Just the Tip

General Pipe Cleaners’ Kinetic Water Ram® uses a burst of compressed air that drives a shock wave (kinetic energy) through water to break up the stoppage. The shock wave bypasses vents and stacks to break up clogged drains. You get instant impact with no pressure build up. The built-in pump and pressure gauge lets you choose the right amount of force for each job. Thanks to technical advancements, the device is designed to deliver effective results without risking damage to the plumbing system. To some, this might sound too easy and create the belief that the shock wave will damage pipes or cause a bigger issue. Well, that isn’t the case, and following, we will discuss the top myths of the Kinetic Water Ram and how to properly use the product.

Myth #1 – “This will damage the pipe.”

The Kinetic Water Ram does not pressurize the pipe, so the thought that it will burst the pipe due to the introduction of PSI, is not correct. The Kinetic Water Ram creates a shock action that travels through the pipe like a wave and goes around tight bends that quickly and effectively clears the obstruction and flushes water particles away. This method is efficient and reduces the risk of harming pipes.

Myth #2 – “I’m going to get wet every time.”

Now, while you could get wet the first time you use it, you shouldn’t get wet every time you use the Kinetic Water Ram. We recommend pumping the machine up to 10 lbs., and if that doesn’t work, move up to 5 lbs. increments until the stoppage is clear. You will want to start slowly and gradually work your way up in pressure as necessary. You also need to hold the Kinetic Water Ram down with as much force as you’re discharging. If you don’t do this crucial step, then the pressurized water stream will blow away from the pipe and you’ll get soaked. If you start with too high of a pressure, then you will have more difficulty holding it down. Proper technique with the Kinetic Water Ram ensures a dry, mess-free experience, unlike what many assume.

Myth #3 – “I only need to pay attention to the drain I’m working on.”

Pay attention to your surroundings! If you’re using the Kinetic Water Ram at a school or a business, take note of where the pipes might lead. If you have sinks that are next to each other that are connected to the same pipe, when you use the Kinetic Water Ram on the blocked sink, water will very likely shoot out of the other sink or sinks. In order to prevent this, you will need to plug up all the other exit points when clearing lines. This proactive approach confirms that you productively tackle the clogged sink without causing additional disruptions.

Myth #4 – “I can use the Kinetic Water Ram on any job.”

No one machine is perfect for every job. With the Kinetic Water Ram the most effective situation is to have standing water between you and the obstruction. If the water is moving slowly, that’s when it’s perfect to use a snake style machine like the Power-Vee or Super-Vee. It’s important to recognize what type of job you’re about to tackle and determine whether you should use a jetter, Kinetic Water Ram or a snake style machine, as not every tool will be perfect for the job.

Design and Operation

The design of the Kinetic Water Ram includes a built-in pump and pressure gauge that allows users to control the intensity of the air burst. The tool is shaped to fit securely against a drain opening, ensuring that the kinetic energy is directed precisely where it is needed. This setup prevents the buildup of pressure within the plumbing system itself, which could otherwise lead to damage. The simplicity of the device—requiring only the application of air pressure—makes it invaluable in the arsenal of plumbing tools, being both portable and easy to operate.

Kinetic Energy at Work

The principle behind the Kinetic Water Ram is the conversion of compressed air into kinetic energy. When the device is activated, it releases this energy in a controlled shock action that travels through water in the pipe like a wave. This wave is powerful enough to dislodge difficult blockages caused by common debris such as hair, grease, or soap residue, bypassing vents and stacks that could dissipate the energy ineffectively.

If you learn how to work the Kinetic Water Ram properly then it will soon become a favorite of your hand tools in your truck. The Kinetic Water Ram is a quick and efficient drain cleaning machine that clears drains within minutes. Mastering the Kinetic Water Ram is about appreciating its design and utilizing its capabilities to the fullest to efficiently clear drains.

