How to Unclog or Clean a Sunroof Drain

[@LittleMissLaLa101]

You literally just saved my bank!! I couldn’t figure out what the hell was happening to save my life! Water all over my drivers side floorboard after a heavy rain. Turns out, the driver side sunroof drain was clogged. Did exactly as you showed us and it now drains properly and there is no more water running into the floor. THANK YOU!!!!!!🙏🏻 ❤

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@beneciajenkins2884]

Me too

[@norskichick1861]

Same here. Thx & subscribed.

[@christyherrmann7745]

Paid a bit of $$ back in Jan to clear mine. Thank you for posting this so I can ensure they stay clean!

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I'm glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven't already! Thank You!

[@minkuan5194]

Following this video, I unclogged my sunroof drain today. Thanks!!!

[@brianmcpeak6135]

This is exactly what I did to clear plugged drains in our Infiniti QX70S. Worked great - took less than 10 minutes!

[@5MinuteFixit]

That’s great, I’m glad id worked and the video was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@Sashazur]

Same problem on my Infiniti Q70. But I paid big bucks to have the dealer fix it because I was in a panic and didn’t figure out it was the sun roof. Now I know better and clean them out every year!

[@michelleamaya6273]

You just saved me a lot of unnecessary work... I was gonna remove the sunroof and look for a leak... Thank you

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@SuperBoppy]

Nice video, thank you. Thank you also for showing how to use stuff we already have to do the job, instead of buying another tool to do it. It might be a good idea to fasten something to the end of the trimmer line so as not to drop it in the hole accidentally.

[@anlkorkmaz3467]

Trimmer line worked great, thank you

[@5MinuteFixit]

That’s great! I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@christopherchander2754]

Thanks for the video. Just one point of concern; Another video recommended AGAINST using a blower to clear out the drains as this may cause the drain tubes to dislodge inside the bodywork of the vehicle which is a huge problem to fix. Other than that... 👍🏼

[@Sashazur]

Yes, the Car Care Nut channel. I would trust what he says.

[@godfatherofcinema]

terrific video. straight to the point and no bs

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@algarbarino8538]

My daughter’s 2019 Nissan Rogue had the problem on the passenger side with a leak. I took it apart like you said. It was exactly the same procedure as you described. The spot where the windshield wiper rest was full of debris. I cleaned that out too. I used a line trimmer and that worked and water came out. That is a really bad design on the Rogues. Thank you for your great video.

[@yorkiepit]

Nice video! I used one of those stiff wire tools designed to fish hair out of a bathroom sink drain and it worked great. Unfortunately, this was in a seldom used vehicle and water had saturated the carper and passenger seat. I used a powerful dehumidifier to dry out the interior and then an ozone generator to deodorize it. I ran the dehumidifier for a week and the ozone generator for a day and it worked.

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thanks for sharing, did the ozone generator and dehumidifier work to make any odor go away?

[@yorkiepit]

@@5MinuteFixit You have to get everything absolutely bone dry, then run the ozone for a few long runs and it will get rid of the odor. I started with a carpet cleaning machine, using the handheld attachment to pull out as much water as possible. Next, I placed a carpet dryer fan and a dehumidifier in the vehicle and ran them nonstop, until a moisture meter showed there was sub 10% everywhere. Then I ran the ozone machine a few times for several hours with the carpet dryer fan running to blow it everywhere. I used an extension cord running from under the door to a receptacle that's outside my garage door; to turn off the ozone, I just unplugged it from outside. Ozone has a half-life of 20 minutes, so I would turn it off for 4 hours, then plug it back in, and repeated that 3 times. Seems like a lot of work, but it was extremely effective and a lot better than removing the carpet.

[@Joel-q3c]

I just did this to my 2008 vw jetta. Worked like a charm. Thanks for sharing your video

[@BoolinToolin]

You can use 3D Printer Filament too. Works great when you don’t have trimmer line. I pulled it off an old spool and cut the end at a 45

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thanks for the tip and for watching!

[@orangedrone]

Thanks! Mine were somehow clogged with mud haha. I've been noticing water stains on my sun roof cover for a while now. Thinking I must have left it cracked open during the rain. I would just clean it with a magic eraser sponge and forget about it. But now thankfully it's taken care of.

[@mauriciodupuy408]

What I did is to get a really long trimmer line , and just run the whole drain to the other end back and forward . Thanks.

[@contender730]

You mean, exactly like he showed in the video.

[@camverticalco]

@@contender730nah nah

[@human47134]

What if the tubing came disconnected? How do you pull down the interior ceiling to access it? People show that part but don’t explain how to get to it.

[@jonjones6749]

Ahhhh!!! String trimmer line thank you.

