If you are wondering how to drain an LG air conditioner, this article is a complete guide through the process.
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How to Drain an LG Air Conditioner
LG manufactures different types of air conditioners: portable, through-the-wall, split/multi-split, and windows units. Draining each type of unit typically takes a different approach. Draining a portable air conditioning unit requires opening the drain port and fixing a hose to it. The other end of the hose must be channeled outside, inside a container, or through a drain hole.
When you run the unit as a dehumidifier or Dry mode of operation, the unit will remove excess moisture from the air. Through the hose, it will channel the excess water out of the system instead of storing it in the water collection tank.
But if the tank fills up, open the port and tilt the air conditioner backward to empty the tank. Ensure there is a pan to collect the draining water or place the unit close to a floor drain. Another option is to channel a hose from the unit out of the house. Dry the entry port after draining the water and replace the port cover. This article is a detailed explanation of the process.
Here is a video to help you properly drain your LG portable air conditioner…
For Other Units
If your window or through-the-wall unit has excess water stored in it, the problem may stem from incorrect installation. Typically, the unit should tilt about a quarter of an inch backward to ensure proper drainage. But if the installation is wrong, water will store. The unit needs a bit of water to operate but nothing excessive.
To fix this, have a technician check the installation and adjust it if necessary. Next, open the drain cap and fix a hose into the drain line to remove the excess stored water. Arrange it so that the water drains through the line until everything flows out. Clean the port and replace the cap.
If you are using a split unit, the water typically flows out of the drainage pipe installed through the wall. You will find water dripping from it onto the floor, meaning that water does not store inside the system. However, if you find that your split Ac unit is not draining water, it requires service. Contact LG to report the issue or hire an HVAC technician to sort the problem out.
To Prevent Water Buildup…
Regularly clean and run maintenance checks on the air conditioning unit, especially the drain line. It is easy to get clogged with dirt if the filter is dirty. Clean the condensation drain, filter, fan, and evaporator coil. Also, check the outdoor unit and clean the condenser fins. Use professional help if you are unable to run maintenance yourself.
How Often Do You Have to Drain an LG Portable Air Conditioner?
Typically, you have to drain a portable air conditioner every eight hours. However, the frequency at which you drain the air conditioner will depend on where you live. Areas with high humidity will require you to drain the unit often but it will not need constant drainage if you live in a dry area.
LG portable air conditioners usually have a sprayer that collects the condensate and sprays it on the condenser. This process does two things: it disposes of the water so you do not have to do it manually and it helps the condenser to dissipate heat. Therefore, the only time you will need to empty the tank manually is if the humidity is excessively high. The display will show FL if the water collection tank is full.
There are steps to help reduce the humidity in your home. If the outside humidity is high, ensure you close the windows and doors, leaving no gaps. Also, ensure there is no other opening through which warm air can enter the room. This is especially true for the panel where you connect the vent hose assembly. Use the Dry mode to reduce the humidity in the room so that it does not continue building.
Why You Must Drain Your Air Conditioner
Whether or not you live in a dry area, it is crucial to check the air conditioner once every month. Doing that will prevent the growth of mold or mildew, which is hazardous to your health. It may also damage the unit in the long run.
Also, checking the tank prevents an overflow of water. If your home has a wood floor, the water will damage it. This is apart from any other problem the water can cause. Besides, the overflow will trigger the float switch to shut the air conditioner off, that is, if the switch is not broken.
In addition, the unit will not come on when the switch turns it off. Fortunately, the portable unit will alert you to the full tank before the switch triggers it to turn off. Usually, you will get an alarm with FL appearing on the screen. Then, you can check the tank and empty it accordingly.
Check out these other articles…
How to Reset an LG Air Conditioner [Quick Guide]
LG Air Conditioner Turns On and Off By Itself [Problems Solved]
LG Air Conditioner Blinking/Flashing [Quick Fix]
LG Air Conditioner Not Blowing [How to Fix]
LG Air Conditioner Blowing [Issues & Solutions]
Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Draining Water?
The drain line is clogged with debris if the air conditioner is not draining water. Disconnect the air conditioner from electric power and inspect the drain pan. If there is water standing in it, empty the pan and use a shop vacuum to suck the dirt from the line.
You can also use a solution of water and bleach or water and vinegar; a gallon of water and a cup of bleach or vinegar. Pour the solution down the drain line and ensure it flushes out into a pan at the other end. When it runs free and clear, rinse the line with water and clear the collection pan. However, use the services of an HVAC technician if the lack of water drainage continues.
Note: It is always best to use a wet/dry shop vacuum to clear the drain of debris. While it may easier to mix water and bleach or vinegar, a shop vac does a more thorough job of removing debris. If you do not have one, rent from a nearby hardware store. This applies to LG air conditioners and other air conditioner brands.
LG Air Conditioner Has No Drain Hole – Solved
All LG air conditioners have holes through which water drains from the unit. In most cases, you will not need to drain the condensate manually. For split units, the water drains out from the pipe connected to the drain hole. For portable units, a fan sprays the condensate to the condenser to help reduce heat.
And for window or through-the-wall units, there is also a slinger fan that slings the condensate to the condenser to dispose of it. There is a cap over the drain hole so it may be difficult to locate it. Unless the weather is excessively humid and you need to drain the excess water, you will not need to open the drain.
Always consult the user manual for installation steps and where to find each part in your air conditioner. If you cannot find a particular piece, contact LG as quickly as possible. This is especially true for split/multi-split units.
LG Air Conditioner Not Draining – Quick Fix
Check the drain line for debris if you find water standing or flowing out of the drain pan. Debris can clog the drain line, especially if the air filter is dirty. Disconnect power from the air conditioner and locate the drain line. Remove the pan before you can access the line.
Use a shop vac to clear the line. In the absence of a shop vac, use a solution of vinegar or bleach and water. Ensure you clear all the debris and the solution runs free before cleaning out the pan and putting everything back together.
Next, check the air filter. The drain line is not the only part it affects; it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Clean the filter in water and mild soap or with a brush if it is not excessively dirty. Allow it to dry completely before putting it back in place.
If it is a portable air conditioner, place a pan under the drain hole and remove the cap over the port. Tilt the unit backward to enable the water to flow out. Ensure the water collection tank is empty before cleaning the drain and replacing the cap.
Recap
Learn how to drain an LG air conditioner to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, or irreparable damage to the unit. This article details steps on how to do it and solutions to possible problems.
Always pay attention when your AC starts leaking water so that you can fix the problem. But you do not have to wait that long. Schedule regular maintenance to catch faults and fix them before they become cost-intensive problems.
