Sunroof Drain Cleaning and Water Leak Diagnosis Checklist

This sunroof drain cleaning and water leak diagnosis checklist prevents interior water damage from the most common cause of mysterious water leaks: clogged sunroof drain tubes. All sunroofs are designed to leak - water entering around seals drains through tubes to exit under the vehicle. When drains clog with leaves and debris, water overflows into the headliner and down the A-pillars causing carpet flooding and electrical damage. Preventive drain cleaning is essential maintenance.

Industry: Automotive Service
Frequency: Annually / Per Water Leak Complaint
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Role: Service Technician / Detail Technician
Total Items: 28
Compliance: OEM Sunroof Service Procedures, Water Leak Diagnosis Best Practices, Interior Moisture Damage Prevention Standards, UK MOT Water Ingress Requirements, Industry Standard Sunroof Maintenance Procedures

Sunroof Drain Tube Location and Access

Locate all four sunroof drain tubes and drain trough.

Sunroof opened to full tilt and slide position to access drain trough?
Drain trough surrounding sunroof opening located and inspected?
All four drain tube openings located (one at each corner of sunroof trough)?
Front drain tube routing traced (typically exits behind front fenders)?
Rear drain tube routing traced (typically exits at rear wheel wells or rocker panels)?

Drain Tube Cleaning Procedure

Clean all four drain tubes to restore proper water flow.

All leaves, dirt, and debris removed from sunroof drain trough?
Each drain tube opening in trough confirmed clear by poking with flexible wire or compressed air?
Water poured slowly into drain trough while observing drain outlet under vehicle?
Compressed air carefully applied to clear stubborn clogs (maximum 30 PSI to avoid tube damage)?
All four drain tubes confirmed flowing freely after cleaning?

Sunroof Seal and Glass Condition

Inspect sunroof seals and glass for damage allowing water entry.

Primary sunroof seal intact with no cracks, tears, or hardening?
Seal fully seated in channel with no separation or missing sections?
Sunroof glass free of cracks or chips?
Sunroof glass aligned correctly in frame when closed (no gaps or misalignment)?
No evidence of aftermarket sunroof installation damage to roof structure?

Interior Moisture Damage Assessment

Assess extent of interior water damage if leak has occurred.

Carpet inspected for wetness, water stains, or musty odor?
Headliner inspected for water stains, sagging, or mold growth?
A-pillar and C-pillar trim panels dry with no water inside when removed?
No water damage to interior electrical components (BCM, fuse boxes, wiring)?

Service Completion and Prevention

Document service and advise customer on preventive maintenance.

Final water test confirms all drains flowing and no interior water entry?
Sunroof drain service documented with condition of drains and seals noted?
Annual sunroof drain cleaning recommended to customer?
Customer advised to avoid parking under trees if possible to reduce leaf debris in drains?
If water damage found: plan for carpet drying, headliner cleaning, or mold remediation discussed with customer?
Sunroof operation tested - opens, closes, and tilts smoothly with no binding?
Sunroof motor and tracks lubricated if binding or slow operation noted?
Photos taken of drain condition before/after cleaning for service documentation?
Complete sunroof drain service documented with water test results?

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Why Use This Sunroof Drain Cleaning and Water Leak Diagnosis Checklist?

This sunroof drain cleaning and water leak diagnosis checklist helps automotive service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for service technician / detail technician professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annually / per water leak complaint.

Ensures compliance with OEM Sunroof Service Procedures, Water Leak Diagnosis Best Practices, Interior Moisture Damage Prevention Standards, UK MOT Water Ingress Requirements, Industry Standard Sunroof Maintenance Procedures. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Sunroof Drain Cleaning and Water Leak Diagnosis Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Sunroof Drain Tube Location and Access, Drain Tube Cleaning Procedure, Sunroof Seal and Glass Condition, Interior Moisture Damage Assessment, Service Completion and Prevention. It is designed for automotive service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed annually / per water leak complaint. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Sunroof Drain Cleaning and Water Leak Diagnosis Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Service Technician / Detail Technician professionals in the automotive service industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.