Product Focus: Chemical and Mechanical Root Control

Product Focus: Chemical and Mechanical Root Control
Duracable DM55

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Cable Machines

Duracable DM55

When up against a sewer line that’s been infiltrated by tough tree roots, the DM55 machine from Duracable can be used. With the versatility to clear obstructions from 2- to 10-inch lines, it is suitable for municipal, commercial and residential work. The direct-drive 10-1 gear box ratio provides all the torque needed to tackle heavy roots. A power cable feed and return on this machine makes it easy to use. It comes standard with 110 to 150 feet of 11/16-inch hollow core cable in a 26-inch reel, but the user can switch to 3/4-inch cable when needed. Duracable’s lineup of tough, heat-treated and coated blades make it ready for any root removal job. 800-247-4081; www.duracable.com


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-person 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 transport, storage and use in crawl spaces. Its carry handle allows for balance and easy transport. 800-833-1212; www.electriceel.com


General Pipe Cleaners Flexi-Rooter 100

The Flexi-Rooter 100 high-speed, flexible-shaft drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners has a shaft that spins more than 10 times faster than cable drum machines to quickly grind up stoppages and scour pipe walls. Its stronger, stiffer shaft is flexible enough to navigate 2-inch pipes, yet strong enough to cut roots in 4-inch drainlines up to 75 feet long. The variable-speed motor easily lets you adjust shaft speed from 0 to 2,200 rpm. Its safe foot pedal control frees both hands to guide the flexible shaft into the line. Operators can simultaneously use it with a sewer camera system to pinpoint pipe troubles and instantly inspect results. Its cleaning array features ClogChopper cutters at the business end combined with carbide chain cutters. The shaft is field-repairable. 800-245-6200; www.drainbrain.com


Gorlitz Sewer & Drain Model GO 68HD

The Model GO 68HD heavy-duty electric drain cleaning machine from Gorlitz Sewer & Drain is available in two different versions, either with an open steel reel or enclosed polyethylene drum, and it can be outfitted with an optional power feeder. Standard configuration is 150 feet of 11/16-inch hollow-core cable, which should reach most blockages with a single reel. Overall weight of the machine is 185 pounds. Adding a loading ramp and electric winch to any vehicle makes transportation quick and simple. It is designed to clean pipes from 3 to 8 inches in diameter. 877-446-7548; www.gorlitz.com


Milwaukee Tool M18 FUEL Sewer Sectional Machine

Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL Sewer Sectional Machine with CABLE DRIVE Automatic Feed and Retract has the power to clear tough blockages in 2-to-8-inch sewer lateral lines. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor and REDLINK PLUS Intelligence delivers the power to clear roots up to 200 feet out, providing full power at the maximum capacity of the machine. The sewer cable machine features CABLE DRIVE Automatic Feed and Retract system. This system reduces user fatigue by eliminating the need to manually pull back the heavy cable from the pipes. An enclosed cable carrier ensures the best protection and mess containment during transportation and can be stacked for easier storage. The sewer sectional is compatible with ONE-KEY, so it can be wirelessly tracked, managed and secured. 800-728-3878; www.milwaukeetool.com


RIDGID FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machine Accessories

RIDGID FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machine accessories are designed to provide wall-to-wall cleaning in 1 1/4- to 6-inch residential and commercial pipes in conjunction with any RIDGID FlexShaft model. Accessories include a variety of chain knockers and brushes designed to quickly clean pipe. Chain knockers come in standard, carbide-tipped or penetrating-head versions that expand to the size of the pipe, clearing the entire pipe circumference of grease, sludge, small tree roots and soft blockages with less mess and enhanced speed. Additional accessories include 1/4- and 5/16-inch DeadCore Cables, designed for the FlexShaft K9-102 and K9-204, that are stiffer and easier to repair for milling applications, and nylon and nylon/steel brushes to deliver final pipe cleaning and relining preparation. FlexShaft machines allow for inspection cameras to remain in-pipe throughout the entire drain cleaning process for maximum efficiency. 800-474-3443; www.ridgid.com


Cutting Nozzles

Arthur Products Cnt-r-KUT G2 EMAX2

The Cnt-r-KUT G2 EMAX2 from Arthur Products is an interchangeable cutter nozzle to clear roots and debris. The centering devices can be modified for custom applications. They help operators tackle tough jobs, including when using drain cleaning nozzles in tight spaces in damaged sewers. Technicians can expect to achieve maximum cleaning spread in drains and other pipes. 800-322-0510; www.arthurproducts.com


Enz USA Golden Jet 10.060A/B/CTR turbine nozzle

With operating flows as low as 8 gpm at 2,000 psi, the Golden Jet 10.060A/B/CTR turbine nozzle from Enz USA is a powerful cleaning tool. The turbine design allows for lower flow and less water usage while maintaining high torque for effective pipe cleaning in lines ranging from 2.5 to 8 inches. Because of its sealed bearings, this nozzle can be operated with both clean and recycled water while being relatively maintenance-free. This compact, efficient nozzle is a powerful root remover and is suitable for use on grease, solids, mineral deposits, concrete and grout. Its complete kit provides a selection of precut chains, skids and two head styles. 877-362-8721; www.enz.com


