At this year’s AHR Expo in Orlando, one of the most talked-about innovations wasn’t a multimillion-dollar HVAC system — it was a deceptively simple solution to a massive industry-wide problem. Meet Drain IV — the automated condensate drain treatment system that’s transforming how contractors approach maintenance, revenue, and reputation.
From Frustration to Innovation
Co-founders Ron Saunders and Kerry Taylor unveiled Drain IV to a captivated audience at the Expo, sharing a deeply personal origin story. Kerry, a former California contractor and engineer, relocated to Florida — and soon found himself repeatedly battling clogged HVAC drains. Frustrated by temporary fixes like vinegar flushes, he engineered a better way.
“I automate everything,” Kerry shared. “Within six months, I had a solution that worked.” That solution became Drain IV.
Ron, a serial entrepreneur and engineer, saw its broader potential immediately. “Kerry and I agreed, ‘Contractors could turn this nuisance call into a revenue generator,’” he said. “It solves the clog problem, helps them make money, and even protects their reputation. If a homeowner keeps calling about the same issue, they start to lose trust in their contractor.”
The Problem: A Hidden Threat Called “Zooglea”
In the last few years, a new and persistent threat has emerged in HVAC systems — a white slime known as zooglea. Caused by microbial growth in aluminum-based air handler coils (used to cut costs by replacing copper), this slime builds up in areas where UV light can’t reach — namely, the condensate lines and pans. It’s a silent saboteur causing clogs, damage, and customer dissatisfaction.
What began as a Florida issue has now proven to be a global concern. “We’ve had contractors from Sweden, Jamaica, Panama — all dealing with the same problem,” Kerry explained. “It’s not a regional thing. It’s an air handler thing.”
The Solution: Automated, Reliable, and Scalable
Drain IV is a self-dosing, low-maintenance pump system that delivers a pre-set amount of anti-microbial treatment into the HVAC system’s drain line or drain pan every two days — or on a schedule set by the contractor. With a 24-volt pump that wires directly into the contactor and a simple USB-C power port, installation is straightforward and efficient.
Key features include:
Smart dosing algorithm: 30 milliliters every two days (adjustable).
Six-month concentrate bag: Reduces service visits and streamlines maintenance.
UVC-rated tubing and optional pan splitter: Addresses both drain lines and drain pans.
30-pound insulated magnet mount: Prevents unit damage and fits securely, even in garages.
Contractors are integrating Drain IV into preventative maintenance programs, offering it as an upsell while reducing the likelihood of emergency calls. It’s not just solving a problem — it’s enhancing their service model and elevating customer trust.
Big Impact, Bigger Opportunity
Drain IV is now stocked at HVAC wholesalers across the country, with growing interest from coast to coast and beyond. According to National Sales Manager Greg Hutchinson and Southeast Regional Rep, now Leone-Green & Associates, adoption has accelerated rapidly as contractors discover how easy the system is to implement — and how well it works.
The buzz at the AHR Expo was clear: Drain IV isn’t just a clever fix — it’s a new standard for proactive HVAC maintenance.
To learn more or find a distributor near you, visit DrainIV.com.
