Chemical and Mechanical Root Control

Chemical and Mechanical Root Control
Deluxe root cutter

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Deluxe root cutter

The deluxe, heavy-duty, high-speed rotating Pro Root Cutter from Amazing Machinery is designed to cut roots and remove scale and debris. Available in both 3/8- and 1/2-inch NPT, the nozzle operates with wire extensions inside PVC and clay tile lines, and with chain extensions inside iron pipes. It is recommended that the 3/8-inch cutter be used on an 18 hp or larger jetter, while the 1/2-inch cutter can be used with a 24 hp or larger jetter. Chains for 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-inch lines and wires for 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-inch lines are included. The nozzle can be custom drilled to any orifice size. 800/504-7435; www.amazingmachinery.com.

 

Trailer-mounted jetter

The Model STB2712H trailer-mounted sewer jetter from Cam Spray offers 2,700 psi operating pressure and 11.5 gpm using a Honda 27 hp engine. The unit cleans lines up to 10 inches in diameter. Features includes a 400-foot 1/2-inch hose on a DC powered reel with 2:1 drive system and foot control switch, 300-gallon water tank with low water shutdown, powder-coated trailer with 5,000-pound axle, washdown gun and hose, and four-nozzle set. 800/648-5011; www.camspray.com.

 

Low-maintenance nozzles

Root Rat cutting nozzles from Chempure are used with jetters from 11 hp units to large truck-mounted models. Manufactured of hardened stainless steel, the cutters come with a toolbox with two interchangeable rotors: one with cables and the other with chains. The combination kit includes extra chain, cable and bearings. They need no repair or rebuilding other than bearing replacement, which can be completed in less than two minutes for less than $10 in parts. 800/288-7873; www.chempure.com.

 

Sectional cables

Sectional cables from Draincables Direct range from the 5/8-inch R type x 7 1/2-foot-long cables and the 7/8-inch R type x 15-foot-long cables to the 1 1/4-inch R type heavy-duty sectional cable. All cables include button-lock couplings. Additional couplings, adapters and blades are available. 800/421-4580; www.draincables.com.

 

Sled machine

The DM55 sled drain machine from Duracable Manufacturing offers a maintenance-free gearbox, an industrial 3/4 hp motor at 175 rpm and an indestructible frame. The high-performance gearbox has a 10:1 gear ratio with a cantilever weight capacity of 900 pounds. The drain machine offers fully enclosed polyethylene reels in a variety of sizes, and a standard power cable feed and return. The unit works on main lines, commercial, flood drains, grease and roots. 800/247-4081; www.duracable.com.

 

Hydrostatic cleaner

The Model 800 hydrostatic sewer cleaner from Electric Eel cleans 4- to 24-inch-diameter pipes for distances up to 650 feet. It features variable-drive speeds and an automatic transmission. A convenient hand lever controls the cleaning speeds at full torque from 50 to 1,000 rpm. The unit runs 8-foot sectional, heavy-duty, self-feeding municipal cables that require no handling by the operator and allow for fast cleaning.

Right-hand wound outer coils and 11/16-inch-diameter left-hand wound inner coils, both anchored to the coupling, reduce helixing and loss of cable in pipelines. The open space outer coil design helps loosen deposits and auger them back. Snap-Lock couplings provide easy joining of the 5-foot sections with no set screws, nuts or loose pins. An 8 hp gasoline engine or optional 9 hp diesel engine are available. A removable handle for compact storage and transport is also available. 800/833-1212; www.electriceel.com.

 

Root buster

The FOG Buster system from Vactor Manufacturing breaks through fat, oil and grease buildups and prevents damaging overflows in sewer lines. The system can be placed on new or existing Vactor sewer cleaners or jetters. The kit includes a durable, 25-gallon tank, a simple metering device and an environmentally friendly grease emulsifier solution. The solution is biodegradable, non-caustic, non-corrosive, and does not contain phosphates.

The industrial-strength detergent (a blend of surfactants that penetrate and soften animal fat, vegetable oil and grease) is released into the sewer line where the buildup has occurred. Once the FOG has been emulsified, it will not re-solidify. The mixture of dissolved grease and solution continually mixes with the wastewater as it travels through the line, working its way to the treatment plant. The solution also penetrates pipe surfaces to slow future buildup. 800/627-3171; www.vactor.com.

 

Chain scrapers

Enz USA chain scrapers clean pipes from 3 to 48 inches in diameter. The scrapers come with sealed bearings, which allows for operation with clean and recycled water. In addition to removing roots, the units also remove grease, solids, mineral deposits, concrete and grout. Available with 6- to 24-inch diameters, the Diamond Tap Cutters can also remove protruding laterals. 877/369-8721; www.enzusainc.com.

 

Cutting blades

Clog Chopper cutting blades from General Pipe Cleaners are multifunction tools with six self-sharpening blades that break through encrusted debris, root masses, scale, crystallized urine and other stoppages without damaging the pipe. The spherical design maneuvers around tight ends and traps to clean metal, plastic and clay pipes. The tools clean stacks, downspouts, mainlines and drainpipes. They come in 1-, 1 1/2-, 2-, 2 1/2-, 3- and 4-inch sizes and a variety of connector options for General and other major brands of cable machines. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.

 

Sewer and storm cutter

The Paikert sewer and storm cutter nozzle from NozzTeq is a low-speed, hydro-torque impact cutter designed for severe root blockages, concrete, grease, protruding laterals and any other substance. The cutter uses double root saw blades along with single hardened bits to remove thick heavy root growth. It operates up to 5,000 psi and is available in sizes from 4 to 24 inches with the proper jetting machine. 866/620-5915; www.nozzteq.com.

