When warmer weather rolls in, there’s nothing like cruising in your Jeep Wrangler with the top down — sunshine, wind, and total freedom. But if you’ve ever been caught in an unexpected rainstorm, you know that same open-air fun can quickly lead to puddles in your floorboards.
How to Properly Fold Down Your Top
The good news? Jeep thought of that. Your Wrangler comes with built-in drain plugs that let you easily remove standing water from the interior. Here’s how to find them — and how to keep your Jeep clean and mold-free after the storm.
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Jeep topless on a sunny day
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Why Drain Plugs Matter
If you leave water sitting inside your Jeep, it can cause:
That’s why it’s important to know where your drain plugs are located and how to pull them safely after water exposure.
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| Revealing drain plugs |
Step-by-Step: How to Find Your Jeep’s Drain Plugs
1️⃣ Start in the Cargo Area (Trunk)
Pop open the tailgate and look in the storage compartment where the jack is stored. You’ll find one plug there and another in the main cargo floor area.
👉 These are the easiest to pull out — just twist and lift.
2️⃣ Check Under the Rear Seats
Next, lift or fold the rear seat bottoms forward.
You’ll find two drain plugs tucked underneath. These may take a little extra work to remove since they’re snugly fitted into the floor.
3️⃣ Look in the Rear Foot Wells
Move your floor mats and carpet (if equipped).
You’ll see two more drain plugs under the backseat foot areas — one on each side.
If you have factory carpet, gently pull it back to expose the plugs. Once removed, the water will begin draining right away.
4️⃣ Locate the Front Foot Well Plugs
Finally, check the driver and passenger side foot wells.
Each side has a drain plug under the carpet, typically near where your feet rest. These are essential for clearing water after rain or river crossings.
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| Drain plug in trunk |
Total Drain Plug Count
In most Jeep Wranglers, you’ll find eight drain plugs:
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1 in the rear cargo trunk
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1 in the jack storage compartment
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2 under the rear seats
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2 in the rear foot wells
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2 in the front foot wells
Pro Tip: Always reinstall your drain plugs once the water is gone and the interior is completely dry.
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| drain plug under a seat |
Bonus Tip: Drying Out Your Jeep
After draining, use a towel or shop vac to remove excess moisture.
If you have carpet flooring, let it air out in the sun to prevent mold and mildew. You can also leave your doors open for extra airflow.
Want to See It in Action?
Check out my YouTube video: How to Find Your Jeep's Drain Plugs
(Visual learners will appreciate the real-life look at each plug location.)
FAQs: Jeep Wrangler Drain Plugs
1. Where are the drain plugs in a Jeep Wrangler?
Most Jeep Wranglers have eight drain plugs — located in the front and rear foot wells, under the seats, and in the cargo area (including the jack storage compartment).
2. How do I remove the drain plugs?
Simply twist and pull up on the rubber plugs. Some may be tight, so gently use a flathead screwdriver to loosen them — but be careful not to tear the rubber.
3. Can I leave the drain plugs out permanently?
It’s not recommended. Leaving them out allows dust, dirt, and road debris to enter from underneath. Only remove them temporarily to drain water, then reinstall once dry.
4. Do all Jeep Wranglers have drain plugs?
Yes! All Wrangler generations (TJ, JK, JL, and newer) include factory drain plugs in the floor to help with water drainage.
5. How long does it take for my Jeep to dry after pulling the plugs?
It depends on how much water is inside and the weather. With good airflow and sunlight, most Jeeps will dry out within a few hours.
