Sunroof Drain Clogs and Water Leaks

If you find water on the floorboards of your F-150 after a rain storm the sunroof drains are the first thing to check. This is one of the most common causes of interior water damage on trucks equipped with a sunroof.

How the Sunroof Drain System Works

Every sunroof has a drainage system. There are four drain tubes one at each corner of the sunroof frame. These tubes run down the A-pillars in the front and the C-pillars in the rear and exit under the vehicle. Water that gets past the sunroof seal flows into a collection tray and then out through these tubes.

When the tubes get clogged water backs up in the tray overflows and runs down the inside of the headliner onto the floor. In severe cases the water can damage the body control module or other electronics that are often located on the driver side kick panel.

Common Causes of Clogs

The most common culprit is debris. Leaves, pine needles, and dirt collect around the sunroof seal and wash into the drain tray when it rains. Over time this debris packs into the drain tube openings and creates a plug. Mold and algae growth inside the tubes can also cause clogs on vehicles parked in damp environments.

Clearing the Drains

The easiest way to clear sunroof drains is with compressed air. Open the sunroof fully and locate the drain openings at the front corners of the drain tray. Use a rubber tipped blow gun to avoid damaging the tube connections. Blow short bursts of air into each drain opening. You should see debris and water come out from under the truck.

If you do not have compressed air a piece of trimmer string works well. Gently feed the string down the drain tube to break up the clog. Do not use wire or anything sharp that could puncture the tube.

Prevention

Keep the sunroof seal and drain tray clean. Every few months open the sunroof and wipe out any debris that has collected. Park under trees is the biggest risk factor for clogged drains. If you park outside year round consider cleaning the drains seasonally.

Bottom Line

Sunroof drains are a simple system that causes big problems when neglected. Clearing the drains takes five minutes and prevents water damage that can cost thousands to repair. Add it to your seasonal maintenance list and you will never have to worry about wet floorboards.

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