Hydra-Flex Revolution

The Revolution from Hydra-Flex utilizes the same cutting and jetting power of the Reaper line but adds 360-degree cleaning power with its center, rotating sub-head. The sub-head contains dual rotating jets that work to completely clean and descale the inside of the pipe. Unlike other nozzles on the market, the Revolution sub-head is built to stay at a consistent speed, which means the same quality results throughout the duration of its life. Its premium material make-up consists of stainless-steel housing and tungsten carbide wear surfaces, which make it extremely durable and capable of withstanding harsh environments. This tool is built for 6- to 36-inch sewer pipes and breaks through tough blockages, FOG and roots, jetting through pipes and cleaning at the same time. 952-808-3640; www.hydraflexinc.com


Root Rat cutting nozzle

Root Rat cutting nozzles are used with jetters from 11 hp to large truck-mounted models. The cutters are made of hardened stainless steel and 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 under $10 in parts. 800-288-7873; www.rootrat.net


Jetters

American Jetter 58 Series Inferno Burner Hot Jetter

The 58 Series Inferno Burner Hot Jetter from American Jetter offers up to 67% more efficient heat over traditional burners. This super fuel-saving hot water system packs extra cleaning power for grease cutting and deicing. Consistent power comes from a 38 hp EFI Kohler gasoline engine with flows up to 20 gpm and pressure to 5,000 psi. The rear speed control reel provides precise cleaning speeds and easy access to the jet hose with the included hose guide. Low water shutoff stops the engine if the 220-gallon tank runs low. The optional 1-mile open range wireless remote option features water ON/OFF, engine shutdown and hose reel control. The heavy-duty square tubing trailer has a 2-inch ball coupler and standard electric brakes. 866-944-3569; www.americanjetter.com


Cam Spray 3012H Compact Skid Mount Jetter

The 3012H Compact Skid Mount Jetter from Cam Spray is designed for a high cube van or pickup bed and takes up as little space as possible while providing 12 gpm at 3,000 psi. Features include a Honda iGX800 fuel-injected gasoline engine with oil alert and hour meter, powering a gearbox-driven plunger pump with ceramic plungers, stainless steel valves, pressure gauge and 80-mesh water filter. The pump is protected by an unloader valve and secondary pop-off. A power pulse feature is used for navigating longer runs and elbows. The 100-gallon tank includes low water shut-off and a float valve to manage filling the tank. An industrial-coated skid platform and frame offers transferability among vans, trucks and trailers, while mounting flanges and d-rings allow for the machine to be fastened or tied down. The machine measures 52 inches long by 41.5 inches wide by 50 inches tall. 800-648-5011; www.camspray.com


GapVax G7 Jetter 

The G7 Jetter from GapVax is built on a heavy-duty, contractor-grade NATM-certified trailer. Several engine choices, including Cummins diesel, are certified and sized appropriately for the water pump combinations. The unit’s hose reel is hydraulically powered with a direct-drive gearbox and variable-speed control. The hose reel offers a 3-foot (curbside) articulation from center of bearing, 180-degree rotation and a capacity of 800 feet of 3/4-inch jetter hose. The polyethylene plastic water tank is available in 300-, 500-, 600- or 700-gallon capacities. The water pump is center-fed for optimum performance. The controller is interlocked with safety features that will show low fuel levels and low water, and is capable of a complete engine shutdown in an emergency. 888-442-7829; www.gapvax.com


Hi-Vac O’Brien 3500 Series Water Jetter

The O’Brien 3500 Series Water Jetter from Hi-Vac delivers power in a lightweight design for sewer line, basin and culvert cleaning. Ideal for commercial, industrial and residential projects, it provides pressure capabilities up to 4,000 psi and flow ranges from 10 to 40 gpm. The single-axle trailer provides impressive maneuverability for working in areas where space is limited or in residential areas where a smaller footprint is required. A 190-degree, hydraulically driven hose reel allows for easy access to the manhole regardless of the position of the trailer. It features a rugged frame design for heavy-duty applications and a Tier 4 Final, U.S.-made diesel engine for more torque at a lower noise level. A tough polyethylene tank stands up to harsh weather conditions. 800-752-2400; www.obrienmfg.com


HotJet USA HotJet II

The HotJet USA HotJet II trailer-mounted jetter is available with hydraulic hose reels and a 37 hp Vanguard fuel-injected engine. Operating with hot or cold water, it runs at 12 gpm at 4,000 psi, cleaning 2- to-12-inch lines, making it an alternative between small-output and larger-output machines. It arrives turnkey with a 330-gallon water tank, detergent tanks and full power-washing capabilities for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing after the job. It includes a hydraulic hose reel, heavy-duty 7,000-pound-rated tandem axle trailer (single axle also available), rear control panel with remote control, two heavy-duty diamond-plate side toolboxes and one front toolbox. 800-624-8186; www.hotjetusa.com


