Removing Lg Mini-Split Condensate Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to remove the condensate pan from your LG mini split, you'll first need to identify the type of air conditioner you have. This is because the draining process differs depending on whether you have a window, portable, or split unit.

Once you've identified your unit type, you can refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions. If you can't find your manual, you can download a copy from the LG website.

In general, you'll need to check that your unit is installed correctly and that the drain hose is connected properly and not kinked or clogged. You may also need to clear debris from the unit's base container, as this can cause a blockage and lead to leaking.

Drain hose connection

The LG mini-split comes with a 24" section of 1/2" insulated flex tubing for the drain hose connection. However, this may not be long enough to reach the drain. You can purchase additional LG drain hose or use clear tubing to extend the connection to the drain.

The drain hose should be connected to the unit's drain port. Some units have drain ports on both sides of the drain pan, so you can simply remove the plug from the other port and switch it with the hose.

When using flexible vinyl tubing to expel condensate, be careful not to kink the tubing as this will prevent water from escaping and could cause overflow. Using braided tubing can reduce the chance of kinking.

For wall- and floor-mounted units, the drain line must be sloped downward to prevent backups. The hole through which the drain line runs should be 1/4" to 1/2" lower outside than inside to keep the drain line angled down for proper drainage.

If gravity drainage is not possible, a condensate pump may be required to drain the water outside.

Drain hose options

There are several options for drain hoses for your LG mini-split condensate pan. The most common method is to use a 5/8" inner diameter vinyl drain tube. This is the standard for nearly all wall-mounted and floor-mounted indoor units. It is important to ensure that the tubing does not become kinked, as this will prevent water from escaping and cause overflow. Braided tubing is a good option, as it is less likely to kink than standard clear tubing.

You can also purchase drain hoses from online retailers such as Amazon, eBay, and Home Depot. Some options include:

• DuctlessAire 5/8 in. x 26 ft. UV-Protected Universal Condensate Drain Line
• HANSUM Mini Split Drain Hose (25 ft)
• BEWAVE Air Conditioner Drain Hose Kit (20 ft)
• LBG Products 26 ft Air Conditioner Drain Hose
• Daisypower 164 ft Air Conditioner Drain Hose Pipe
• PATIKIL 1.6 ft Drain Hose

Drain hose installation

To install a drain hose for your LG mini-split, you will need a 5/8" inner diameter vinyl drain tube. This is the standard size for nearly all wall-mounted and floor-mounted indoor units.

When using flexible vinyl tubing, be careful not to kink the tube as this will prevent water from escaping and could cause water to overflow out of the indoor unit. Using braided tubing instead of standard clear tubing greatly reduces the chance of kinking.

Wall- and floor-mounted units rarely include condensate pumps, so they rely on gravity to remove the accumulated moisture. This means that the drain line must be sloped downward all the way to prevent backups. To achieve this, the hole through which your drain line runs should be 1/4" to 1/2" lower outside than it is inside.

If you are going to run the air conditioner in dehumidification (dry) mode, you can install a drain hose (10mm inner dimension) and place the open end in a suitable location, like a floor drain or run it outdoors.

Drain hose maintenance

• Use the Right Hose: Ensure you are using the correct type of hose for your unit. The LG mini-split typically comes with a 1/2" fitting, so make sure any additional hose you purchase is compatible. You can use clear 1/2" tubing with 1/2" fittings or opt for the LG stock tubing.
• Prevent Kinks: When installing the drain hose, be careful to avoid kinks in the tubing as this will prevent water from escaping and could cause an overflow. Braided tubing can help reduce the chance of kinking.
• Secure Connections: Ensure that all connections are secure and tight to prevent leaks. This includes the connection between the hose and the unit, as well as any fittings or adapters you use.
• Regular Cleaning: It is important to regularly clean your drain hose to prevent clogs. You can use a shop vac to clean out the drain hose from the exterior.
• Check Drain Pan: In addition to cleaning the hose, check the drain pan for any clogs or residue. This can be done by gently spraying water into the pan to ensure it flows out through the drain hose.
• Proper Slope: For wall-mounted and floor-mounted units, ensure that the drain hose has a slight downward slope to facilitate proper drainage. The hole for the drain line should be 1/4" to 1/2" lower outside than it is inside.
• Drain Hose Length: When extending the drain hose, be mindful of the length. Longer hoses may require a condensate pump to help lift and move the condensate to a suitable drain location.
• Drain Hose Location: Position the open end of the drain hose in a suitable location, such as a floor drain or run it outdoors.
• Refer to Manual: Each LG mini-split model may have specific instructions for drain hose maintenance. Be sure to refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions for your particular unit.

Drain hose troubleshooting

• Check for clogs: If your LG mini split is leaking, it's likely that the drain hose is clogged. You can try using a shop vac to suck out any blockages from the exterior of the hose.
• Ensure proper connection: Make sure the drain hose is securely connected to the unit. Check that the original installer used a screw to hold the drain line to the unit and that the factory connector was used.
• Inspect for leaks: Remove the indoor cover to expose the evaporator and drain pan. Gently spray water into the pan to observe how it flows out and check for any leaks.
• Verify correct slope: The drain line must be angled downwards to prevent backups. Ensure that the hole for the drain line is lower on the outside than it is inside.
• Use appropriate tubing: It's recommended to use a 5/8" inner diameter vinyl drain tube for wall-mounted and floor-mounted units. Braided tubing can reduce the chance of kinking.
• Consider a condensate pump: If gravity drainage is not possible, you may need a condensate pump to lift the water and drain it out of your home.
• Check for alternate drain ports: Some LG mini-splits have drain ports on both sides of the drain pan. You can remove the plug from the other side and switch it with the hose.
• Follow the manual: Refer to your LG mini-split manual for specific instructions on drain hose connection and maintenance.

Frequently asked questions