“Guests with clogged drains deserve prompt service – day and night,” James “Rob” Hoelscher, property manager of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, declares. Rob is co-owner of the business with his wife Susan. And the Hoelschers never skimp on service standards or speed. Staff react professionally and immediately to every problem. “Our maintenance tools must likewise Read more
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“Guests with clogged drains deserve prompt service – day and night,” James “Rob” Hoelscher, property manager of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins, declares.
Rob is co-owner of the business with his wife Susan. And the Hoelschers never skimp on service standards or speed. Staff react professionally and immediately to every problem.
“Our maintenance tools must likewise perform on demand,” Rob continues. “That’s why General’s hand-held Power-Vee anchors our drain cleaning tasks.”
Rapid Response Vital
Located 35 miles west of Denver in scenic Evergreen, Colorado, Colorado Bear Creek Cabins offers a range of “comfortably rustic” lodgings to skiers, nature-lovers, and travelers who simply want to “get away” since 1947.
The business is a family affair. Rob, Susan, and sons Oliver and Samuel live close-by, and work on-site – ensuring peak customer response.
“We never resolve problems over the phone,” Rob insists. “We’re not absentee owners!”
Critical To Everyday Maintenance
“Most of our drain cleaning work is done indoors – under sinks and inside cabinets,” he adds. “And the compact, maneuverable Power-Vee proves perfect for that.”
Ideal for small-line stoppages, the rugged, reliable Power-Vee small-line drain cleaner from General Pipe Cleaners easily unclogs sink, tub, toilet, and laundry lines 1-1/4” to 3” in diameter – and up to 50 ft. long.
Its automatic feed makes clearing small drain lines faster and easier than using manual methods. And General’s simplified feeding system acts like “an extra hand” in tight and awkward work spots.
Oliver Hoelscher using Power-Vee® and Uni-Stand™ in a “typical setting of drain clearing” at Colorado Bear Creek Cabins. “Before getting Uni-Stand, it was a two-person job,” his dad Rob Hoelscher notes. “I’d start, exhaust my strength, then Oliver would take a turn.” Sometimes, Rob adds, “several iterations of this procedure were necessary to clear the line. Uni-Stand has transformed this operation to a one-person effort!”
Simplicity Speeds Service
It’s easy-to-use, too.
The Power-Vee holds 50 ft. of 1/4” or 5/16”, or 35 ft. of 3/8” Flexicore® cables. And General’s Quick Change Cable Cartridge system make swapping and switching different cables and diameters quick and simple.
Changing takes less than a minute – and turns potentially messy jobs into quick, clean ones.
Flexicore Advantage
To switch to a different diameter Flexicore cable, just loosen three screws, pull off the front of the drum, and load another cartridge.
Flexicore cables are the industry-leader. They’re manufactured of heavy gauge wire coiled tightly around 49-strand aircraft-type wire rope for unequalled strength and optimal flexibility. Flexicore is so tough it carries a one-year warranty against defect or breakage.
“Flexicore is impressive!” Rob beams. “It exudes exceptional engineering and manufacturing!”
Forget “Popeye Forearms”!
When working in tight spaces, even hand-held, powered drain cleaners can strain muscles.
That’s why the maintenance crew of Colorado Bear Creek Cabins teamed the Power-Vee with the new Uni-Stand™ from General.
“No one in this family wants ‘Popeye forearms’,” Rob chuckles. “It’s a game-changer for how we use our Power-Vee!”
Just slide the Uni-Stand clamp around the motor housing – and lock it into place for safe, solid support. Then change the Uni-Stand adjustable leg length to the desired height – and begin drain cleaning.
Rob calls it the “perfect accessory” for his Power-Vee.
“Uni-Stand is simple, sturdy, perfectly sized, and exceptionally well designed and built,” he maintains. “The strap and adjustment system are amazing, and its ingenious single-leg support provides maximum maneuverability.”
