Diagnosis
The unit is designed to drain through the hose only when the bucket is *in place*. If the bucket is filling, it means the internal diverter isn't activating, usually because the hose setup isn't quite right or there's a blockage.
How to Fix It
1) Ensure the bucket is fully inserted and seated. The unit won't divert water to the hose unless it senses the bucket is present. 2) Check your hose. It must be a standard 5/8" ID (inner diameter) vinyl hose, and it must run straight down from the drain port on the back of the unit. There cannot be any loops or kinks, and the entire hose must be on a downward slope away from the dehumidifier. Any uphill section will cause water to back up into the bucket. 3) Make sure the hose is pushed firmly onto the drain nipple and the black rubber grommet is creating a good seal.
If That Didn't Work
There's a small internal float valve that directs water to the hose port. Sometimes debris or scale can clog the small port. You can try flushing the drain outlet with a little warm water from a cup with the bucket out and the hose off.
Heads Up
Gravity drain is key. You cannot pump water uphill with this setup. If your floor drain is higher than the dehumidifier's drain port, you'll need a condensate pump.