Cable Machines

1. Duracable DuraFlex

Hair clogs, wadded up paper towels and grease buildup are enough to stop up a drain; tree roots are another challenge altogether. DuraFlex cables from Duracable can help solve the problem. The cables are manufactured in the U.S. to strict and exacting specifications to ensure the perfect balance between strength, hardness and flexibility. Whether a sturdy, 100-foot inner-core cable is needed to power through tree roots or a nimble, hollow-core 50-foot drain cable, only the finest-quality cables make it through production. Duracable offers a full line of drain machines to put the drain snakes to proper use. Blades and accessories are available as well. 800-247-4081; www.duracable.com.

2. Electric Eel Model C

The Model C dual-cable sectional drain cleaner from Electric Eel runs up to 200 feet of 1 1/4-inch, self-feeding dual cable in 8- or 10-foot sections that require no handling when rotating. It spins cable at twice the revolutions per minute of a continuous cable machine for cleaning 3- to 10-inch lines for distances up to 200 feet. One-man operation means less time and labor expense. A heavy-duty, 1/2 hp motor comes standard, and 3/4 and 1 hp motors are also available. A custom-designed gearbox ensures higher quality, lower cost and parts availability. The heavy-duty, fully adjustable safety clutch keeps cable and tool breakage to a minimum and provides overload protection. A fold-down handle allows for easy transportation, storage and use in crawl spaces. Its carry handle allows for balance and easy transport. 800-833-1212; www.electriceel.com.

3. General Pipe Cleaners/General Wire Spring stainless steel braid hose

High-performance stainless steel braid jet hose from General Pipe Cleaners/General Wire Spring enhances the performance and cleaning power of the portable JM-1000 Mini-Jet and JM-1450 water jet drain cleaners. The durable stainless steel braid makes it easier to slide the jet hose down 1.5- to 3-inch drainlines and more easily navigate tight bends. The 3/16-inch Teflon core reduces flow resistance and improves small-line cleaning power. It is available in 30-, 50- and 75-foot lengths. 800-245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.

4. MyTana M745 Workhorse

The M745 Workhorse drain machine from MyTana can adjust cable speed on the fly for maximum performance, and it features two torque settings for safety. It incorporates SmartDrive technology, so cable speed can be throttled up to 300 rpm to negotiate turns, strengthen cleaning force, and expedite feeds and retrievals. Speed can also be reduced to as low as 100 rpm for tackling obstructions and debris. SmartDrive sounds an alarm when cable torque approaches unsafe limits and then automatically cuts power when that limit is reached. The machine comes equipped to work in 3- to 4-inch lines with 100 feet of cable, slip-joint fittings, autofeed, blades and accessories. A sink line kit is available to address 1.5- to 2-inch lines, and no tools are needed to swap reels due to the quick-release design of the drive system. 800-328-8170; www.mytana.com.

5. Pipe Lining Supply Renssi high-speed cable machine

Renssi high-speed cable machines and individual cables from Pipe Lining Supply are driven by the technician’s existing power source. The machines come in three cable sizes, including 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2 inch. The unit offers cable speeds of up to 3,500 rpm and cuts cleaning time to minutes. Machines come in 50-, 82- and 118-foot cable lengths. In addition to the machines, customers can purchase the cables independently in a variety of sizes and perform drain cleaning with separate cables. By adding a camera option, the operator can see what needs cleaning and attack those areas instead of dragging a cleaning head through the pipe where it might not be needed. 888-354-6464; www.pipeliningsupply.com.

6. RIDGID FlexShaft K9-306

The RIDGID K9-306 FlexShaft drain cleaning machine quickly delivers wall-to-wall cleaning in 3- to 6-inch drainlines up to 125 feet. It is used in conjunction with a full suite of specialized chain knocker accessories that expand to the size of the pipe to clear the entire circumference of grease, buildup, roots and heavy scale debris. The chain knockers are connected to a flexible, nylon-sheathed cable that is fully enclosed for cleanliness and can be easily wiped clean as it is pulled from the line. The fully contained unit also limits job site cross contamination. It can be operated by a foot switch in both vertical and horizontal positions and features a 1.5 hp internal universal motor for maximum power and in-field serviceability. It also allows for inspection cameras to remain in the pipe throughout the entire drain cleaning process for maximum efficiency. 800-474-3443; www.ridgid.com.