 

Monitoring control system

The MC Advanced Series combination vacuum and jetting machine from GapVax has a system control that includes a monitoring system allowing the operator to observe and troubleshoot the entire system. The display screen (one inside/one outside) will control hydraulics, blower, and water pump operations with a complete complement of gauges. All body, boom and hose reel functions, vacuum break, throttle, area and safety lighting are wirelessly controlled, while still maintaining proportional boom and hose reel control. The job card feature allows users to keep track of blower and water pump hours and logs the time of each job, among other things.

Features include 3/16-inch ASTM A572 Grade 50 Exten steel, 5- to 12-inch-cubic-yard (stainless steel also available) debris body, and stainless steel water tank with a capacity of up to 2,000 gallons. Vacuum pump options range from 3,000 to 5,000 cfm with up to 27 inches Hg. The heavy-duty, double-acting, single-lift cylinder provides a stable 50-degree dump angle. The 8-foot, front-mounted telescopic boom includes dual-lift cylinders, reaching 26 feet with a 270-degree rotation. 888/442-7829; www.gapvax.com.

 

Pneumatic cutter

The Micro-Cutter from Nu Flow Technologies is a pneumatic cutter used to clean and remove calcite and roots from the inside of a variety of pipes including steel, cast iron and Orangeburg. The system rotates at 1,500 rpm in 1 1/2- to 6-inch pipes in lengths up to 100 feet, and will negotiate turns of 90 degrees in pipes down to 2 inches in diameter.

The cutter runs at 40 cfm and allows for multiple cutting heads. The heads can cut through dense corrosion and root intrusion. The drill tip has an adjustable spline available in various sizes to match different pipe diameters. 800/834-9597; www.nuflowtech.com.

 

Combo sewer cleaner

The AllJetVac P Series combination sewer cleaner from Vacall provides high-efficiency jetting action and vacuum power to open clogged sewer lines and perform needed maintenance. The units feature a hose reel in the front with an optional axial pivot for multi-directional productivity. There are no pin-alignment problems due to a dual latching system. The heavy-duty reel drive system consists of a planetary gearbox driven by a hydraulic motor that incorporates a cross-port valve that cushions the system.

The vacuum and jetting systems are powered by the chassis’ engine, enabling users to open clogged lines and remove debris while reducing fuel consumption. Built with an oval-shaped debris body and cylindrical sides, the units are designed for extra strength and efficient material dumping. Water tanks are made of high-quality aluminum and mounted to create equal balance between axles. An AllSmartFlow CANbus control system, located inside a protective cabinet, has a programmable LCD display that monitors water flow, engine performance and vacuum functions. Debris tanks are available in 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-cubic-yard capacities. Water tanks are available in 1,000-, 1,200- and 1,500-gallon sizes. 800/382-8302; www.vacallindustries.com.

 

Root foam

Vaporooter formula kills roots on contact and inhibits re-growth for years. The formula is a combination of metam sodium and dichlobenil. Metam sodium penetrates root cells, while dichlobenil bonds to pipe walls, joints and cracks, preventing new root growth. Vaporooter’s Jet Set Commander unit allows for easy application of the root control formula. The unit provides a touch screen for operators to go from jetting to foaming in seconds. 800/841-1444; www.vaporooter.com.

 

Two-nozzle jetter

The KJ-3100 waterjetter from RIDGID offers a fast and effective method to remove pipe obstructions like roots and mud. Powered by a 16 hp gasoline engine, the unit uses a full 3,000 psi working pressure and a flow of 5 1/2 gpm to clear blockages in 2- to 10-inch-diameter drains. Designed for easy maneuverability, the unit also comes with a propulsion nozzle that helps carry a 200-foot hose, and a penetrating nozzle for cutting through ice and sludge. 800/769-7743; www.ridgid.com.

 

Thrusting sewer nozzle

The Warthog WHP-3/4 sewer nozzle from StoneAge Inc. offers strong forward thrust, easy field maintenance and replaceable nozzle tips. The nozzle cleans 6- to 18-inch lines and handles long distances and inclines. The rear-facing jets are angled sharply and the centralizer fins are trimmed back. The nozzle features five jet ports, including a boring jet offset at 15 degrees, and four jets at 172 degrees. 866/795-1586; www.stoneagetools.com.

 

Skid systems

The EZ SKID from Southland Tool Mfg. Inc. is a three-skid cage system that makes changeover from one size skid to the next easy. Users remove the front four bolts and the rear side bolts. Each unit has its size stamped into the front plate for easy identification. Three-skid units ride easily down the line and avoid hang-ups in offsets. The lightweight units are made from hardened steel and have a 3/8-inch runner. They are available in sizes from 6 to 24 inches. The Puma Cutter set comes complete with motor, three sets of skids and three saws. 714/632-8198; www.southlandtool.com.

 

Root formula

RootX is a dry powdered formula that can be applied with existing sewer cleaning equipment or direct from the package. Users just add water to the formula to create root-killing foam that kills roots on contact and leaves a residual to stunt new growth. The simple application process allows crews to do root control on demand. 800/844-4974; www.rootx.com.

 

Turbo chain cutters

Turbo chain cutters from USB – Sewer Equipment Corporation are made of tempered stainless steel and offer continuously adjustable guide skids. The chain retainer is driven by a high-performance turbine to remove roots, grease and mineral deposits from 4- to 48-inch lines. With an optimized 3D hydromechanics design in conjunction with ceramic nozzle inserts, the cutters use recycled or clean water. They can also be used as barrel cutters with diamond bits for smooth removal of protruding laterals. Heavy mineral deposits can be removed with carbide bits attached to the specialized chain. 866/408-2814; www.usbsec.com.



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