How to Use an Air Conditioning Drain to Water Plants

Water covers three-quarters of the Earth's surface. But, the majority is salty and cannot be used. Contamination and excessive use by a growing population have depleted the remaining fresh water. The gardener must be creative in their watering techniques to get the most for their money without further taxing the local water supply.

Things You'll Need

• Two clean 5-gallon buckets
• Two small (24-inch) cargo bungee cords
• Two pieces of cheesecloth
• Small Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

1. Place a piece of cheesecloth across the top of one of your 5-gallon buckets. Press down on the middle of the cheesecloth until it is 6 inches lower than the rim of the bucket. Pull the cheesecloth gently down at the rim and bind it with a bungee cord. This will be your catch bucket.

2. Locate the drainage hole in your window air conditioner. This drainage hole is located on the bottom corner on the outside of the unit. Gently insert your small screwdriver into this hole 1/4 inch, twist and remove to clear any debris inside. Be careful not to damage the coils inside of the unit.

3. Place your catch bucket directly under the air conditioner drain hole. Allow the bucket to remain in place until the water is just touching the bottom of the cheesecloth. Remove the bungee cord and cheesecloth from the bucket.

4. Place a piece of cheesecloth across the top of your other 5-gallon bucket. Press down on the middle of the cheesecloth until it is 6 inches lower than the rim of the bucket. Pull the cheesecloth gently down at the rim and bind it with a bungee cord. This will be your storage bucket.

5. Gently pour the water from your catch bucket into your storage bucket. Pour the water slowly and allow it to filter through the cheesecloth on the storage bucket. Replace the cheesecloth covering on your catch bucket and place it back under the air conditioner. Allow the water to remain in your storage bucket for 48 hours before using it to water your plants.

Tips & Warnings

• The condensation water that comes from air conditioning units may pose a health hazard to humans and pets. Please do not use this drainage for any other use than watering your plants.

• Cleaning the drainage hole on your air conditioning unit is a delicate operation. There are parts that can be easily damaged just inside of the hole. Do not use pressure to clear this hole with your screwdriver.

• Always turn off and unplug an air conditioner, or any other electrical appliance, before performing any type of maintenance.

References

• Author's 22 years of experience in construction and landscaping

Resources

• More information on effectively watering your garden