IWS AutoDrain System — Pro Pipe / Large Trays — Automated Run-to-Waste Drainage for Growing Systems
Best for: Hand-watering growers scaling to 20+ plants who want automatic runoff removal without manual siphoning or wet-vac labour
Our thoughts
If you're hand-watering more than a handful of plants and you're sick of dealing with runoff manually, this saves you hours. The IWS AutoDrain does one job properly — removes excess water automatically so your roots get oxygen and you get precision. Pro Pipe version pushes 3000 LPH, which matters when you're running 20+ large pots. Worth the investment if scaling is in your plans.
The IWS AutoDrain System is an automated run-to-waste drainage solution that removes excess nutrient solution from your growing trays without you having to touch it. Connected via 25mm flexi pipe to the IWS Run-to-Waste Brain Controller, it uses a float sensor to detect runoff and triggers an internal pump that drains waste automatically. This keeps roots oxygenated, prevents stagnant water problems, and lets you monitor runoff quality to fine-tune your feeding. The Pro Pipe version runs a 3000 LPH pump with larger 25mm outlets — substantially faster than the standard 1000 LPH — making it ideal for larger operations or growers who don't want to wait for drain cycles.
How it compares
Run-to-waste automation sits in a specific space between hand-watering and full drip systems.
-
vs manual runoff removal: Eliminates siphoning, sponging, or wet-vac work — frees up hours per week in larger setups
-
vs FloraFlex drip systems: AutoDrain is drainage-only (you hand-water); FloraFlex bundles dripper + drain together. Trade-off: flexibility vs all-in-one convenience
-
vs gravity drain trays: Adds pump automation so runoff clears reliably without pooling; reduces root rot and disease risk
-
vs recirculating systems: Wastes all runoff rather than recycling it — simpler to manage, easier to dial in nutrients precisely
In short: this is for growers who've outgrown manual drainage but don't need or want a full drip retrofit.
Usage guidance
System setup
Place pots on the large AutoDrain Trays. Hand-water your plants as normal, allowing excess to drain into the tray. The float sensor in the Brain Controller detects runoff and the pump automatically clears it to waste.
Scaling to larger operations
One Brain Controller handles up to 24+ pots with large trays. Add trays and flexi pipe to expand. Pro Pipe (25mm) drains faster than standard (13mm), which matters if you're running multiple trays or hand-watering frequently.
Runoff monitoring
This is where AutoDrain earns its place. Test EC and pH of the runoff to see exactly what your roots are seeing. Adjust your feed strength based on what's coming out, not guessing. You can safely achieve 20–30% runoff without pooling issues.
Growing media
Works with any inert medium: coco coir, rockwool, clay pebbles, perlite, or blends. Not suitable for soil-based growing (gravity-drain is better there).
Technical specifications
- Trays: Large AutoDrain Trays (approximately 37.5cm × 37.5cm × 11cm), accommodate 15L+ containers
- Piping: 25mm internal diameter IWS Flexi Pipe (Pro version)
- Fittings: IWS 25mm connectors, leak-resistant seals
- Pump capacity: 3000 LPH (Pro model Brain Controller, sold separately)
- Control mechanism: Float sensor triggers pump on runoff detection
- System scaling: Single Brain Controller supports 24+ pots depending on tray configuration
- Modular design: Add or remove trays without system rebuild
Who this is for
- Hand-watering growers with 20+ plants tired of manual runoff removal
- Medium-to-large indoor cultivators scaling beyond hobby setups
- Growers wanting to monitor and fine-tune runoff without recirculating complexity
- Anyone looking to prevent root rot and disease by keeping roots oxygenated and out of stagnant water
- Established operations wanting to add automation without a full dripper system retrofit
Our take
This is solid kit for growers who've hit the manual labour ceiling. AutoDrain removes a real pain point — the runoff work that kills productivity in medium-sized operations. The Pro Pipe version is worth the extra if you're running 20+ pots or hand-watering heavily; the 3000 LPH pump clears faster and scales more reliably than standard.
Not essential for small hobby setups, but genuinely worthwhile once you hit 15–20 plants. Good time to invest while stock lasts — this is the kind of system that pays for itself in time saved.
