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While some portable air cons expel water vapor that collects during operation on their own, there are certain conditions that may need you to manually drain the unit from time to time.
A good example is when you live in an area that experiences excess humidity for extended periods- excess water tends to build up in the collection bucket too quickly to be recycled.
That being so, setting up a continuous drain for the tank could be a smart step- that way, the collected water continuously drains into a floor drain (it drains automatically).
Now, a common question among those who want to set up continual drainage is: what is the best portable air conditioner drain hose size?
This is what we shall first answer in this article before sharing handy tips about the entire process of setting up a drain hose for your portable AC.
What is the best portable air conditioner drain hose size?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to drain hose lengths, but generally, a drain hose that is between 4 to 7 feet long should meet daily use.
Be sure to check your manufacturer’s website for specific recommendation (or your owner’s manual) for your specific AC model’s recommended air conditioner drain hose size
Portable air conditioner drain hose size – what is the recommended size?
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to drain hose lengths, but generally, a drain hose that is between 4 to 7 feet long should meet daily use.
Then, in terms of diameter, you should measure your portable AC’s outlet size before purchasing- clearly, you need to check the dimensions of your drain outlet from your specific AC.
But you can also check your manufacturer’s website for specific recommendation (or your owner’s manual)- some manufacturers specify the proper inner dimensions for their various portable AC models.
For instance, LG recommends the installation of a drain hose with 10mm inner dimension for their popular portable portable air conditioner.
On the same note, owners of Whynter ARC-14SH 14,000 BTU Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner can likewise fit a 1/2 hose (1/2 inside diameter) for continuous draining.
Below are suggested drain plug sizes for other selected portable air conditioners models:
Haier Portable Air Conditioner drain hose size
Single Drain units
- Inside Diameter(ID)- 11/16 (0.70)inches or 17.79 mm
- Outside Diameter(OD)- 15/16 (0.963) inches or 24.47 mm
Dual Drain units
Upper Drain( in Dehumidify Mode)
- Inside Diameter- 11/16 (0.70)inches or 17.79 mm
- Outside Diameter: 15/16 (0.963)inches or 24.47 mm
Lower Drain (in Cooling Mode)
- Inside Diameter: 5/16 (0.3358)inches/ 8.53 mm
- Outside Diameter: 9/16 (0.565)inches/14.36 mm
Hisense portable air conditioner drain hose size
The inner diameter should be 14mm to match the drain port. Bear in mind that Hisense have a fitting 600mm(1.96 feet) hose part for sale (the part no. is K1276890) and you can call them at 1-877-465-3566 to order.
The following video could be useful too
It’s worth mentioning that most of the modern-day drain hoses are made of temperature-resistant material, reinforced at the end to ensure maximum resilience.
In addition, they have a built-in plug to help you attach them to the AC quickly and effortlessly.
RELATED: What size portable AC do I need?
Other important considerations
You may want a hose with adjustable length because it fits in any space – both larger and tight spaces.
Also, look for great flexibility when buying a hose- such hoses bend freely to meet your needs even at a corner.
But when all is said and done, the most important thing is obviously confirming that the hose you select will fit securely (a water-tight fit is recommended) over your AC’s drain port.
A word on universal design drain hoses for portable air conditioner
It is true that some drain hoses are advertised as “universal” to mean that the width (or thread type) fits any portable AC brand/model!
But there is no escaping the fact that you need to have measured the diameter of your drain hose connector.
For example, while ‘universal’ this drain hose pipe (Its inner diameter is 0.7 inch/18 mm and the outer diameter is 1.06 inch/27 mm) fits only portable air conditioners with matching dimensions.
And so the best thing is to measure the drainage port (of the unit) before you buy; otherwise, you may end up with a useless hose that leaks water all over the place.
Does a portable AC need a drain hose really?
Remember that most portable ACs are partially evaporative – they will expel most moisture but some water still accumulates and will need to be emptied periodically, depending on the humidity in your environment.
Of course, the primary way to remove this water is to drain it, manually – you simply remove the drain plug and allow the unit to drain into an empty container.
The other great option (for select models as mentioned before) is to use a portable air conditioner continuous drain hose- it is much less work than manual draining and it’s a popular option especially in basements with floor drains.
All you have to do is simply attach the drain hose to your AC and run it to another (suitable) location.
How do you connect a drain hose to a portable air conditioner? -How to attach drain hose to portable air conditioner
Don’t forget that drain hoses rely on gravity to move water (downhill) so you won’t be able to drain vertically or through a window unless you’re using a condensate pump (I’m coming to this in a second).
Now, the most versatile draining option is a condensate pump- this is where water is drained out of an area without relying on gravity.
And so only a portable air conditioner with condensate pump should have the drain hose routed through a window- most people who use a condensate pump guide theirs outside a window.
The best part?
The condensate pump automatically turns on upon the collected water reaching a certain level and then automatically turns off after draining most of the water.
Lastly, regarding the precise steps to follow to connect the hose, they vary depending on the model.
But to give you an idea, you can watch the video tutorial below- it demonstrates how you can set up a continuous drain hose on an LG portable AC.
Useful tips
- After installation, ensure that there is a tight connection where the hose attaches even if it means using teflon tape to properly seal it off. Don’t forget that a poor-done seal may cause leaks or even hinder the AC from draining smoothly during insanely hot days.
- If you have pushed the hose into a drain, check that you have not pushed it in too far since it won’t drain if it is touching the water.
Portable air conditioner drain hose size – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you connect two drain hoses together to make it longer?
Sure, yes- they’re connectable.
However, they may be overwhelmed if the unit’s water pressure rises too high during humid weather so it is best to fix them together with a quality clamp.
Can I use a garden hose?
You might be able to attach a regular garden hose (avoid using a damaged or old garden hose) to your unit and use it as a drain hose as long as it fits properly- a rubber washer may need to be added for proper sealing.
Be sure to purchase an appropriate drain hose if it doesn’t fit securely.
RELATED: Does portable air conditioner need to be vented outside?
Portable air conditioner drain hose size – recap
To summarize, there are no special rules when it comes to sizing a drain for a portable AC and it all depends on your specific unit- even ‘universal fit’ tubing such as this (with an inner diameter of 18mm/0.7 inch and an outer diameter of 27mm/1.06 inch) may not fit your portable AC.
And so in short, you should first measure your AC’s outlet size inner diameter before buying- that is the only way you can be sure the hose you purchase will fit the plug securely.
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