Hose
Drainage depends on the room layout
A hose can be useful for long-running damp control, but it needs a suitable downhill route unless the model has a pump.
Drain hose
Best for fixed positions and long runs.
Pump models
Useful where gravity drainage is not possible.
Tank collection
A tank is simple and portable. You can move the dehumidifier between rooms and empty it when full.
The downside is that a damp room or laundry load can fill the tank faster than expected.
Continuous drainage
Continuous drainage is useful if the unit sits near a suitable drain, sink, waste pipe or floor drain. It can help in garages, utility rooms, basements or long-running damp control.
Common mistakes
A drain hose usually needs a downhill route unless the model has a pump. Kinked hoses, blocked outlets or badly positioned units can stop drainage working properly.
Which should you choose?
Choose tank-only if you want flexibility and occasional use. Choose continuous drainage if the unit will stay in one place, run for long periods, or collect a lot of water.
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