Environmentally Responsible Tool Maintenance
“Our cabins are on a septic system,” Rob resumes, “And since everything eventually flows to Bear Creek, an outdoor water body, we strive to ensure the optimal operation of our septic system, and minimize our impact on this precious water body.”
That’s why Colorado Bear Creek Cabins treats drain cleaning tools with Snake-Oil Plus™ from General.
Snake-Oil Plus features the same rust-inhibiting properties and pleasant lemon scent of original Snake-Oil Classic™. Its non-toxic, eco-friendly, biodegradable formula also creates virtually non-stick surfaces – keeping mud and debris from sticking to cables, drums, and machines, significantly extending drain cleaning equipment life.
“It’s part of our business ethos – and our business identity,” Rob asserts. “Colorado Bear Creek Cabins is literally located on a creek!”
Better than common lubricants, Snake-Oil Plus also features a special rust inhibitor that cuts through moisture, replacing it with a rust-resistant coating. Machine bearings, feeds, and moving parts last longer. And its deodorizer keeps drain cleaning tools smelling fresh and clean.
The Bottom Line
Other “intangibles” also matter to Rob Hoelscher.
“General’s ‘American-made’ products also makes a big difference,” he concludes. “Like us, they’re also a family business. Customer service is superior. And you can see high quality standards in everything they do!”
Just like Colorado Bear Creek Cabins!
To learn more about the Power-Vee and Uni-Stand, visit www.drainbrain.com/pv, or contact the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.
Oatey’s sponsorship enabled significant HVAC and plumbing repairs for Air Force veteran with disabilities Oatey Co., a leading plumbing manufacturer since 1916, recently partnered with nonprofit organization Miracle Mechanical to make one deserving veteran’s hope a reality through significant HVAC and plumbing repairs. Miracle Mechanical was founded by contractor Brent Ridley with the mission of uplifting families Read more
Oatey’s sponsorship enabled significant HVAC and plumbing repairs for Air Force veteran with disabilities
Oatey Co., a leading plumbing manufacturer since 1916, recently partnered with nonprofit organization Miracle Mechanical to make one deserving veteran’s hope a reality through significant HVAC and plumbing repairs.
Miracle Mechanical was founded by contractor Brent Ridley with the mission of uplifting families and communities through plumbing and HVAC repairs at no cost to recipients.
“The whole premise of Miracle Mechanical is to help veterans with disabilities, elderly people and those in need,” says Ridley. “Generous sponsors like Oatey give us the means to transform people’s everyday quality of life.”
Brent Ridley founder of Miracle Mechanical. He founded Miracle Mechanical with the mission of uplifting families and communities through plumbing and HVAC repairs at no cost to recipients.
The recent Oatey-sponsored Miracle Mechanical project provided much-needed help to Cindy Koehler, a U.S. Air Force veteran who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) and debilitating physical challenges for the past three decades. Koehler lacked clean drinking water for several years due to her home’s failing water filtration system. Rust, germs and other dangerous contaminants polluted the household water supply, making it completely unsafe to consume.
Through Oatey’s sponsorship, Ridley’s team was able to purchase and install brand new appliances, including an electric water heater, two ADA-compliant toilets and a state-the-art water filtration system – ensuring Cindy and her family have access to the best quality water.
The recent Oatey-sponsored Miracle Mechanical project provided much-needed help to Cindy Koehler, a U.S. Air Force veteran who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) and debilitating physical challenges for the past three decades.
“Something as simple as clean running water, being able to flush a toilet and wash dishes brought tears in my eyes and joy to my heart,” says Koehler. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.”
“Improving lives is a core tenet of our mission here at Oatey,” explains Katherine Lehtinen, Oatey’s Senior Vice President, Brand & Digital Marketing. “When we heard about Cindy’s story, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to help. We’re honored to be a part of such an impactful project and make such a big difference for the U.S. Air Force veteran.”
