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A Guide to Drain Cleaning Cable Machines
Drain cleaning cable tools and machines use rotational power that is transferred along a flexible, spiral-shaped cable to the cutting tool at the head.
Cable tools and machines are available in a wide range of configurations, including simple hand-operated tools, drill-driven power tools, and larger units with independent electric motors. Powered machines have the advantage of variable speed, which offers greater control and less risk of pipe damage. In recent times, high-speed flexible shaft machines have grown in popularity due to their enhanced cleaning capabilities and are becoming a must-have tool for drainage contractors and plumbers.
Wire-wound cables are sized to suit the pipe diameter and have the flexibility to pass through bends while offering the strength and stability to tackle obstructions and residue build-ups in the pipe. Cables can be used with a multitude of cutting heads, from simple tools such as the straight or funnel augers, through cutting and blade heads to carbide-tipped milling cutters and drill heads.
Contents
- FLEXIBLE SHAFT MACHINES
- DRUM + SECTIONAL MACHINES
- CABLE MACHINES AT A GLANCE
- CLEANING AUGURS + CUTTERS
1. HIGH-SPEED FLEXIBLE-SHAFT MACHINES
High-speed flexible shaft technology is relatively new to the sector but has seen rapid growth in use.
The torsional strength of the flexible shaft when rotated at speeds up to 3,000 rpm makes these types of cable machines a powerful option for wall-to-wall pipe cleaning. Powered either by a small electric motor or hand drill, flexible shaft cutters are ideal for the rapid removal of rust, cement, lime and small tree roots in domestic drains and sewers.
The sharp cleaning head at the leading end of the cable is sized to the diameter of the pipe being treated, making it useful for applications such as CIPP preparation and scale removal. With the correct cutting heads, flexible shaft cleaners can be used in different pipe materials such as concrete, cast iron and PVC. This is further enhanced by the ability to control the speed and torque of the cutter, reducing the risk of pipe damage and improving the effectiveness of the clean.
1. WALL-TO-WALL CLEANING
The flexibility and strength of the shaft allows easy access to tight, twisting pipe runs. A wide range of chain heads or knockers can be used in different drain types and diameters, with carbide tip heads suitable for cast iron and concrete pipes and smooth chain heads for PVC pipes. There are also drill heads available for the toughest jobs.
2. EASE OF USE + TRANSPORT
Typically compact and lightweight, these units often include wheels for ease of transportation. In some cases, the electric engine pack and the reel can be separated and used independently. The spring is protected with a flexible cover that aids navigation through the tightest of bends and is easy to clean.
3. RADIO REMOTE CONTROL
Typically compact and lightweight, these units often include wheels for ease of transportation. In some cases, the electric engine pack and the reel can be separated and used independently. The spring is protected with a flexible cover that aids navigation through the tightest of bends and is easy to clean.
4. MACHINES CAN BE USED WITH CCTV
As flexible shafts cleaners are water-free they can be used in conjunction with a drain camera system. The outer covering on the shaft protects the camera from damage and allows the operator to view the pipe as it is being cleaned. The camera is fed into the drain just behind the spinning end of the cable.
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2. DRUM + SECTIONAL MACHINES
Cable machines operate using variable speed to spin, scour and cut as the cables are fed into a drain.
Drain cable machines are also commonly known as ‘spring machines’ or ‘drain snakes’ and range in size and features based on the type of cleaning task. The two main types of cable machines are drum and sectional, or suitcase, designs. Both utilise flexible cable lengths with a range of cleaning and cutting heads. In simple terms, a drum machine contains the entire length of cable in its housing (the drum), whereas sectional machines use coupled sections of cable that are transported separately. Both types have advantages. Enclosed drum machines are cleaner for internal work and easily transportable. Sectional machines are lightweight and capable of longer runs, with operators only needing to transport the length of cable that is required for a specific task.
As drain cleaning technology has advanced machines have become lighter, more powerful and safer to use. The variety of scouring cables and cutting blades has also evolved to allow the machines to tackle a wide range of drain cleaning applications.
MANUAL HANDTOOLS
Manual hand tools are designed for use in shorter runs of small pipes for tasks such as unblocking and clearing domestic drains, urinals and toilets. Small manual hand tools include closet augers and hand-operated drum machines for a range of applications in pipes up to 150 mm.