7. Spartan Tool Model 300

The Model 300 from Spartan Tool has a compact design that is suitable for tight spaces and narrow doorways. Its enclosed inner and outer steel drums keep the mess contained. It can be combined with up to 107 feet of Spartan Tool’s Magnum cable for increased power and performance in a compact machine. 800-435-3866; www.spartantool.com.

Cutting Nozzles

8. Enz USA 10.300R rotating chain scraper

The 10.300R rotating chain scraper from Enz USA is an upgrade from the 10.200R chain scraper. It offers a pipe cleaning range of 8 to 20 inches. The chains are arranged for a multistage cutting concept, and the chain plates are harder and more durable. Because of its sealed bearings, this nozzle can be operated with both clean and recycled water while remaining relatively maintenance-free. It is a powerful root remover and can handle incrustations, concrete residues and other deposits. It can be used to prepare for restoration work such as relining, grouting or applying coatings. Accessories include tap cutters for protruding taps and a wire rope head attachment for gentle cleaning in compromised pipes. 877-362-8721; www.enz.com.

9. Hydra-Flex Reaper

The Reaper rotating jetting nozzle from Hydra-Flex has a rotating front jet that provides a 0-degree, straight water stream that blasts at up to 4,000 psi while rotating. Optimized stream quality results in greater impingement, allowing the technician to use one tool for various applications, including cutting, cleaning and removal. Its four rear jets create a 20-degree angle for maximum thrusting and pulling power. This heavy-duty, high-impact nozzle is constructed with a stainless steel housing and tungsten carbide wear surfaces to withstand harsh environments and provide long life. 952-808-3640; www.hydraflexinc.com.

10. NozzTeq Lumberjack

NozzTeq Lumberjack cutters are low-torque, variable-speed, multipurpose cutting nozzles powered by common sewer jetting or combination trucks. The cutting chains rotate at speeds of 10,000 to 50,000 rpm, depending on pressure and flow rate. The precisely engineered cutter is designed to cut roots, but it also effectively clears out concrete, tuberculation, grease, protruding laterals and other obstructions. Low torque means it won’t get stuck, won’t harm host pipe and won’t spin off the hose end. The cutters are sealed, include grease-lubricated bearings and are water-cooled so they don’t need daily maintenance. Five models clear pipes from 3 up to 48 inches. The entire kit includes the turbine, water supply tube, chain plate/pull plate, tow ring, cutting blade, sleds, five sets of chain per sled size, propelling nozzle with jets and adapter, spanner wrench, hand tools and toolbox. 866-620-5915; www.nozzteq.com.

11. Sewer Pro Shop Raptor and Viper

Raptor and Viper chain cutters from Sewer Pro Shop are made of high-grade stainless steel and are furnished with ceramic nozzle inserts. With the Raptor, choose from 4- and 6-inch ridged skids or a 6- to 12-inch flexible guide skid, along with cutting chains and carbide bits to achieve quick solutions. Viper chain cutters are designed to remove heavy obstructions caused not only by roots, but grease, mineral deposits and other solid organic material. The unit is driven by a high-performance turbine, which doesn’t require any lubrication. Chains spin at speeds of 4,000 to 12,000 rpm. Multiple guide skids available in various sizes make for a service range of 4 to 48 inches. 877-864-9394; www.sewerproshop.com.

12. StoneAge Warthog WT-1/2  

The Warthog WT-1/2 nozzle from StoneAge has been updated with a 1/2-inch inlet option and an R24 head engineered to increase the flow range up to 21 gpm. This configuration enables contractors to maximize use of their higher-flow pumps for more powerful cleaning while maintaining the small form factor of the WT for navigating pipe bends. The high-flow capacity paired with the company’s WT 040-R24-C head allows technicians to use the full power of their pump to tackle the toughest jobs and achieve a higher rate of cleaning. The small form factor is optimized for cleaning 3- to 6-inch pipes with elbows. The nozzle’s slow, controlled rotation combined with high flow delivers optimal cleaning power for cutting roots or clearing tough deposits. 866-795-1586; www.warthog-nozzles.com.

