IWS AutoDrain Stands - Sloped Pot Stands That Divert Run-off Away
Best for: growers who want to stop waste feed pooling under pots and being reabsorbed, without building a full drainage system.
Our thoughts
A simple bit of kit that solves a problem a lot of new growers don't realise they have until they see mineral crusting or root rot turn up. Letting run-off sit under a pot means the plant can reabsorb stale, oxygen-depleted feed, and these stands are a cheap way to stop that happening.
IWS AutoDrain Stands are sloped plastic pot stands designed to carry run-off (waste feed) away from the base of the pot rather than letting it pool underneath. That slope means excess nutrient solution drains off into a nearby drain or waste tray instead of sitting stagnant, which stops your plant reabsorbing oxygen-depleted, mineral-laden waste feed that can lead to oversaturation, salt buildup and root rot.
Each stand has a flat top so pots sit level and straight, with ridges built in to support drainage pipe and dripper supply tubing running to and from the pot. Both sizes are compatible with 25mm pipe as standard, and can be adapted to run 13mm or 19mm pipe using the appropriate connectors, so they'll fit into most IWS-based drip or flood-and-drain setups.
How it compares
AutoDrain stands are a lightweight alternative to building a full sloped floor or dedicated drainage channel under your pots.
- Versus flat plastic saucers or trays: a flat saucer lets run-off collect and sit under the pot; the AutoDrain's slope actively channels it away instead.
- Versus Autopot tray systems: Autopot's trays are built around their own passive-feed system, while AutoDrain stands are designed to slot into IWS dripper and flood-and-drain setups specifically.
- Versus no stand at all: without any form of raised, sloped support, run-off has nowhere to go but back into the pot's base, which is exactly the problem these stands are built to avoid.
A small, inexpensive fix for a drainage problem that otherwise causes ongoing issues with salt buildup and root health.
Usage guidance
Sizing to your pot and connecting drainage correctly are the two things to get right.
Sizing
Choose the Small stand for pots up to around 16 litres, or the Large stand for pots up to around 39 litres, based on the base diameter of your pot rather than just its stated volume.
Drainage target
Aim for a run-off level of 20-30% of what you feed, directed straight into a floor drain or a waste collection tray placed beneath the stand.
Pipe fitting
Use 25mm pipe directly, or fit the appropriate reducer connector if your system runs 13mm or 19mm pipe instead.
Technical specifications
- Small stand capacity: Pots up to approx. 16 litres
- Large stand capacity: Pots up to approx. 39 litres
- Design: Sloped base with flat top and drainage ridges
- Pipe compatibility: 25mm standard, adaptable to 13mm or 19mm with connectors
- Target run-off rate: 20-30% of feed volume
- Material: Moulded plastic
- Manufacturer: IWS (GAS UK)
Who this is for
- Growers running IWS dripper or flood-and-drain systems who need proper run-off management
- Anyone who's had issues with salt crust, oversaturation or root rot from pooled run-off
- Growers using RhizoPots or similar containers that still need airflow underneath
- Setups with a floor drain or waste tray nearby to direct run-off into
Our take
A basic-looking bit of plastic that quietly prevents a genuinely common problem, letting run-off sit and get reabsorbed. Cheap enough that there's little reason to skip it if you're running a dripper or flood system.
Does exactly what it should, day in, day out.
