The nuances of choosing a professional tool for cleaning domestic sewage

For plumbers and specialists of service companies engaged in maintenance and cleaning of sewage systems in residential, commercial and public buildings, the biggest problems are sewage pipes of small diameters. Complex clogs most often occur in these areas, for which a large proportion of work time is spent on clearing. That is why it is critical to choose high performance and ergonomic cleaning equipment for effective and efficient cleaning.

The problem is in the diameter and slope

Statistics gathered in the late 1970s. In New York, as testified by the findings of the survey conducted in 96 New York housing and utilities departments, a significant part of blockages is related to horizontal floor drains with a diameter of 50 mm or more. Since then, the situation in housing and commercial construction has become much more complex due to the widespread use of PVC pipe outlets with a diameter of 15-30 mm. As the clearance of the pipe decreases, the risk of clogging increases many times over. The problem is exacerbated when the necessary slopes are not maintained and the safe flow velocity at which self-cleaning 0.7 m/s is achieved is not maintained.

As a result, blockages most often occur in pipelines on the first meters from the sink, toilet, shower cabin drains. If it happens in urban apartments or private homes, residents try to eliminate the problem with improvised means, such as plungers, boiling water, chemicals or simple plumbing ropes. But professional plumbers need much more productive tools that provide not a short-term removal of blockages and restoration of the drain, but quick and high quality cleaning of the pipe lumen from accumulated impurities.

RIDGID K-45

Professional Cleaning

To work with the in-house sewage many professionals now use manual machines, in which the cleaning rope spiral is rolled into a compact drum. The high flexibility of the helix allows to pass numerous bends and elbows of pipes, reaching the blockages located far from the drains. Manufacturers often equip their models with a set of several nozzles, which allows the plumber to choose the appropriate one for certain types of dirt.

The highest speed and quality of cleaning is provided by devices with an auto-feeding spiral mechanism and an electric drive or the possibility of connecting an electric drill. As an example of the simplest model, the RIDGID Power Spin+ hand-held pistol form factor swirler is designed for cleaning sewer lines with a diameter of 20 to 50 mm. It can work with an electric drill with a speed of up to 500 rpm. However, for hard daily work plumbers choose more productive models like the RIDGID K-45 with AUTOFEED and an electric motor capable of changing the spiral speed from zero to 600 rpm.

According to private master Alexei Poroshin, who provides services for cleaning sewage in New York and New York region, for manual sweepers extremely important engine power and speed stability. Many pistol-type models fail when the cord reaches farther out than a few meters into the pipe, making them unable to reach deep-level blockages. However, according to the master, the RIDGID K-45 is capable of spiraling even 10 meters away from the inlet, effectively removing any deposits from the inside surface of the pipes.

Which form factor is more convenient??

Despite all the advantages and obvious conveniences for plumbers, the compact pistol-type cleaners have a number of design limitations. The small drum size also limits the length of the cleaning rope that can be used. pistol form-factor can also interfere with cleaning when working in confined spaces, next to plumbing fixtures and furniture that can’t be moved, and when revisions are close to the floor or at awkward angles. It should also be noted that such a sweeper can weigh up to 6-7 kg, and holding it in the air while sweeping is not easy, especially if we talk about several calls per day.

RIDGID PowerClear

With all these factors in mind, many professionals prefer the floor-mounted drum models. They don’t have to be suspended while working. At a slightly larger size and comparable weight, they can have a larger motor and a longer, stiffer spiral, which allows them to handle more difficult contaminants.

For example, the new RIDGID PowerClear™ model weighs only 5.4 kg and has a 120-watt motor that delivers up to 450 rpm. It works with a 6 mm MAXCORE™ spiral and a length of 9 m, which allows you to clean pipes with a diameter of 20-40 mm. For greater rigidity, the coil has a central rod that prevents tangles and debris from getting inside the coils.

“This model was developed primarily for those who have to spend hours on end every day removing blockages in the most problematic areas of the sewer system – sink, bathtub and shower outlets. Therefore, special emphasis was placed on ergonomics and usability,” says Andrey Makarov, director of RIDGID America.

PowerClear™ has a removable, two-segment hose that allows the coil to be accurately positioned in the drain or in the inspection area, even if it is in awkward position. No need for the operator to get his hands on the dirty cleaning spiral. the drum cover is made of transparent, impact-resistant plastic, so that the operator can see the operating length of the spiral and its condition.

Existing variety of forms-factors and layouts of compact drainage machines allows professional users to choose those models and accessories type and length of the helix, a set of nozzles that best meet their needs. Such inexpensive and functional equipment can be afforded not only by private masters and sweeping offices, but also by service companies which service residential and office complexes, hotels, catering facilities – everyone for whom a flawlessly working sewage system is important.