Elkhart inventor, local manufacturer team up to launch Smart Drain Pro
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An inventor and an Elkhart-based electronics manufacturer are working together to bring a new product to market that aims to extend the life of water heaters, save time and reduce costly home repairs.
Smart Drain Pro, an automated water heater flushing system invented by David Sims, launched in March after years of development and personal investment. Sims, a disabled veteran and entrepreneur, said he has spent over $100,000 largely from personal savings, developing the product.
“You really can’t create a budget for something that you don’t know,” said Sims. “As you start putting things together, you start seeing the cost of things and you just have to push through.”
The device uses a programmable app-controlled solenoid valve, a valve that opens and closes automatically, to flush sediment from water heaters. Sims said sediment buildup shortens water heater lifespan, decreases efficiency and can lead to dirty water and property damage.
“The motivation has always been that if there’s something that’s needed to help make life easier for individuals or companies and it doesn’t exist, create it,” said Sims. “So Smart Drain Pro is a product that was needed.”
Sims speaks about the motivation behind Smart Drain Pro.
Smart Drain Pro sells for $195, but a promotional sale will drop the price to $125 for the first two weeks of July on the company’s website. Sims said early feedback from users has been positive, including from a South Bend customer who purchased additional units and a plumber in Atlanta who helped test the device.
Behind the scenes, Sims is still pursuing funding and support to expand Smart Drain Pro nationally.
“I’ve knocked on a few doors,” he said. “I haven’t had any open but I’ve been knocking.”
As Smart Drain Pro looks to scale, Sims’ journey reflects broader trends in small business innovation across the South Bend-Elkhart region. Local resources like the IDEA Center at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana Small Business Development Center and CDFI Friendly South Bend have emerged to support entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and technical assistance. These resources are designed to close gaps for startups like Sims’, especially those navigating early-stage product development without prior business experience.
Sims originally sought product design help overseas for another invention before discovering Excel Electronics in Elkhart. The company helped engineer a working prototype, bringing Sims’ idea to life.
“What I went to look for abroad was actually in my own backyard,” he said. “That relationship was an easy one because their personalities were good, their assistance was good and they listened very well.”
Evan Estep, director of business development at Excel, said the company typically works with both large corporations and smaller startups, providing end-to-end electronics manufacturing support.
“We had never thought of water heaters or maintenance before David came in,” said Estep. “He had a very rough prototype. We went through multiple revisions, getting it to where we could take it to market.”
Excel has helped launch over 200 products for companies of varying sizes since 2006 and employs about 30 people. Estep described working with Sims as especially meaningful.
“As a business owner, you should be prepared to take on some financial stress. To me, David’s the poster child for that,” said Estep. “He’s poured a lot of money into this and taken a lot of risks. That’s part of what encourages myself and Excel to keep supporting him. Trying to get to the next stage where there is money coming back in.”
The team recently completed its first large production run and is in talks with distribution companies and large retailers like Home Depot to help get the product to a national audience. A patent application is pending.
Their goal is to capture just 1% of the residential water heater market, about 90,000 units annually, while also expanding into commercial sectors like restaurants, senior living centers and other institutions that require regular water heater maintenance.
“This is a market that’s totally open,” said Sims. “Places like restaurants, their water heaters are monitored by the health department. So they need to flush consistently.”
The Council on Aging of Elkhart County is exploring new ways to engage older adults who want to stay active, whether socially, physically or professionally. CEO Tina Fraley said she sees Sims’ story as a possible source of inspiration.
“We have had some interest in trying to work with older adults who want to be a little more involved in the workforce, possibly a second career. They want to do a little more than hobbies,” said Fraley. “So I would actually be very interested in David coming and talking to a group of seniors. Motivating them to consider different skills that they have.”
Fraley said there’s strong demand among older adults for experiences that feel purposeful and empowering.
“From our interactions and speaking with different older adults, there is such a desire to find something meaningful, something that brings meaning to their life,” she said. “I think entrepreneurship might be an avenue for some of them.”
To serve those interests, the council is designing new programs that go beyond traditional senior activities, including Indiana’s first “Men’s Shed,” an international model focused on woodworking, socializing and community projects.
“It gives men an opportunity to gather socially, support each other and do community service projects,” Fraley said. “It would be interesting to explore an entrepreneurship program within that. As well as with the women in their own environment.”
The agency is also planning an all-day resource event where older adults can connect with tools and information to support healthy, independent living.
“My understanding is that, if you don’t flush out your water heater, it actually creates a hazard. So it’s part of safety in the home,” said Fraley. “We have many seniors who are single-person households and aren’t able to do all of that upkeep. This is something that would actually help them manage that task a little bit easier.”
Sims hopes to continue refining the product with further R&D and expand marketing efforts to reach new customers. Estep said Smart Drain Pro’s app, which requires no user data, can schedule up to two drains a week and connect the device to their phones via Bluetooth.
“Once you have your components, the hookups are relatively easy,” said Sims. “For some people, no matter how easy things are, they’re going to call that plumber. But it is user friendly.”