13. USB-USA heavy-duty Turbo chain cutter

The heavy-duty Turbo chain cutter from USB-USA continuously adjusts from 8 to 15 inches (Turbo S200) or 12 to 24 inches (Turbo S600) and easily fits into the pipe. Turbine technology powers the durable chain retainer on a durable body to remove roots, concrete, calcium deposits, hardened grease and tuberculation from sewer lines. The chain cutters are very aggressive for the hardest materials. They have double the amount of turbine-driving water jets as the company’s other cutters, generating tremendous cutting power. Easily adjust the cutter to within a 1/16 inch by spinning the rear to make it larger or smaller. Internal 3D fluid mechanics in conjunction with one-piece ceramic nozzle inserts allow the cutter to be used with recycled or clean water. 844-285-5770; www.usb-usa.com.

Jetters

14. American Jetter Hot Jetter

Hot Jetters from American Jetter include a water-heating system that uses efficient dual-coil burners. Burner exhaust temperatures are reduced from 400 degrees F to around 127 degrees F, effectively releasing less heat into the atmosphere. This is coupled with 20% or more fuel savings from the optional Kohler 19 to 38 hp EFI engines. The increased fuel savings will provide longer runtimes. 866-944-3569; www.americanjetter.com.

15. Cam Spray CV Series

The CV Series cargo van drain jet from Cam Spray offers diesel-fired hot water for additional jetting power. Several models are available up to 4,000 psi and 12 gpm. A triplex plunger pump with power pulse valve provides an extra push when needed. Air purge and recirculation to the tank are provided for freeze protection. A 5-gallon fuel tank provides hours of runtime. It comes with a heavily built, powder-coated frame with full deck and 130-gallon water capacity; a 12-volt DC reel with 2-1 clutch drive allowing for free spooling; and a powered hose return. It is controlled by a push button or foot switch. Accessories include a four-nozzle set, storage box, tip cleaner, tiger tail, safety shield, rubber gloves, high-visibility safety vest, 50-foot washdown hose and trigger gun. 800-648-5011; www.camspray.com.

16. GapVax GJet

The GJet truck jetter from GapVax offers 500- to 3,000-gallon stainless steel water tank options and 40 to 100 gpm water pump options along with a front-mounted hose reel, various toolbox options, room for a vice or crane, and 10-foot tube trays. 888-442-7829; www.gapvax.com.

17. Gorlitz Sewer & Drain Model GO 1500A Series

The Model GO 1500A Series jetter from Gorlitz Sewer & Drain has a functional frame construction with a carrying handle, reel accessory tube, retractable pull handle and phenolic 4-inch wheels for easy transportation to the job site. All models come with a custom-built, dual-capacitor, 2 hp electric motor drawing 19.8 amps at full load. The duplex ceramic plunger pump with dual pulsation will generate more than 1,500 psi at 2.1 gph to clear tough stoppages or open frozen pipes. The unit is supplied with one 1/8-inch by 50-foot-long trap hose to clear drainlines 1 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. The hose and reel connections are provided with quick-disconnect fittings to simplify operation. The reel accessory tube accepts an optional hose reel for compact hose storage and operation. 562-944-3060; www.gorlitz.com.

18. HotJet USA Xtreme Flow III

The Xtreme Flow III trailer jetter from HotJet USA offers 18 gpm at 4,000 psi jetting power, clearing drains from 2 to 24 inches. It offers twin 35 hp Vanguard engines on a 5-by-14-foot, heavy-duty, 10,000-pound-rated trailer. It is designed to bust through any clog, roots or debris. 800-213-3272; www.hotjetusa.com.

19. Sewer Equipment Model 800-HPR Series IV 

The Model 800-HPR Series IV truck jet from Sewer Equipment offers the same features as the 800-HPR ECO, such as fully baffled Duraprolene water tanks, eco-friendly operating system, 190-degree rotation of the hose reel and an insulated, heated enclosure housing all water components, but it adds a rear door that closes fully while the hose reel is extended, keeping heat inside the enclosure where water components are stored. It offers wintertime recirculation of the water system at highway speeds, a retractable canopy for sun and inclement weather, and boiler to provide onboard hot water for cold-weather applications. The dual reel configuration touts two hose reels in one location, with the secondary reel allowing for the addition of a televising jet pod or small-line sewer hose, giving operators the ability to perform multiple applications using one truck. It has ergonomic controls, an operator station situated between hose reels in a dual hose reel configuration and a secondary operators station at midship. 888-477-7611; www.sewerequipment.com.