POWERED HANDTOOLS
Commonly used by contractors and plumbers, powered hand tools are typically drill operated, which speeds the unblocking process on smaller drains. The use of variable-speed makes it possible to control the forward and reverse rotation of the cable for more effective blockage clearing.
DRUM MACHINES
Drum machines are ideally suited to the professional clearing of domestic and commercial drain blockages. The compact nature of these machines means they are easy to transport and store with the performance to handle most types of blockages encountered by drainage contractors and plumbers.
SECTIONAL MACHINES
Utilising powerful electric motors, Sectional or ‘Suitcase’ machines are suited to cleaning over longer distances. Lightweight, simple to transport and easy to use, they are particularly useful when cleaning longer runs, such as downpipes, in commercial premises and apartment buildings.
3. CABLE MACHINES AT-A-GLANCE
Sourcing the right machine for the job can be a time-consuming process. We hope this at-a-glance guide may make the task a little easier…
Manual Hand Tools | |
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Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Overflows, Small Pipes Suited to: Clearing light blockages in domestic drains. Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads |
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Pipe Size | 32mm - 50mm |
Cable Length | Up to 7.5m |
Cable Dia. | 6/7mm |
Our Applications | Type D Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Closet Auger Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Syphon Pump Drain Cleaning Hand Tool |
Powered Hand Tools | |
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Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Overflows, Small Pipes Suited to: Clearing light blockages and cleaning domestic drains Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads Cutting Knives, Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Tulip Cutters |
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Pipe Size | 32mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 10m |
Cable Dia. | 6/8/10mm |
Our Applications | HandMatic |
Flexible Shaft Machine (Small) | |
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Applications: Small Pipes Soil Pipes, Main Lines, Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Wall-to-wall cleaning and the removal of hard deposits. Cleaning Heads: Chain Knockers, Drill Heads |
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Pipe Size | 38mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 10m |
Cable Dia. | 8mm |
Our Applications | RioFlex Mini PVC RioFlex Mini Concrete/Metal |
Flexible Shaft Machine | |
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Applications: Small Pipes Soil Pipes, Main Lines, Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Wall-to-wall cleaning and the removal of hard deposits. Cleaning Heads: Chain Knockers, Drill Heads |
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Pipe Size | 38mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 10m |
Cable Dia. | 8mm |
Our Applications | RioFlex 8mm RioFlex 10mm |
Small Drum Machines | |
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Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Small Drains with Longer Runs Suited to: Efficient cleaning of domestic and light commercial drains. Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads, Cutting Knives, Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Tulip Cutters |
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Pipe Size | 32mm - 75mm |
Cable Length | Up to 15m |
Cable Dia. | 6/8/10/15mm |
Our Applications | FlexMatic+ |
Large Drum Machines | |
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Applications: Small Drains, Main Lines, Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Robust cleaning of domestic and commercial drains and sewers. Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads, Funnel Heads, Cutting Knives Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Tulip Cutters, Root Cutters, Retrieving Hooks |
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Pipe Size | 40mm - 250mm |
Cable Length | Up to 20m |
Cable Dia. | 10/13/16/20mm |
Our Applications | Master Drum Spring Machine Allround+ |
Suitcase Machines | |
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Applications: Small Drains Main Lines with Longer Runs Downpipes Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Long distance cleaning of domestic and light commercial drains Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads, Cutting, Knives Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Root Cutters, Retrieving Hooks |
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Pipe Size | 32mm - 160mm |
Cable Length | Up to 40m |
Cable Dia. | Victor Drain Cleaning Spring Machine |
Our Applications | Type D Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Closet Auger Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Syphon Pump Drain Cleaning Hand Tool |
4. CABLE MACHINE AUGERS & CUTTERS
Here we aim to describe the wide range of augers, cutters and chain heads available for cable machines.
Quality, durability and application is key in choosing from the wide variety of spring widths, lengths, couplings and heads to suit the type of cable machines. As a note of caution, it can be a false economy to buy springs and cleaning heads based solely on price. Opting for a manufacturer’s high-quality spring or head ensures the right fit for the machine and is likely to last much longer and provide better performance than some of the low-cost alternatives.
