How To Drain a Window AC Unit? 4 Simple Steps

So if you have a new window air conditioner and you are worrying about how to drain it properly, then stop worrying more!

In this guide, you will learn how to drain a window ac unit properly. Let’s dive in without wasting a second:

Why is it important to drain window ac units?

It’s important to drain window air conditioner units because of the way they cool down the air. When warm air goes over the cooling part of the unit, water droplets form because of the moisture in the air.

If not drained properly, this excess moisture can lead to problems such as mold growth in the unit, which will result in unpleasant odors from the window ac unit and may also lead to potential health hazards.

Also, the water that stays inside the unit can cause its parts to rust and wear out faster. This makes the air conditioner work less effectively and not last as long.

Must read: How long do window air conditioner last? Asked 977 window ac owners

How do you know if my window AC needs to be drained?

You can determine if your window air conditioner needs to be drained by observing a few key indicators:

• Water Leakage: The first and obvious indicator is water leaking. If you notice water dripping from the front or sides of the unit, it might be an indication that the drainage system is not working properly, and the condensate is not being effectively directed outside and you need to drain it properly.
• Too much Humidity: If your room feels excessively humid even when the AC is running, it could mean that the condensate is not being properly removed. This might be due to a clogged drainage system or a malfunctioning unit.
• Puddles or Moisture Around the Unit: Check the area around the AC unit for pools of water or moisture. This can be an indicator that the drainage system is not functioning correctly.
• Unusual Noises or Odors: If your window unit sounds like water in it or unpleasant odors as fish like smell coming from the unit, it might indicate that water is not draining properly, leading to stagnant water within the unit.

If you observe any of these signs, then you need to clean the drainage system or drain your window ac unit.

Where is the drain plug on a window AC unit?

The drain plug on a window air conditioning unit is usually located on the back or bottom of the unit, near the rear end. The exact location of the drain plug can be different depending on the make and the model of the AC unit, but it generally consists of a small hole or opening with a way for water to escape. Many window AC units have a removable cap or plug that you can take out to let the water drain more easily.

4 Simple to drain a window AC unit

Follow these step-by-step instructions to effectively drain your window AC unit:

Step 1: Turn Off the Unit

Well going forward, ensure the AC unit is at least turned off. It will be even better if you unplug it from the power source. 

Step 2: Locate the Drainage Hole

Now, locate the drainage hole on the bottom of the unit’s backside. This hole is where the excess condensation will flow out.

Step 3: Insert the drain pipe into the drain hole

Now take that short drain pipe that came along with your window ac unit and carefully insert it into the drain hole and locate the other end of the pipe where you want to drain the water.

Either way, you can position a bucket or container beneath the drain hole to collect the water that will flow out during the draining process.

Step 4: Allow the Water to Drain

Once you insert the drain pipe into the drain hole the water will start to drain out. However, if you have put a bucket or container beneath the drain hole, you will need to remove the drain plug from the hole to start the water flow.

What to do if my window AC has no drain hole?

Well if your window air conditioner has no drain hole then you can tilt your unit a bit. Just position the air conditioner slightly downward by tilting it backward. This can help the condensation water to flow outside the unit instead of accumulating inside.

Another thing you can do is take a piece of gauze and force it down into the tray and the water will flow out. Let me show you with pictures:

Step 1: Carefully forcing a gauze piece down into the tray

Step 2: And the water is starting to drop out.

Watch this video to learn more about this simple yet effective method to drain a window ac unit:

Learn: How to troubleshoot a frozen window ac unit?

by David Jack (Air Conditioner Expert)

Can I drill a drain hole in my window air conditioner?

No, drilling a drain hole in your window air conditioner is not recommended. This could cause problems with the unit. Instead, you can tilt your window AC unit downward towards the outside. This helps water to naturally flow out of the unit through the existing drainage path.

Do window AC units need to be tilted?

In my opinion, window AC units should be tilted slightly backward when installed. The recommended tilt angle is typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch lower at the back compared to the front. However, be careful not to tilt it too much, as excessive tilt can cause problems rather than solving them.

How to unclog your window AC drain hole?

To ensure proper drainage and prevent water leakage, it’s essential to unclog the drain hole in your window AC unit. Follow these steps to effectively unclog the drain hole:

1. Turning off the AC unit and disconnecting power:

• As always, unplug the AC unit from the electrical outlet.
• Safety should be a priority to avoid any electrical accidents during the unclogging of your window ac drain hole..

2. Locating the drain hole and inspecting for blockage:

• The drain hole is typically located at the rear bottom section.
• Use a flashlight to clearly see the drain hole.
• Check for any visible blockage, such as dirt, debris, or algae growth.

3. Clearing the blockage using a thin brush or wire:

• Take a thin, flexible bottle brush or a thin wire suitable for the size of the drain hole. (read: best ac drain line cleaning tool)
• Gently insert the brush or wire into the drain hole.
• Move it back and forth to dislodge any accumulated debris.
• Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage to the drain hole or internal components.

4. Repeat the process if necessary:

• If the blockage persists, repeat steps 3 to clear the drain hole.

Once you have successfully unclogged the drain hole, you can  perform necessary tests to ensure proper water drainage. Additionally, implementing regular maintenance practices will help prevent future clogs of the drain hole of your window ac unit.

Troubleshooting Common Drainage Issues

Despite regular maintenance, you may encounter certain issues with your window AC unit. Here are some common problems and their possible solutions:

• AC Unit Not Draining: If the unit is not draining properly, check for clogs in the drainage hole or the drainage system. Clean any obstructions that may be preventing the water from flowing freely.
• Leaking Water: If your window AC unit is leaking water inside the room, check that the drainage system is clean and free from blockages.
• Mold or Mildew Growth: If you notice mold or mildew growth in your AC unit, clean the drainage system thoroughly using a mold-killing cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. Learn to clean mold out of a window ac by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thought

Draining a window AC unit is a crucial part of its maintenance to prevent mold, mildew, and inefficiency.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively drain your window air conditioner unit and keep it in excellent working condition.

Remember to clean the drainage system regularly. That’s it for this post: How to drain window ac unit?

Thank You!

David Jack

David Jack is a veteran when it comes to air conditioners, he love helping people find solutions to their problems with AC units. His specialty is helping people find the right Air-Conditioner for their needs, whether that means replacing a broken unit or adding on to an existing system. He is also great at diagnosing problems and fixing them quickly. He learned this from my father Jack Smith who was an air conditioner repairer, he has 2 years of experience in this field.