[@juliannedispain1637]

I just found this video. Thanks for the information.

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching…I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already, it helps the video and my channel reach more people! Thank you!

[@ryanrondorf6746]

So my problem is that water is leaking into my vehicle from the inside of the tubing somewhere. It ends up dripping down to the floorboard on my passenger side and I don’t know how that can be fixed cheaply. Any thoughts? There are no obstructions and I can get water to pour out the bottom behind the wheel well, but with enough rain, water starts to get inside the cabin.

[@5MinuteFixit]

My suspicion is that it could be leaking in somewhere else. Maybe the windshield seal or the intake for the hvac system under the wipers.

[@HowardBaileyMusic]

It's probably not flowing fast enough out the back and when you hit the brakes it shoots up forward. You can also use liquid plumber. It's safe for plastic. Just rinse it out well with hot water afterwards.

[@beterbey]

In font of the windshield you have the plastic cowl top. It also has drains that are cloged up by leaves and debrees. Then it starts to leak into the footwell. Just find some videos on KZbin describing how to clean them for your car model.

[@GiraffeFiesta]

Crazy but mine is leaking thru the light for using the face mirror onto my seat and wreaking havoc, maybe yours is taking the same route? It leaks onto the mirror and then collects and drips down the corner of the mirror flap

[@beterbey]

@@GiraffeFiesta Then, it's the cloged front sunroof drain, for sure.

[@ellenjak]

Weed trimmer line comes in different sizes. What size is suggested/recommended? How long does the line need to be? The tubing for the drain is some sort of rubber/plastic. The person that suggested a Draino product - won't that melt the tubing?

[@Sashazur]

I would go for very thick trimmer line, so it is less likely to kink. As far as Drano etc., it is sold in plastic containers so at least some kinds of plastic aren’t harmed by it. But I don’t know what type of plastic is used in the sunroof drains.

[@Riddlemewalker]

It worked! Thanks so much. I used hot water

[@5MinuteFixit]

That’s great! I’m glad the video was helpful, please consider giving it a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@5MinuteFixit]

If you need to pick up some Trimmer Line: amzn.to/3Puu1Z7 *Amazon Affiliate Link* Thank you for watching! If you found this video helpful pleas give it a THUMBS UP and consider subscribing! THANK YOU! I appreciate all the support! SUBSCRIBE HERE ▶︎ kzbin.info/door/8BzgKWkH0AGzCOORKK7Vwg

[@philgermond7809]

Done.

[@championkhamis12]

If you are having a problem with the trimmer line, try using a bicycle cable.

[@unlimitedwealth1]

Awesome tutorial

[@5MinuteFixit]

I’m glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@TaraRobinMcKenzie]

Worked like a damn charm!

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@TheDirthound]

Any idea where that drains to, is it like to rust wherever it drains?

[@oksanakatch]

Sorry, the holes were at the front of the sunroof? I thought there’s usually two to the front (drain front of the car) and two in the back that drain behind the wheel well. I know my left driver is clogged because I had water around and down my ceiling back there. I cleaned it from underneath but need to get in from the top. I wasn’t sure if you meant the front holes drain into the back?

[@5MinuteFixit]

My sunroof only has the two front holes and they drain to just behind the front wheels. Hopefully this helps! Thank you for watching! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven't already! Thank You!

[@sweetbeep]

Ok so I just got the trimmer line and this is not working for me. Because it's not a straight shot at all and I can't seem to wriggle it down! What do I do?m

[@danielsaudi9121]

Good video and very helpful… Thanks…..

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thanks for watching! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@babyjuju4411145]

Great video. My drains are completely clogged. Can you tell me where the end of the tubing is locate, front and rear. Thanks

[@Sashazur]

It’s different in each car model but generally there’s one drain on each side of the car in the front corner of the sunroof opening. But some cars have more than one in each corner, some have them in the rear corners too, etc.

[@LewisAraujo]

Great! Good idea. Thanks for sharing

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thanks for watching! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@alexisbonner7503]

What to do about broken glass in the sunroof sunroof broke 18 wheeler kicked up a chunk of the road got the glass replaced then it rained heavy water leaked in from the center console still works and on the driver side?😅

[@hartman.4744]

How do I find rear drain holes?

[@studebakerhoch]

I have this problem with my 2008 Saturn Aura xe.... I'm having trouble finding the hole in the front left side though....

[@anneanderson5125]

Does the average car owner know this is something they need to clean? First time with a sunroof and didn’t know until it became an interior water/mold issue while parked for a week in summer heat. Do most people take these steps as part of normal car care?

[@5MinuteFixit]

Most people don’t realize this needs to be done periodically.