Cable Cutters & Chain Heads | |||
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TULIP CUTTERSIdeal for removing hardened deposits and rust without damaging pipes or getting stuck.Sizes: 10 - 75mm cutters for 10 - 22mm cables |
ROOT CUTTERSFor clearing drains blocked by roots, rags and other debris causing stoppages.Sizes: 65 - 90mm cutters for 16 - 22mm cables |
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BLADE DRILLSClears blockages and build-ups caused by hardened materials like chemical deposits.Sizes: 10 - 90mm cutters for 22mm cables |
CUTTING KNIFESFor milling drains by cutting and scraping material attached to the pipe wall.Sizes: 35 - 125mm cutters for 10 - 22mm cables |
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DIAMOND HEADSSuited to clearing detergent build-ups and pipes tarnished with chalk or urine stones.Sizes: For 16 - 22mm cables |
CHAIN HEADSExpand to removing scale and hard deposits from the walls of steel and iron pipes.Various configurations for 10 - 22mm cables |
Cable Augers | |||
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STRAIGHT HEADSOften used as an exploratory tool for determining the head for the task.Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables |
FUNNEL HEADThe funnel is often used after a straight auger to break up any remains of the blockage.Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables |
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BULBOUS HEADSSuited to light cleaning in curved pipes and removing loose objects and broken cables.Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables |
RETRIEVING HOOKPrincipally used to remove obstacles from pipes such as cloths, wet wipes and other objects.Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables |
CUTTERS, CHAIN HEADS & AUGERS FOR RIONED APPLICATIONS
- Type D accessories
- Super accessories
- Handmatic accessories
- Flexmatic+ accessories
- AllRound+ accessories
- Master accessories
- Mini Victor Dual Speed accessories
- Victor accessories
Flex-Shaft Knockers & Drill Heads | |
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SMOOTH CHAIN KNOCKERSCommonly used to descale following cleaning, they also cope well with FOG and similar soft deposits.Sizes: 40 - 100mm cutters for 8 - 10mm flex-shaft cables |
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CARBIDE-TIPPED CHAIN KNOCKERSFor removing hard debris from hard-walled pipes and cutting through FOG, scale, and roots.Sizes: 40 - 100mm cutters for 8 - 10mm flex-shaft cables |
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DRILLER HEADSDrilling is sometimes the best method of breaking through tough obstacle such as roots, debris and scale.Sizes: 40mm cutters for 8 - 10mm flex-shaft cables |
KNOCKERS, DRILL HEADS & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE RIOFLEX
CABLE CARE
Modern cables have a steel inner core with plastic outer for more cleaning power and extra durability. Springs or cables are available in diameters from 6mm to 22mm to suit the type of machine. To extend the life of springs it is recommended to regularly use a specialist cable oil that acts as a rust inhibitor to cut through moisture and provide a rust-resistant coating.
Handgereedschappen
Handgereedschap is ontwikkeld voor klussen in kleine of korte leidingen zoals het ontstoppen en vrijmaken van afvoerleidingen, urinoirs en toiletten. Klein handgereedschap omvat closetboren en met de hand bediende trommelmachines voor uiteenlopend toepassingen in leidingen tot 150 mm.
HandgereedschappenTrommelmachines
Trommelmachines zijn bij uitstek geschikt om verstoppingen van afvoerleidingen in woningen en bedrijven op een professionele manier te verhelpen. Dankzij het compacte formaat zijn deze machines gemakkelijk te vervoeren en kunnen zij de meeste soorten verstoppingen aan die door rioolreinigingsbedrijven en loodgieters worden aangetroffen gemakkelijk verhelpen.
TrommelmachinesHand- gereedschap | Elektrisch hand- | Reinigings- machines (klein) | Reinigings- machines | Kleine trommel- machines | Grote trommel- machines | Segment- machines | |
Leidinggrootte | 32 - 50 mm | 32 - 75 mm | 38 - 75 mm | 38 - 75 mm | 32 - 75 mm | 40 - 160 mm | 32 - 160 mm |
Lengte kabel | Tot 7,5 m | ||||||
Veerdiameter | 6 en 7 mm | ||||||
Reinigings- koppen | Boorkoppen | ||||||
Toepassingen | Gootstenen Badkuipen Overstortingen Kleine leidingen | ||||||
Meest geschikt voor: | Het verhelpen van lichte verstoppingen en afvoerleidingen van woningen. |
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