20. Super Products SuperJet

SuperJet truck-mounted jetter from Super Products is used to blast debris to clear blockages and maintain sewer lines when vacuuming extraction is not required. It uses a strong and smooth single-piston water pump to create consistently high water pressure. Units come standard with rotationally molded polyethylene water tanks in a modular design to accommodate water capacities ranging from 1,080 to 3,240 gallons. Additionally, they offer convenient standard curbside and street-side fill for municipal and residential sewer cleaning. The highly accommodating hose reel has 1,000 feet of 1-inch-diameter sewer hose, 200-degree rotation and a digital monitor. This allows operators >span class="s2">to work efficiently while positioning themselves out of traffic and other hazards. The monitor displays a hose footage count, offers 20 saved settings for hose reel payout and is designed with LED panel lights to enable readability in a variety of environments. 800-837-9711; www.superproductsllc.com.

21. Vac-Con Hot Shot

The Hot Shot high-pressure water jet machine from Vac-Con is designed for removing stones, bottles, cans, grease, sludge and other debris from sanitary sewer and/or storm lines. Engineered for one-person operation, all high-pressure water and hose reel controls are located at the front of the machine for ease of operation and increased safety. Models are available with 1,000- and 1,600-gallon water tanks. Options include variable flow, articulating hose reel, polyethylene water tanks, 30 gpm at 3,000 psi water pump system, auxiliary engine or hydrostatic drive, cold-weather recirculation system, side-mounted toolboxes, air purge system, hose footage counter, arrow board, strobe lights, inspector cam, high-pressure spray bar, hose rewind guide, 600 psi handgun system with 25 feet of hose, and a selection of nozzles. 888-920-2945; www.vac-con.com.

22. Vactor Ramjet

Vactor’s Ramjet truck-mounted jetter offers IntuiTouch technology that delivers improved operating ease, quick accessibility to key information and greater control on jobs. IntuiTouch in-cab controls provide PTO activation at the touch of a button. Outside, operators can use the IntuiTouch ergonomic control station that features a simple, up/down adjusting control panel for all cleaning system functions. It also offers improved water plumbing, allowing for greater storage options. Other features, including a Jet Rodder water pump and Park-N-Clean technology, come standard. It also includes a cold-weather package that separates wet and dry items and a rear hose reel with optional integral aluminum shroud for optimal performance in cooler environments. 800-627-3171; www.vactor.com.

Mechanical Root Cutter

23. Picote Solutions Mini Sweeper

The Mini Sweeper from Picote Solutions is designed to clean and descale pipes, including removing tree roots. It grinds away debris from the inside of the pipe at 1,000 to 1,500 rpm. The aggressive tool is effective in situations where there is thick scale, rust or other waste materials that are difficult to remove. It can also be used to remove wrinkles in liners or to remove excess lining material from the pipe wall after a failed liner has been removed. It is rebuildable after the legs become dull. It is available for 2-, 3- and 4-inch pipe sizes and is powered by the Picote Mini or Maxi Miller. 708-267-6366; www.picotesolutions.com.

Root Chemicals

24. Lenzyme Trap-Cleer foaming root control

Foaming root control from Lenzyme Trap-Cleer has double the active ingredient dichlobenil of previous solutions, along with a latex base designed to help it stick to roots longer. It is easy to apply and provides a slower foaming action to coat the entire pipeline and eliminate fast-foam-over messes. 800-223-3083; www.lenzyme.com.

25. RootX chemical root control 

Chemical root control from RootX is a long-term solution to pipeline root intrusion. It stunts new root growth without damaging the pipe, clearing pipeline roots that can cause blockages and sanitary sewer overflows. The chemical won’t harm water treatment systems and is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for both sanitary and storm use (EPA Reg. No. 68464). Simplicity of application enables crews to perform root control on demand or as scheduled preventive maintenance. 800-844-4974; www.rootx.com.