[@bonniegilchrist86]

I was wondering the same thing! I've had to do this in my 2014 subaru twice now. Never thought there would be a drain in the sunroof. I rarely use mine, so I find it odd that it would clog easily. Both times my rear driver side floor was full of water. Only realized because of the musky smell and condensation on the inside of the windows. Doesn't help if you rarely use the back seats. So frustrating!

[@Sashazur]

I’ve had several cars with sunroofs over a couple of decades. I never knew about this until my drain clogged. I don’t think it is mentioned in the owners manual as a regular maintenance item.

[@anab2462]

hello! where do I buy that hose from

[@Tactical_Response_Team]

That did not work for me. I'm thinkng about buying a tar bug remover and see if that fixes it. My trimmer wire only goes halfway.

[@kathyg2820]

Thanks so much for the info. I think it worked. I hope it worked 🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@worksmagic89]

If you dont mind me askin what type of blower you use to blow it out

[@worksmagic89]

@Charmz I've already tried that and it didnt work.

[@Sashazur]

The Car Care Nut channel says not to use air pressure - it can pop the drain line off the sunroof frame and then you have to take the roof apart to fix it.

[@sweetbeep]

What else can I use other than trimmer line. I don't have that. I don't have a blower. Do I definitely need that?

[@5MinuteFixit]

You can use anything that is flexible and stout that will fit. A can of compressed air could work in place of the blower. Hopefully this helps, let us know what you come up with. Thank you for watching!

[@sweetbeep]

@@5MinuteFixit ...must I have some sort of blower to begin with? Can I just use water to flush down crunched leaves or debris?

[@5MinuteFixit]

@@sweetbeep I would flush a small amount of water down to see if it flows through to the underside of the vehicle and if it does no blower really needed.

[@sweetbeep]

@@5MinuteFixit ...thanks.

[@adavi650]

Some say a very thin wire or find drain hose at bottom of car, like by the tire and clean debris that might be collecting from the exit hole

[@stevdieringer3828]

concise. thankyouse very much !

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching and for the compliment! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@pedant9614]

Hello. The driver's side fogs up when it rains. Will this method help me solve the problem?

[@5MinuteFixit]

hmm I'm not entirely sure, It could just be the water vapor from the driver that is making it fog. It's worth a try and I hope it does. Report back to us if you have luck! Thank you!

[@pedant9614]

@@5MinuteFixit What should I do?

[@QueBeraBera]

Same thing here but it's my ENTIRE windshield ughhh. I'm thinking I need to go the liquid plumber route...any suggestions as to exactly what type I should use? All this time on my 2016 Infiniti QX70S I thought it was the cowl seal after the battery was changed. Now I'm definitely thinking it's the stupid f'n sunroof drains as it's become worse making my inner windshield soaked and no amount of heat or AC will clear it (probably need to change my cabin filters as well, been a while and they are probably soaked), and now I'm getting water on the driver side floor as well. This shit is RIDICULOUS. It should be forever a dealership's responsibility for creating such idiotic malfunctioning BULLSHIT. 🤬

[@01hondascott]

would a can of compressed air give you enough of a blast or would it be too weak to do the job that air compressor is doing?

[@blonded3598]

That would be safer since it’s under 30psi. You don’t wanna accidentally disconnect something inside of the car.

[@01hondascott]

@@blonded3598 Thanks man. The last few times it has rained I have came out to find my floor maps wet. No puddles or anything just looks like someone sprayed water on them with a spray bottle or something. I will try this.

[@Southpark124]

@@01hondascottdid it work?

[@trista1388]

​@@01hondascottsame, with my I think the car waves is what pushes and clogs the holes

[@byrongreenleaf7246]

My problem is I can’t get to the drains because the water leaks killed my sunroof electrical so it’s stuck shut.

[@5MinuteFixit]

Can you get to them from inside the vehicle?

[@adavi650]

Someone said they had their sunroof motor replaced

[@adavi650]

@@5MinuteFixit person said they eventually cleaned their drains from the exit, thats at the bottom of it by the front tire area, area by the back of their front tire

[@TheWesleyRicardo]

Most sunroofs have a manual override within the open close area, should allow you to close it with some type of allen wrench crank. 🤔

[@asmrkeels1]

Hi question, WHAT is it clogged with???

[@5MinuteFixit]

Mostly pollen and dust.

[@aldrinvillanueva14]

Mine was leaf crumbs 😅

[@Tactical_Response_Team]

Where can I get that wire. My is300 sun roof drain is clogged.

