Black & Decker BDT20WTB, Instruction Manual

Page 18

TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY

Troubleshoot your problem by using the chart below. If the dehumidifier still does 
not work properly, contact W Appliance Co. customer service center or the nearest 
authorized service center. Customers must never troubleshoot internal components. 

TROUBLE

POSSIBLE CAUSE

POSSIBLE REMEDY

Dehumidifier 
does not start

The dehumidifier is unplugged

Make sure the dehumidifier’s plug is pushed 
completely into the outlet

The fuse is blown/circuit breaker 
is tripped

Check the house fuse/circuit breaker box and 
replace fuse or reset breaker

Dehumidifier has reached its 
present level or the bucket is full

The dehumidifier automatically turns off when 
either condition occurs. Change to a lower setting 
or empty the water bucket and replace properly

Bucket is not in the proper position

The bucket must be in place and securely seated 
for the dehumidifier to operate

Power failure

There is a protective time delay (up to 3 min.) 
to prevent tripping of the compressor overload. 
For this reason, the unit may not start normal 
dehumidification for 3 minutes after it is powered 
back on

Dehumidifier 
does not dry the 
air as it should

Not enough time allowed for unit 
to remove moisture

When first installed, allow at least 24 hours to 
maintain the desired dryness

Airflow is restricted

Make sure there are no curtains, blinds, or furniture 
blocking the front or back of the dehumidifier. 

Dirty filter

See the FILTER CLEANING section on page 10

The humidity control may not be 
set low enough

For drier air, press the        button to lower the 
percent humidity desired in the room or set the 
dehumidifier to CO for maximum dehumidification

Doors and windows may not be 
closed tightly

Check that all doors, windows and other openings 
are securely closed

Clothes dryer may be blowing 
moist air into the room

Install the dehumidifier away from the dryer. The 
dryer should be vented outside.

Room temperature is too low

Moisture removal is best at higher room 
temperatures. Lower room temperatures will 
reduce the moisture removal rate. This model is 
designed to operate at temperatures above 41˚F

Dehumidifier runs 
too much

The area is too large for the 
capability of the dehumidifier

The capacity of your dehumidifier may not be 
adequate for the room size

Doors and windows are open

Close all doors and windows to the outside

Frost appears on 
the coils

The dehumidifier has recently 
been turned on or the room 
temperature is below 41˚F

This is normal. Frost will usually disappear within 
60 minutes. For details, see “AUTO DEFROST” 
section on page 11

Controls cannot 
be set

The compressor will turn off 
and the fan will automatically 
continue to run for approximately 
3 minutes at a fixed setting

This is normal. Wait approximately 3 minutes and 
set the fan speed at the desired level

Fan noise

Air is moving through the unit

This is normal

Water on the 
floor

Hose connection may be loose

Check the hose connection. See the CONTINUOUS 
DRAINAGE SECTION on page 12

Hose is attached but not draining 
into a drain

Disconnect the hose if using the bucket or place 
the hose near a drain