Mongoose Jetters 184 

The Enz 10.060B-TR Chain Scraper along with the Mongoose Jetters 184 can do an ideal job of descaling cast iron pipes, removing tree roots, hard mineral deposits and concrete residue from newly installed sewer lines. When switching the head to a milling cutter head, it has been able to remove hard concrete in 2-to-4-inch lines. The nozzle can alternate from link chain to bicycle chain that has manganese plates at the end and different size skids to centralize the nozzle. It can operate in 2- , 4- , 6- and 8-inch pipes. 877-735-4640;  www.sewerequipment.com/mongoose-jetters/


MyTana Compact Jetters

MyTana offers two compact and budget-friendly truck-mounted jetters suitable for medium-duty work vans and box trucks. Each delivers 15 gpm at 4,000 psi for work in lines up to 24 inches. The smaller Economic has a hydraulic hose reel which swivels 225 degrees and holds 300 feet of 1/2-inch hose. A second reel is for a water fill hose. The EcoFit features three reels. Two hydraulic hose reels swivel 270 degrees along with the control panel, each with a hose entry guide. The main reel has 300 feet of 1/2-inch hose but could hold up to 550 feet of hose. The second reel can hold up to 300 feet of 1/2-inch hose. A third reel houses the water fill hose. Both models include a handheld remote-control unit and pulse action. They are built by ROM. 800-328-8170; www.mytana.com


Super Products SuperJet

The 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. The hose reel has 1,000 feet of 1-inch-diameter sewer hose, 200-degree rotation and a digital monitor. This allows operators to work efficiently while positioning themselves out of traffic and away from 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.superproducts.com


Vacall AllJet

Vacall’s AllJet truck-mounted jetter is an easy-to-operate, efficient sewer root maintenance machine. The hydraulically powered triplex plunger water pump is capable of 87 gpm at 2,000 psi with other power options available. The hose reel telescopes out 54 inches from a retracted position and swivels 200 degrees to properly direct the 600-foot jetting hose. It uses a single-engine PTO design, and a 1,600-gallon UV-resistant polyethylene water tank. Operator-friendly features include four locking aluminum tool storage cabinets, a rear-view camera, roll-up doors and a washdown system, with options including LED lighting packages, an extendable rear canopy and a heating and insulation package inside the all-aluminum rear compartment. 800-382-8302; www.vacall.com


Vac-Con VJ Series

The VJ Series of jetters from Vac-Con is designed to provide operators with an economical, portable and powerful system in two configurations. The VJ375 offers a 375-gallon water capacity on a single-axle trailer. The VJ750 boasts 750-gallon water capacity on a tandem-axle trailer. Standard features include Tier 4 diesel engine, cold-weather recirculation and air purge system, hydraulically driven hose reel and a reel-mounted, weatherproof electronic control panel. Units are available in multiple water pump pressure and flow configurations. Optional features include gas engine, wireless remote and an antifreeze tank system for cold-weather use. 904-284-4200; www.vac-con.com


Mechanical Root Cutters

SewerProShop Blue Star Raptor and Viper

Blue Star Raptor and Viper chain cutters from SewerProShop are made of high-grade stainless steel and are furnished with ceramic nozzle inserts. With the Raptor, choose from 4- and 6-inch rigid 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 provide a service range of 4 to 48 inches. The Viper can be operated with recycled water. 877-864-9394; www.sewerproshop.com


USB-USA Turbo chain cutters

The heavy-duty Turbo chain cutters from USB-USA are tough and powerful. These cutters continuously adjust from 8 to 15 inches (Turbo S200) or 12 to 24 inches (Turbo S600) and easily fit into the pipe. Turbine technology powers the durable chain retainer on a robust body to remove roots, concrete, calcium deposits, hardened grease and tuberculation from sewer lines. They are designed to be very aggressive for the hardest materials. The beefed up, heavy-duty cutters 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 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


Root Chemicals

Lenzyme Trap-Cleer foaming root control

Foaming root control from Lenzyme Trap-Cleer has double the active ingredient, dichlobenil, compared to 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-foamover messes. 800-223-3083; www.lenzyme.com


Oatey Hercules R-D Root Destroyer

Hercules R-D Root Destroyer from Oatey is a slow-dissolving, nonacidic, noncaustic herbicide formulated to eliminate and prevent root growth in sewer lines. By preventing sump and ejector pump root damage, it eliminates overflow damage, sewage flow restriction and backup odors. It is safe to use in lines leading to septic tanks, cesspools and dry wells, and is harmless to the environment. 800-321-9532; www.oatey.com


RootX

RootX comes in 2- and 4-pound containers. A 2-pound container is designed to treat 50 feet of 4-inch sewer line and a 4-pound container is designed to treat 100 feet of 4-inch or 75 feet of 6-inch sewer line. With the funnel/applicator it is easy to apply. Simply attach the funnel and cap to the top of the jar and shake back and forth for approximately a minute. Remove the cap and pour it into the toilet or cleanout and immediately follow it with the appropriate amount of water for the application. Restrict water usage for a minimum of 4 hours. Annual treatments are recommended. Septic tanks can also be treated simply by using 8 pounds per 1,000-gallon tank. Pump the liquid down just low enough to expose the roots. Apply the RootX to the root-infested area and add water to activate the foam. 800-844-4974; www.rootx.com



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