There’s never a good time for a water-main break. But when it happens in the aftermath of a major hurricane, well, that can certainly throw a wrench into things. In September, just after Hurricane Ida hit the United States, staff at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay were scrambling. They were preparing for students to Read more
There’s never a good time for a water-main break. But when it happens in the aftermath of a major hurricane, well, that can certainly throw a wrench into things.
In September, just after Hurricane Ida hit the United States, staff at Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay were scrambling. They were preparing for students to arrive on campus the next day, but a water pipe burst in one of the dormitories.
There was no time to waste. The break had to be fixed immediately or the school would need to delay students’ arrival on campus. In the aftermath of Ida, a massive Nor’easter was unleashed in the New England area, adding to the craziness of the day.
Facility staff at MMA keep Viega fittings and tooling onsite for repairs to what is an aging system, but – as Murphy’s Law would have it – they only had tooling for up to 2” and they needed ProPress rings for 2½” tubing. That’s when Andrew Hiller of CGW Associates got a phone call.
“I raced to my facility to see what tooling I had, but the storm was just massive. The rain was incredible,” Hiller said. “I got rerouted because our main route was underwater – about five feet in some areas.”
Hiller discovered he didn’t have the correct-size rings either, so he called Viega District Sales Manager Dan Paine and told him what he needed. Paine could get the rings from a central storage facility, and the two men coordinated to meet soon after so that Hiller could drive the tools over to MMA.
“I drove through the deepest puddle I’ve ever been through,” Hiller said. “It wasn’t a very big section, but it was very deep!”
Once Hiller got the jaws to MMA, they replaced the entire section of pipe, about 25 feet in length. He said it was aging and a bad design, plus it was a difficult area in which to make the repair. But thanks to Viega fittings and the quick actions of Hiller and Paine, the repair was complete and MMA was back online, ready for students.
“When our customers need something, Viega is there to help as quickly as we can,” Paine said. “People trust Viega because they know they’re not just getting a great product, but also the service and support that go along with it. I was glad we could lend a hand to help the school get back up and running quickly, with as little interruption as possible.”
One of the nation’s largest aerospace firms planned to expand and modernize existing capabilities at an occupied research and development facility in southern California. Xcel Mechanical Systems, based in Gardena, CA, was hired to design and build the mechanical, plumbing and process piping elements of the new project. To minimize risk and maximize labor efficiency Read more
One of the nation’s largest aerospace firms planned to expand and modernize existing capabilities at an occupied research and development facility in southern California. Xcel Mechanical Systems, based in Gardena, CA, was hired to design and build the mechanical, plumbing and process piping elements of the new project. To minimize risk and maximize labor efficiency, the Xcel team selected NIBCO® Press fittings and valves as a smart solution for the multi-phase project.
“Leveraging press technology mitigates the inherent risks of working with open flame within an occupied space,” said Jason Gordon, Xcel Mechanical’s vice president of operations. “We chose NIBCO Press for this job for multiple reasons, including safety, time and labor savings, and aesthetics,” said Gordon, whose firm has been a preferred design-build mechanical contractor on the sprawling campus for more than two decades. “NIBCO is a proven brand name in our industry. That’s important to us because the products we select are a reflection on our company.”
After four carefully planned construction phases, three and a half years of steady and precise work, the $8 million HVAC, plumbing and piping elements of the estimated $50 million laboratory modernization project are nearing completion.
The total renovation project included remodeling existing labs located on the ground floor of a three-story, 1960s-era research and manufacturing facility; labs which must be constantly redesigned and reconfigured to meet the specific requirements of each new contract award. The owner’s primary goal was to convert the subdivided lab space into a large open floor plan, creating the opportunity to build-out a modern, flexible and scalable “factory of the future” that would maximize the total available 160,000-square feet of lab and manufacturing space and 57,000-square feet of office space.
The building was stripped down to concrete on all four sides, exposing what was left: columns, high ceilings, and slabs. The original building design included old stanchion supports with piping and electrical systems running up from the floor. To free up valuable floor space, the new design features steel overhead utility racks that now run 500-600’ feet across the exposed ceiling for a nice clean application. Major mechanical and plumbing systems were removed and redesigned to align with the new design.
