mine is leaking water from the bottom, not from the bucket, just pooling underneath

Diagnosis

Water pooling underneath the Honeywell DH70W typically indicates a failure in the condensate management system, where water escapes the internal collection path before it reaches the bucket or the external drain hose. This most commonly occurs when the internal condensate tray—the plastic basin that catches drips from the evaporator coils—becomes clogged with dust, biofilm, or "slime," causing water to overflow the edges of the tray and leak directly onto the chassis and floor. Another frequent cause is a misalignment or breach in the seal where the internal tray meets the bucket housing. If the unit was tilted during movement or if the bucket is not seated perfectly flush, water will bypass the bucket entirely. In cases where a continuous drain hose is attached, the leak is often caused by a "vacuum lock" or a kink in the hose, forcing water to back up into the internal reservoir and overflow the overflow sensor's capacity, leaking from the base of the unit rather than the hose exit.

How to Fix It

To resolve the leaking issue, follow these precise steps to clear the system and verify the seals:

1. Power down the unit and unplug it from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shorts.
2. Remove the water collection bucket and set it aside. Inspect the area where the bucket slides in for any debris or buildup of mineral deposits.
3. Locate the internal drain hole at the bottom of the evaporator tray (the area directly above where the bucket sits). Use a flexible pipe cleaner or a thin 1/16" diameter plastic probe to gently clear any sludge or dust clumps from the drain port.
4. If using a continuous drain hose, remove the hose from the rear port. Inspect the black rubber grommet seal; if it is cracked or pinched, it must be replaced.
5. Reinstall the hose, ensuring it is pushed firmly into the port. Use a spirit level to confirm the hose has a constant downward slope of at least 1 inch of drop per every 2 feet of hose length to prevent back-pressure.
6. Wipe the interior base of the unit with a dry microfiber cloth. Place the bucket back in, ensuring it "clicks" or seats firmly against the rear housing.
7. Run the unit on "Continuous" mode for 30 minutes and use a flashlight to observe the drip path from the coils to the bucket to ensure no water is splashing over the side of the tray.

If That Didn't Work

• Inspect for Coil Freezing: If the evaporator coils are frosting over due to a dirty filter, the ice will melt unevenly, often bypassing the drain tray and dripping directly onto the internal electronics or the base. Clean the filter with warm soapy water and ensure there is at least 12 inches of clearance around the intake and exhaust vents.
• Check the Internal Tray Integrity: Remove the outer plastic casing of the unit (requires a Phillips head screwdriver) to inspect the plastic condensate pan. Look for hairline cracks or stress fractures in the plastic. If a crack is found, apply a food-grade waterproof silicone sealant to the exterior of the crack and allow it to cure for 24 hours.
• Verify Bucket Gasket: Inspect the rubber gasket/seal around the rim of the water bucket. If the seal is warped or missing a piece, water may leak from the bucket's top edge even if the bucket isn't full, appearing as a leak from the bottom of the machine.
• Flush the System: Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts warm water. Pour this carefully into the internal condensate tray to dissolve mineral buildup and biofilm that may be restricting the flow to the bucket.

Heads Up

• Never tilt the unit more than 15 degrees when moving it; doing so can shift the refrigerant oil or displace the internal drain tray, leading to permanent leaks.
• Clean the air filter every two weeks. A clogged filter reduces airflow, which leads to coil frosting and subsequent "mystery leaks" from the base.
• If using a continuous drain, avoid using corrugated hoses that can trap air bubbles; use smooth-bore PVC or reinforced vinyl tubing for a reliable gravity drain.
• Periodically check the bucket for "slime" buildup. This biofilm can act as a plug, forcing water to overflow the internal reservoir.