For more information, call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200, or visit https://drainbrain.com/kinetic-water-ram/

In the construction industry, maintaining strict timelines and budgets is essential for project success. However, water damage is a pervasive threat that can derail even the most carefully planned projects. Reports indicate that water damage accounts for up to 30% of all construction site losses, with repair costs ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars. The impact of water damage is not limited to direct repair costs; it can also double project timelines, leading to delays, logistical complications, and significant financial losses stemming from contract penalties.

Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to water damage. During the early stages of a build, pipes, fittings, and water systems are often installed and tested before full protective infrastructure is in place. A single leak, if left undetected, can flood work areas, destroy materials, and compromise the structural integrity of the build. This can result in delays, escalating costs, and frustrated clients.

Even more challenging is the fact that water leaks can occur at any time, even outside of regular working hours, after personnel have gone home. A pipe that bursts overnight or a fitting that fails over the weekend can cause extensive damage before anyone is even aware of an issue. Traditional methods of water leak detection, like manual inspections or waiting for visible signs of damage, aren’t thorough enough to protect job sites.

Solution: BuildAlert™ Protects Your Jobsite from Water Damage

BuildAlert™ by Leak Defense is a comprehensive solution designed to safeguard construction projects from the devastating effects of water damage.  Providing 24/7 monitoring and control, this advanced system ensures that even the smallest leaks are detected and addressed before they can cause significant damage.

BuildAlert empowers construction personnel to remotely monitor water activity on any job site where it is installed. The system is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors that detect anomalies in water flow, pressure, or usage. When an issue arises—whether it’s a slow leak or a sudden burst—BuildAlert immediately notifies designated personnel via mobile alerts.

Recognizing that alerting personnel is not enough to prevent major damage, BuildAlert takes protection a step further. The system can be configured to automatically shut off the water supply if a leak is detected, effectively stopping water damage in its tracks. This feature allows staff to leave the job site with the confidence that it is protected around the clock.

BuildAlert’s suite of features is designed specifically for the unique challenges of construction environments. It includes:

• 24/7 Monitoring and Protection: Continuous surveillance of a job site’s water systems, alerting staff to any potential issues at any time.
• Automatic Water Shutoff: Ability to automatically close the valve and shut off the water supply in the event of a leak, preventing extensive water damage.
• Remote Accessibility and Control: Monitor and control the water supply from any location via PC or mobile app.
• Construction Site-specific Design: Compact, rugged, easy to install, and simple to use, tailored for the challenges of construction sites.
• Cost Savings: A small investment compared to the potential expenses associated with water damage, delays, and material replacement. The system often pays for itself by preventing a single incident.

BuildAlert also enhances operational efficiency and security by allowing users to schedule automatic scene and mode changes. The system also maintains consistent job site water pressure and offers an optional API for integration with building management systems (BMS).

In an industry where margins are tight and timelines are crucial, BuildAlert by Leak Defense provides contractors, project managers, and property owners with the sense of security that comes with knowing their projects are protected against one of the most common and costly threats to construction sites.

With plenty of raw power for long, tough jobs, field-proven Speedrooter 92^® from General Pipe Cleaners clears tree roots and other stubborn stoppages in 3” to 10” lines up to 100 feet long.

Plumbing, drain cleaning, and maintenance experts agree: General’s durable design offers rugged reliability with optimal control, ease-of-use, and maneuverability.

Power Cable Feed drives and retracts cables up to 20 feet per minute – making clog clearing fast and easy. And a guide tube boosts cable efficiency and operator safety by reducing tangling, whipping, and drag.

Adjusting Speedrooter 92 to different cable sizes is simple. Just turn the knob atop the feed – no screwdriver or special tool required.

It transports and handles easily, too. General’s muscular machine rides on 10” ball bearing tires. The adjustable height, swept-back handle provides maximum maneuvering leverage. And one worker can easily load it onto a truck.

