De-humidifier in Basement

I just moved into the Broadlands neighborhood 2 weeks ago. The previous owners left a de-humidifier in the "unfinished" basement, which was set up to run automatically (runs when needed and pumps the water to the outside of the house thru pvc pipe into the backyard). The good thing is is that we don't have to empty the water pan...the REAL BAD NEWS is that it's creating a mud hole in the backyard! Can anyone tell me if it's even necessary to have a de-humidifier running constantly in an unfinished basement? If so, does anyone know of a contractor who could possibly install a French drain in the yard to properly filter the water? I would be most appreciative for any suggestions. Thank you!!

 

Is it running at this time of year? I would think you wouldn't have a problem with a DE-humidifier when there is no/very limited humidity in the air.

We have a humidifier that runs (when needed) and the water that runs over the coils drains into the drainage system for the furnance overflow,etc...and out from there. Maybe this would help

 

Is the de-humidifier set to dump the waste water into the sump pump and then to the outside? I would bet that is the way it is set up. If you are removing enough humdified liquid outside to cause a mud hole, I'd think you have a bigger problem than humidifier waste. Most likely the mud hole is being cause by the sump pump and not just water from the de-humidier.

Look at the possibility of extending the pvc pipe as it leaves your house. This may push the water into a larger area that will then allow the water to disapate (sp?) and not puddle in one area. If that is not possible, look to grade away from your house a little. If that is not possible, check into building a french drain for the run off.

How old is the house? Some of the humidity in the basement can come from new (less than a year) old foundation. As the foundation dries, the humdity issue could go away.

 

I would recommend a dehumidifier even for an unfinished basement. It shouldn't be running much, if at all, during the winter. I have mine set to simply fill up the water container that comes with the dehumidifier. Every two days I simply remove it and dump it in the toilet. I habe a bathroom in the basement, so this may not be an option for you.