VIDEO: Zooglea Zapper: We Tested the iFLO AC Drain Line Cleaning Smart Device

When you have a cold or the flu — or … covid — you might take Mucinex to break up the congestion. Well, if your HVAC system is the respiratory system of your home, your AC drain line needs a decongestant to keep it from getting stuffed up, too. Stuffed up with what, you wonder? Zooglea.

This May Also Interest You: HVAC Terms Every Homeowner Should Know

Webster’s dictionary defines Zooglea as: “A gelatinous or mucilaginous mass that is characteristic of the growth of various bacteria when growing in fluid media rich in organic material and is made up of the bodies of the bacteria embedded in a matrix of swollen confluent capsule substance.”

In layman’s terms, it’s like snot in your AC system.

You can clean your AC drain line — also known as your condensate drain line, the pipe that collects and carries away the condensation created by your air conditioning and channels it outside or into your wastewater system — by regularly flushing it with distilled white vinegar or using any number of products or tools on the market.

Introducing: The iFLO

But a new AI-powered smart device, iFLO, automates zooglea zapping in your AC drain line and drain pan so that you don’t wind up with water overflowing into your home due to a clog, mold and bacteria growth in your HVAC system due to neglect, or an ill-timed air-conditioner failure during the dog days of summer.

Y’know … just in case you aren’t flushing your line every three months like you’re supposed to be.

iFLO connects to your smartphone via an app and automatically customizes your program based on the temperature and humidity in your geographical area.

The device automatically dispenses an enzyme-based cleaning solution that breaks down the slimy, phlegm-like Zooglea to keep the drain lines clear year-round on a tailored-to-you schedule. 

iFLO says everything you need comes in the kit, and the company claims you can install it in just five minutes.

Quick disclaimer: iFLO supplied us with the product for the purpose of testing the new innovation in an Editorial capacity, and we are in no way sponsored by nor affiliated with the manufacturer.

The iFLO mobile app offers a step-by-step setup guide and how-to videos, and it enables access to 24-hour support.

iFLO Installation Overview

• Download the iFLO app on your smartphone.

• Create an account.

• Put in the batteries.

• Measure placement with template, peel and stick.

• Attach the device to the drain.

• Attach the unit and use the app to program it.

• Once the QR code is validated, insert the bottle and let the device do the rest.

Once the bottle is installed, the iFLO cleaning solution lasts for three to six months, depending on your location. Through the app, customers will be able to utilize a variety of subscription plans. iFLO Kit Includes: Device, 36-oz. Drain Cleaner, Drain Line Connector/Adaptor

Review

Having now performed this install, I can say that this product is quite simple to install and, with perhaps the exception of the hole we had to drill in our particular case, this process was pretty much as quick and easy as advertised.

Is it as effective as advertised? That’s not something that can be easily or immediately observed — but we’ll keep an eye on our AC drain line and report back our findings in the future.

Not convinced yet that you need a product like iFLO — or maybe even that you need to keep your drain line clean at all?

According to iFLO, water damage from AC-drain-line leaks, overflows and flooding soaks homeowners for as much as $40,000 per claim. And if you live in the Southern U.S., with its steamy summers and warm year-round weather? iFLO says HVAC-related flood claims are the No. 1 cause of water damage in homes.

The HomeServe Editorial team tested an iFLO device on a real HVAC system in a real home. What is the step-by-step process for installation? What tools will you need for the job? Does the setup really take just 5 minutes? Is the product as effective as advertised? We address all these questions and much more in this video.