Speedrooter 92 features a braced frame at key stress points, heavy-duty 1/2 hp motor, tool box, and 100 ft. of 3/4” or 5/8” Flexicore^® cable.

Flexicore cable offers superior kinking resistance and unequalled strength with the right amount of flexibility. General’s tough, industry-leading design carries a one-year warranty against breakage – the industry’s best.

For details, contact the Drain Brains^® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300, or visit https://drainbrain.com/en/products/speedrooter-92/

Modern technology undoubtedly offers a lot of benefits to property owners, helping them be more comfortable, minimize the hassle of plumbing tasks and increase their overall efficiency. Updates to plumbing fixtures allow homeowners to adjust their water usage based on their needs, decrease the amount of energy they use for water heating and give themselves a luxurious experience every time they walk into a bathroom. These cutting-edge upgrades deserve consideration as part of any plumbing system overhaul.

Smart Faucets

Touch faucets are nothing new, but the latest technology adds much more. These days, smart faucets can anticipate a user’s needs, providing water at the right temperature with a simple voice command. As part of an integrated smart system, property owners can direct the faucet to pour a specific amount of water into a container, without even having to be in the room at the time. Smart faucets can also track water consumption and minimize accidental use. These faucets integrate seamlessly into bathroom vanities, allowing users to maintain high standards for efficiency without compromising beauty or style.

Tankless Water Heaters

Although tankless water heaters have been around for decades, recent advancements have made them more efficient and effective. Older systems relied on dual heat exchangers, while newer models can maintain a higher level of efficiency with just one heat exchanger. Smart recirculation services allow the water heater to estimate the building’s needs based on past use, recirculating hot water only when necessary. With these systems in place, property owners use less water with a tankless water heater without losing access to hot water in an instant.

Smart Showers

Smart shower technology represents the vanguard of home comfort and efficiency. Smart showers allow homeowners to determine ways to use less water and prevent leaks, but they can do so much more. The latest models allow users to set schedules that adjust the temperature, time, and other features of the shower setting for prime hygiene and comfort. Homeowners can use voice direction to start the shower, pause it or get information about the current temperature. Integrating the shower into the home’s smart hub can provide opportunities to listen to music, take phone calls or even watch a show while decompressing.

Greywater Systems

While consumers gain interest in efficiency and sustainability, the ability to reuse water grows in demand. Greywater systems are not a new concept, as many cities incorporate greywater recycling as part of their municipal water treatment systems. Building owners want the option as well, to avoid using as much water or find ways to put the water to more than one use. Greywater recycling systems can take water used for certain purposes, treat it, and collect it for use in other ways, such as supplying toilets or watering landscaping.

Smart Toilets

Few people enjoy having to deal with a toilet even at the best of times, so smart toilet technology sits in high demand. Smart toilets offer a variety of features, including:

• Customizable bidets
• Heated seats
• Automatic or voice-activated flushing
• Adjustable flushing technology to minimize clogs without unnecessarily increasing water usage
• Self-cleaning
• Deodorizing
• Lid sensors
• Remote monitoring

Smart toilets can also improve overall hygiene and minimize the spread of communicable diseases. The fewer times people must touch the toilet in order to operate it, the fewer opportunities they have to encounter bacteria and viruses.

Designing the bathroom of the future calls for one or more of these advanced plumbing fixtures and systems. With new products on the market every year, the sky is the limit in the amount of luxury and efficiency people can have for even the quickest bathroom visit. Property owners who take advantage of these upgrades to plumbing technology can lower their energy bills, decrease their water usage and enjoy better comfort than before.

Author bio: Erica Garland is Content Marketing Manager at Modern Bathroom and has 15-plus years of experience in the bathroom renovation industry. Modern Bathroom sells a variety of products you would need for any bathroom renovation project. With such a large selection of vanities, faucets, sinks, toilets and showers, Modern Bathroom is sure to have the perfect piece to give your bathroom an updated look.