@metzy10,
it absolutely needs a drain line. no big deal, as you look at the unit from the front, the drain connects on the left behind the control panel. There should be an elbow sticking out . Just make sure to plumb it in properly, two lines in and out of the back of the unit, the one on the right, looking at the front, is the in, the other is out. only two more connections, the drain and the brine tank, off of the left looking at it. Hope this helps