How To Drain Air Conditioner? 8 Easy Steps!

Knowing how to drain air conditioner is important. An air conditioner is often equipped with a condensation system that exhausts and expels water droplets that are gathered during the cooling process.

It will then release the moisture onto the hose as the system exhausts the hot air. In extremely humid places, however, it will take time to exhaust the water collected.

how to drain air conditioner

It is even possible that the water reservoir inside the unit will be filled. If this happens, the unit shuts off automatically so that the tank will not overflow.

An alarm, error code, or indicator light may appear in this case. It means that the internal tanks need to be drained already.

Every particular model has different instructions on how to drain the tank. But usually, they include similar basic steps.

What Are The Things Needed?

Before anything else, let us first know what you need to drain your air conditioning unit.

Gather them before you start.

  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Water hose
  • Thick cloths
  • Wire brush
  • Carpenter’s level

Steps To Drain Air Conditioner

So, how to drain air conditioner? Here are the steps you need to take when it is about time to drain your air conditioning unit.

Step #1. Unplug

First and foremost, you need to unplug your unit. Then, ensure that the unit is stable. Finally, have some to assist you as you work if necessary.

Step #2. Angle the unit

You should also check whether or not the unit is level to the ground outdoors. It should be slanted a bit lower at the back so that it will drain properly. You can use your carpenter’s level to check. If it is level, you need to drop it lower at the rear portion so that the unit’s angle will be increased.

The angle will allow good drainage. Most units are designed with overflow drainage in case the level of water will rise too high.

In lowering the rear portion of the unit, take into account the installation method used.

If it has no support and is simply sitting by your window, you will have to pull the unit forward a bit. This will drop its rear. You may also need to cut and attach braces to lower it.

Step #3. Locating the drain hole

In this step, you need to locate the plug or drain hole specifically designed to drain any excess water.

In general, it is located below the exterior of the unit, and remember that it can be very tiny. A window air conditioner has a hole on its side since it should retain water. If the water already reaches a certain point, it will drain away.

Alternatively, there might as well be a cap below the unit. You will have to pour the water off and recap it.

Step #4. Unclogging the hole

If you think that your unit’s drain hole is clogged, unplug it. Then get along and thin wire. Use it to poke through the drain hole.

Do it in the same manner as you brush your teeth. Most often than not, this can encourage draining.

Step #5. Pulling unit out of the window

If the previous step is not enough, it is best to pull your AC unit out of the window. Also, remove its outer casing if needed.

Then, place your unit onto a flat and clean surface.

Put the thick cloth onto the fan motor and the switches. Spray your unit so that it will remove any debris and dirt.

Step #6. Cleaning the drain system

Take off the condensation pan where the moisture is being drained into and clean it.

Pull or unscrew the drip tray at the bottom of your AC unit. Then, clean it using water coming from a hose and a rag.

You might also replace it with a new tray if it has rust or is damaged since it will hinder proper drainage.

Find the small tubes that are running in front of the drip tray below the evaporator. Then, swab and scrub it using a wire or brush to get rid of any clogs.

Step #7. Adding or enlarging a hole

Some products indicate that you are allowed to add another hole or enlarge the existing one.

Once the pan is removed, you can put or enlarge a hole at its edge using a small bit and drill.

Step #8. Reassembling your AC unit

Lastly, it would help if you reassembled your air conditioner. First, attach the pan followed by the casing.

After that, you need to reinstall the unit into the window. Allow the unit to tilt properly and secure,

Please do not use it for two days to make sure that everything inside the unit is dehydrated.

It’s A Wrap!

So, that’s how to drain air conditioner.

Once you are done cleaning and reinstalling your air conditioner, you must not plug it immediately.

It will take several days before the moisture will be gone in the unit. So could you not use it in the meantime? Or else, it can result in damages.

Likewise, if you have moved your unit, remember that the coolant requires some time to settle.

To know more what you can do about your air conditioner, click here.

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