Refrigeration Technologies Introduces Viper Drainado 15-in-1 Tool for HVACR Condensate Lines and Plumbing Drains
Refrigeration Technologies, the Southern California-based manufacturer behind the Viper® line of non-toxic HVACR chemical solutions, today announced the launch of Viper Drainado™, a 15-in-1 adapter that connects three wet/dry vacuum hose sizes to five PVC pipe sizes, covering ¾-inch to 2-inch condensate pipes by suction or pressure. Developed by HVAC technician and inventor Christopher McConnell and licensed to Refrigeration Technologies under a multiyear agreement, Viper Drainado was built to solve a problem common to both the HVACR and plumbing industries.
Blocked condensate lines account for up to 90% of water-related air conditioning service calls, and clearing the line has historically meant improvising: Stacking multiple PVC reducers and fittings, taping the assembly to a vacuum hose, holding the joint together by hand and scraping adhesive residue off the pipe afterward. Similar clogs are common in plumbing too, and technicians in both trades have long relied on the same makeshift fixes.
I was carrying ten adapters and a roll of duct tape to every water leak call, and the seals still gave out half the time,” said McConnell. “So I started cutting prototypes in 2016. More than 30 design updates later, Drainado slid on, kept its grip and pulled full suction. Now, by licensing it to Refrigeration Technologies, it will reach more pros than ever before – meaning fewer clogged lines, fewer callbacks and techs everywhere can throw out the bins of single-purpose adaptors that have been taking up unnecessary space on their trucks.
Viper Drainado is one molded part that flexes onto the pipe, seals under full vacuum and grips tightly enough to hold on its own, hands-free. Its coverage spans the condensate and small-diameter PVC sizes common to both trades—moving debris under pressure or suction to clear sink traps, branch drains and plumbing systems. Plumbers already reach for several Refrigeration Technologies staples, like Nylog® White thread sealant for compressed air, water and gas lines and WetRag® heat-blocking putty and Heatshield pads for soldering and brazing; Drainado adds a drain-clearing option to that shared shelf.
Key features include:
- 15 configurations in one adapter: Three wet/dry vacuum hose sizes (1-1/4″, 1-7/8″, 2-1/2″) to five PVC sizes (3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″)
- Compatible with Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC, which share a common outside diameter
- Fitted seal draws full vacuum suction and holds position hands-free, keeping both hands available for the rest of the job
- Flexible thermoplastic polyester elastomer construction; tolerant of bleach, vinegar and pan treatments
- Clears condensate lines, sink drains, branch lines and drainage systems by suction or pressure
- Serves HVACR and plumbing applications; designed for use with wet/dry vacuums