Project team members, from left: Wes Whittle (Piping and Plumbing Superintendent); Foreman Shawn Gibson (Pipefitter, Welder); Jason Gordon (VP of Operations); Foreman Ray Adams (Plumber, Pipefitter); Tim Brown (Service Technician); Steve Prisk, CSHO, ASH (Safety Director).
The Safety Factor
In this facility, the mains on the overhead utility distribution racks are sized 2” down to ¾”. Separately, the HVAC system has chilled water and heating hot water lines measuring up to 4” in diameter. Some of those lines drop down from a chilled water system located on the roof that serves a newly installed air handler.
“Typically, we would use steel for those 4” lines,” Gordon said. “But since the piping ran down an existing shaft, there were safety concerns around welding or grooving the 4” steel. And then there was the weight factor and what would be required to run steel pipe down that shaft versus copper,” he said.
“For these reasons, my foremen advocated for the additional material spend on copper. Obviously, the material cost is considerably more but we felt the safety benefits and labor savings would offset it,” Gordon said. “We are a strong believer in getting perspective from our foremen. If they support the plan, believe in the products they are installing, and it makes sense financially, then it’s a win-win.”
Gordon said using NIBCO Press on the project also meant not having to go through the facility’s Hot Work permitting process which typically adds time to any project. “The customer liked that the NIBCO product removed a certain level of risk, and also the smell of soldering and flux from an operational lab environment,” he said. “So, in the end, our customer was happy. Our safety team was happy. And our field personnel were happy.”
Labor Savings is Big
NIBCO Press is easy to install which helps reduce labor costs while keeping projects on schedule. “Material is material, but labor is what makes or breaks a job,” Gordon said. The project’s process piping system consists of three copper lines, one each for compressed air, nitrogen, and industrial vacuum systems. Each run is 400-500’ long and includes multiple connection points. Gordon said the press product made working in smaller areas and also making multiple connections overhead much easier from both a safety and labor efficiency perspective. “We fabricated a fair amount of material used in this job, but with a multitude of small overhead connection points located 6-12’ apart along these lengthy runs, the copper press solution was key. We saved a minimum of 30-40% on labor on some parts of this job, and significantly more on other parts,” he said.
Minimizing System Downtime
Through the life of the project, the ongoing challenge was to build safely around the 100-200 employees who were working in the lab areas. The project’s four-phase approach called for temporarily relocating employee teams into other parts of the facility while completing construction one section at a time. “Using NIBCO Press not only reduced labor time, but it shortened shutdown periods, allowing us to get the building back online sooner.”
Looking Good
Although functionality and flexibility played an important role in modernizing this facility, creating a visually appealing space was also a consideration, Gordon said. “Aesthetically the NIBCO Press product is a good-looking product and a clean application overall,” he said. “For nitrogen systems, we would typically purge and braze, and afterward the copper is oxidized. When we install press, the copper looks brand new. It’s a good look.”
Smart Solution
As the project nears completion, Xcel Mechanical will continue to use NIBCO Press systems to ensure their reputation for high quality and good workmanship is maintained. Press is easy to install and the labor cost savings generated cannot be understated. The proven performance of Press makes it a smart solution for every job.
For more information, visit www.NIBCO.com or contact Sally Boyer, manager of marketing communications, at boyers@nibco.com.
“We get 100% of our business through word-of-mouth. Our customers expect professionalism in our service. And we expect our drain cleaning tools to work first time, every time – no exceptions.” So says Charles “Chuck” Maggiore, owner of Grassroots Plumbing in Perryville, Maryland. “I only put my hard earned money into trustworthy, durable equipment – Read more
“We get 100% of our business through word-of-mouth. Our customers expect professionalism in our service. And we expect our drain cleaning tools to work first time, every time – no exceptions.”
So says Charles “Chuck” Maggiore, owner of Grassroots Plumbing in Perryville, Maryland.