[@5MinuteFixit]

I have a link in the description for the wire used. Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@shandyistheboss]

Never use a blower at least not in German cars as these drains are connected with plastic clip which can easily disconnect from the pressure.. and then every drop of water will go into your car next time it rains

[@paolocarlobiondo1]

In the video can’t tell if the drain is in the front or bank of sunroof

[@5MinuteFixit]

Front, thank you for watching!

[@crackerron2591]

4Runners have two in the front and back. Well at least on the 5th gens

[@somearchitectTX]

Worked great for me!!

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@inventoryworks6040]

What if the trimmer line only goes like 4 inches in and no matter what way I move it around it doesnt go in

[@5MinuteFixit]

I would try to force it in more…this could be a blockage.

[@Mike-rb7vn]

I have this exact problem on both front drains of my BMW F30 335i. Weed whacker line goes in 4 inches then stops as if it's hitting against something hard, not like a gooey clog feel.

[@cloud_n1n3]

Same thing happening with Subaru forester. Can get the line in about 12" at each end of the drain on both front drains.

[@HowardBaileyMusic]

Tree needles and junk will get pretty hard and compacted in there and the more you stick that wire in the more compact it gets. A few tablespoons of liquid plumber dissolves those particulates very well. Especially the two liquid type. Rinse it well after the clog is dissolved and poor a cup of hot water down there periodically to maintain it afterwards.

[@Sashazur]

If it goes in the same distance on the drains on both sides of the car then it might not be a clog, maybe it’s just a sharp corner. Plus another channel said the danger of using air pressure to clear the drains is you can pop the drain line off the frame, then you have to take the roof apart to fix it. Could be a similar risk if stops only a short way in and you poke too hard. I know on my car I got the line about 5 feet in and it hit a hard stop on both sides, but then I poured water in and it drained out fine under the car.

[@vmgf1437]

Be careful with compressed air. If it IS clogged, you could rip the tubing.

[@jgalt5002]

What type of compressor

[@5MinuteFixit]

I have a Makita 2.5 gal compressor. Thank you for watching!

[@CatherineTorrice]

Looks simple and great. However, I can't locate the drain holes; 2017 Ford Taurus. Help! TY

[@5MinuteFixit]

Did you have any luck finding the drain holes? Sometimes they are slightly hidden under the trim.

[@TMoody]

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@brandonporter7934]

I heard there are drain holes in the front and rear of sunroofs.

[@5MinuteFixit]

It depends on the vehicle model, some do.

[@brandonporter7934]

@@5MinuteFixit 2017 chrysler 300 C

[@sleepyidiot2010]

My poor Jetta got the ugliest ceiling ever right now. Leaked in the front and caused the headliner to sag next to and under the driver side sunvisor, and then it started leaking in the back immediately after in my rear passenger area between the window and the back windshield. 2 saggy headliners overnight 🤧🤧

[@keshiamungro7349]

Where do I purchase the string

[@5MinuteFixit]

I just added an Amazon link in the description if you are interested! Thank you for watching!

[@gmichaelmurray8719]

Great thanks for the tips! :)

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful!

[@dominicdoesit_tv292]

awesome !

[@jimmullane3498]

Thank you!!

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching, I’m glad it was helpful! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@Zim-ks6pb]

the thiefs at the workshop want to charge me thousands for this

[@vicsellin8616]

Would this work on g37

[@vicsellin8616]

a*

[@5MinuteFixit]

Yes it should! Thank you for watching! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank You!

[@parkrio]

People that are having this problem, is your car parked outside most of the time (not in a garage)?

[@Sashazur]

Yes, mine is always parked outside, mostly under trees, and it happened to me.

[@justinthompson7407]

Been trying this trick for over an hour and nada. Tried air compressor and nada.

[@deepsouthinception]

A useful video, then man.

[@charlesmelton8695]

Smart!

[@philgermond7809]

Thank you!!!!!!😄

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching! Please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven’t already! Thank you!

[@FAUOwlsNest]

Line doesn't work too well, get a drain scupper dredge.

[@donnamclaughlin9363]

Very helpful

[@5MinuteFixit]

I'm glad the video was helpful! Thank you for watching and please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven't already! Thank you!

[@VitiatedsHOWTO]

I had a gallon of water in my battery compartment 🤣🤣🤣

[@5MinuteFixit]

Were you able to clear the sunroof drain? Hopefully no water where you don't want it anymore! Thank you for watching and please consider giving the video a thumbs up if you haven't already! Thank you!

[@mikeporro3311]

Electricians snake will work if clogged and trimmer line won't displace dirt.

[@5MinuteFixit]

Thank you for this tip and for watching!

[@user-cg7jp7jt4v]

A piece of what?!

[@tmmsplace]

Trimmer Line