Funnel and PVC Adapter with Garden Hose Threads

Overview:

I have a very old, but very trustworthy dehumidifier that has been running for many years.  Unfortunately, the threads to connect a garden hose snapped off long ago, and I lost the container to collect water.  I have been using an ice cream bucket for the past 10+ years which means I have to frequently empty it.

Instead, I designed a funnel that can be attached to the dehumidifier to collect the water and carry it away through a garden hose.  That hose feeds into a furnace condensate line that runs to a drain on the other side of the basement. 

The condensate line is ¾” PVC, so I spliced in a tee and created a threaded adapter that fits snugly into it.  I can connect the other end of the garden hose to this adapter.

A side benefit of this project is I now have a place to drain my water heater.  Instead of running a garden hose across the basement to the drain, I can use a short washing machine hose to connect the water heater spigot to this PVC adapter.

IMPORTANT:  My adapter fits snug and secure, but I can still remove it if needed.  Since this line is never under pressure, a friction fit is sufficient.  Do not use this in a supply line.

Components:

I modeled two versions of the funnel as well as the PVC adapter.  One version of the funnel simply screws into a metal plate under the dehumidifier.  After printing this version, I realized I wanted one that could be easily removed, so I created a version that slides into a bracket.  The bracket is screwed to the underside of the dehumidifier, and the funnel simply slides in.  I added a hole that runs through both to secure the funnel with an M3x6 screw to ensure the funnel doesn’t accidentally slide out and cause water to accumulate on the floor.

I’ve included my Fusion 360 file and step files if you want to customize them in any way. For example, you can create a version of the PVC adapter for 1” or ½” PVC, and/or snug up or loosen the fit. 

I used my garden hose thread adapters and definition to help model this.  Those files and info can be found here:

https://makerworld.com/en/models/3102785-garden-hose-thread-adapters-ght#profileId-3497572

Printing:

I printed ours in PLA which has worked fine.  PETG might work better, but I haven’t had any issues.  I used 5 walls / perimeters.  No supports required for any parts if printed in the orientations shown.  However, I highly recommend using a brim for the funnel bracket if going with that version.