Equipment Care for Effective Drain Cleaning

While it is essential that managers specify the most effective drain-cleaning machines for their front-line technicians, the equipment will only deliver as intended if they ensure that technicians care for the equipment as directed by manufacturers. 

“Managers should be aware that clean-up and preventive maintenance should be factored into their drain-cleaning maintenance schedules,” Silverman says. “Five or ten minutes spent at the end of every job spent cleaning and lubricating the machines will drastically increase their overall lifespan, contributing to return on investment.”

Maintenance considerations cover all types of drain cleaning units.

“Regardless of which type of drain cleaner you use — sectional, drum, high speed, etc. — it is extremely important that the cables and tool heads are checked regularly,” Goede says. “Cables need to be checked to ensure that they are lubricated when needed and are free of significant rust and do not contain kinks or bends, which may cause damage to the workplace or operator.

“Tool or cutter heads also need to be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure proper function. If a tool near the end of its life breaks, falls, or is removed from the end of a cable, then a bigger issue than just cleaning the drain arises. Taking the time to ensure these high-wear items are functioning correctly can save you time at the job and give you peace of mind that nothing will delay cleaning the drain.”

Technicians should give special attention to the condition of cables.

“Cable maintenance is the major issue with all the basic cable machines,” Speranza says. “Cables should be cleaned and lubricated after each use for maximum life and performance. High-pressure water jetters, which are available in both electric and gas, have pumps that need the proper oil levels and nozzles that wear over time. A worn nozzle can lead to a loss in pressure, which reduces the effectiveness of the cleaning process.”

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