“I only put my hard earned money into trustworthy, durable equipment – tools that handle the toughest jobs, and tools that make satisfied customers.”
And that’s why he’s anchored his growing drain cleaning business in rugged, reliable equipment from General Pipe Cleaners.
Generations of General Users
A third-generation plumbing and drain cleaning pro, Chuck comes by that choice honestly. Both his father and grandfather were strong proponents of General tools. And he’s literally witnessed decades of reliable General performance.
But Chuck is the first in his family who actually owns the business. And with his name on the door, he’s doubly serious about keeping his expanding customer base happy.
His main tool of choice? General’s tough, durable Metro® mid-size drain cleaner.
The popular machine packs the performance, punch, and portability to unclog 3” to 6” diameter lines up to 100 feet long.
Compact, Powerful Package
“We handle a wide range of ‘commercial’ customers – emergency drain cleaning for restaurants, auto body shops, breweries, condos, apartment buildings, even churches,” Chuck says. “And the Metro definitely takes a beating – and handles 90% of my jobs!”
Plumbing, drain cleaning, and maintenance pros love it. With more cleaning power than its predecessor, the Metro now carries 100 feet of 9/16” Flexicore® cable to clear stubborn stoppages in 3” to 4” inside lines. Heavy duty 9/16” cable provides more torque than traditional 1/2” cables offer, yet can clean the same size drain lines.
General’s heavy duty Flexicore cable offers superior kinking resistance and unequalled strength with the right amount of flexibility. It’s so tough that it carries the industry’s best warranty protection – one-year against breakage.
Features Enhance Productivity
To clear tree roots and other tough clogs from 3” to 6” lines, simply switch drums to 75 feet of 5/8” Flexicore cable. To adjust to different cable sizes, just turn a knob atop the feed. No special tools are required.
“The Metro has helped me through lots of tough clogs – like roots,” Chuck agrees. “That little machine has taken care of some really big jobs – including clearing out main lines!”
The Metro’s variable speed Power Cable Feed helps. General’s labor saving feature offers enhanced safety and control through blockages. Users easily guide the cable in and out of the line at up to 20 feet per minute – yet keep hands clean and off spinning cable.
“The feed is awesome,” Chuck beams. “Even my apprentice uses it with ease – and she loves it!”
The Metro is lighter and more compact than other mid-range drain cleaners. Its narrow profile facilitates handling in tight spots, on stairs, and during vehicle loading. The maneuverable machine features a fold-down handle, stair climbers, truck-loading wheel, and tough, lightweight frame on heavy duty 10” wheels for easy transport.
Renting Expands Service Options
Chuck quickly adds that, while the Metro packs plenty of muscle, he occasionally rents General equipment for longer tough jobs. And top of the list is the Speedrooter 92R®.
“It’s a favorite of my dad and grandfather,” He recalls. “In particular, my company uses it on one local franchise restaurant that regularly needs long-distance clog removal.”
The Speedrooter 92R clears stubborn stoppages in 3” to 10” lines. Variable speed cable feed offers raw driving and pulling power for long, tough jobs – feeding and retrieving 3/4” and 5/8” cables at up to 20 feet per minute.
Renting also led to a real bargain when Chuck purchased a used General Metro from a local rental center.
“That was about five years ago,” he continues. “We had rented the Metro before, and knew it’d be a great addition to our equipment.”
Professionalism Counts
Chuck likes tools that produce satisfied customers – and help his young business grow.
“That’s why I prefer General machines over competitive brands,” he adds. “They’re tough, job-proven, and easy to maintain.”
“General’s customer service is stellar, too!” Chuck Maggiore continues. “When I started my business, I called competitors for equipment information, and General’s specialists were, by far, the most professional and helpful.”
“It’s another reason why I’m sticking with General.”
It’s evidently working.
“I’m looking to hire more employees now!” he beams.
To learn more about The Metro, and General’s complete line of rental-tough drain cleaning machines, visit http://www.drainbrain.com/rental or call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200.