General’s Root 66 is “sheer joy” to customers and owner Working for others over 12 years, Tyler Scott dreamed of owning his own drain cleaning company. So when his wife Elizabeth inspired him to start Pipe Dreams Sewer & Drain, LLC in Milton, Vermont, he knew from experience that rugged, reliable tools prove crucial to Read more
Just the Tip
General’s Root 66 is “sheer joy” to customers and owner
Working for others over 12 years, Tyler Scott dreamed of owning his own drain cleaning company.
So when his wife Elizabeth inspired him to start Pipe Dreams Sewer & Drain, LLC in Milton, Vermont, he knew from experience that rugged, reliable tools prove crucial to commercial success.
And that’s why the Root 66 sectional drain cleaning machine from General Pipe Cleaners anchors his drain cleaning equipment arsenal.
“Business reputation means everything to us,” Scott says. “So it’s absolutely pivotal that we maintain the highest standards for residential and business customers to count on – time and time again. Root 66 makes that possible!”
Superior Versatility
“We compared several machines,” he recalls, “And for strength, durability, ease-of-use, and function, only Root 66 met our standards.”
“Above all,” Scott quickly adds, “It’s American-made! General’s quality products outlive everything else on the market!”
Designed to clear practically any inside or rooftop drain, the versatile Root 66 power drain cleaner uses 5/8″ or 7/8″ sectional cables interchangeably – with no adapters or tools required to change cable sizes.
“I use both cable sizes on a frequent basis,” he says. “We could face a sink stoppage today, a main line clog tomorrow, or both in one service appointment. Cables switch with ease.”
Taking Command Of Clogs
And it’s field-proven – continually, Tyler Scott asserts.
“We call it ‘The General’,” he winks. “Root 66 has saved the day – many a time!”
Like when Pipe Dreams Sewer & Drain was called to a cabin – “site of a severe back up that already defeated another drain cleaning service”.
Customers frankly feared the worst – hours, possibly days, of serious disruptions.
After set up, Scott started augering from a cramped clean-out beneath the structure. In a crawlspace just tall enough for his machine, he “had to lay nearly flat”.
Still, even in such tight conditions, Scott easily operated General’s compact, efficient Root 66.
Easy Operation
Engaging the drive handle provides plenty of cable torque from the 1/2 hp capacitor motor. Releasing the drive handle immediately stops cable rotation – with no additional torque build-up.
General’s kink-resistant sectional cables offer outstanding strength and exceptional cutting power on serious stoppages.
“I removed clump after clump of large, tangled root masses,” Scott grins, “and about 35 minutes after starting, cleared the line.”
His customers were elated.
“They were literally smiling ear to ear,” he says. “In fact, their reaction was the most memorable thing: sheer joy at avoiding a horrendous situation!”
It’s A Beast!
Another job at a middle school recreational field required the Root 66 to restore flow in an old cast iron pipe from a septic tank to a distribution box.
The line proved, Scott discovered, “filled with heavy debris”.
After hooking to an inverter off his service van, Scott’s Root 66 literally tunneled through about 15 feet of rubble – opening the conduit and permitting replacement of the damaged pipe.
“With minimal effort, the Root 66 successfully cleared a pipe packed with dirt and rocks,” Scott says. “This machine is a beast!”
Compact & Transportable
With the Root 66, Scott declares, “I can carry all I need to a jobsite in one trip – without breaking my back!”
The wide, four-point base ensures excellent stability. It’s as “stable and sturdy as a brick house”, he remarks. “The weight lets me apply generous amounts of torque without hopping or tipping the machine.”
General also offers an optional drum with smaller Flexicore® cables. Attached to the back of Root 66, it reliably clears sinks and other small drain lines.
Other Root 66 accessories include cable carriers and a toolbox. Standard equipment includes a ground fault circuit interrupter, double palm leather gloves, and a rear guide hose.
Scott’s equipment mix also includes a variety of General cutters and accessories.
His Business Builder
“‘The General’ has yet to disappoint – or let us, or a customer, down,” Tyler Scott concludes. “I’m confident it can handle anything I throw at it!”
Root 66 performance and reliability have become promotional points of pride, too.
“I’ve considered doing a weekly post called ‘Follow The General’ on our social media page, with pictures of our Root 66 on the job. And we even considered working it into the design for the vinyl wrap on our service van!”
But Tyler Scott admits even deeper appreciation for General’s powerful tool.
“Carrying the Root 66 makes me feel prepared, confident, and ready to face any drain cleaning challenge!”
For more information, contact the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/root66
“Gen-Eye camera systems easily and accurately spot trouble in sewer lines – diapers, cell phones, toys – you name it,” James Capelli says. “But a boa constrictor tops them all!” The snake somehow migrated to the women’s restroom of a commercial office building. “It kept poking its head up through toilets – and scaring all Read more
“Gen-Eye camera systems easily and accurately spot trouble in sewer lines – diapers, cell phones, toys – you name it,” James Capelli says. “But a boa constrictor tops them all!”
The snake somehow migrated to the women’s restroom of a commercial office building. “It kept poking its head up through toilets – and scaring all the ladies!”
That’s when Capelli, then employed by a local plumber, rode to the rescue with Gen-Eye® video inspection equipment.
He summarily spotted the reluctant reptile. And animal control extracted the scary serpent.
Crisis swiftly solved – thanks to General Pipe Cleaners’ camera system.
Track Record Of Trust & Performance
Fast-forward several years. Now Capelli owns Capelli Plumbing in San Leandro, CA.
“We handle lots of residential and light commercial work in the San Francisco area,” he says. “And I wanted a tough, compact video package to inspect the 1-1/2″ to 4″ lines of our apartment-maintenance customers.”
That’s why James Capelli chose the compact Gen-Eye POD from General Pipe Cleaners. “It’s a tiny little thing,” he chuckles. “You just grab it – and go!”
But while Capelli built his business around General equipment, he “carefully researched other camera systems” before making the purchase. “I really did my homework before investing.”
The economical Gen-Eye POD integral video inspection system combines mini-color camera, reel and monitor into an easy to transport, all-in-one package.
The Gen-Eye MINI-POD carries 125 ft. or 175 ft. of Gel-Rod and the color mini-camera is small enough to trouble shoot 2″ to 3″ conduits.
The full size Gen-Eye POD reel carries 200 ft. of Gel-Rod for 3″ to 10″ lines. Tough Gel-Rod® protects against moisture damage. If cut or abraded, the gel in the rod automatically seals the break – preventing the wires from shorting-out and protecting your investment. Its Kevlar® braid, fiberglass core and durable sheath offer maximum pushing and pulling power.
Rugged Reliability
“It’s really rugged and reliable,” Capelli claims. “I use it at least two or three times a week.”
The Gen-Eye POD features a bright 7″ LCD monitor on a gooseneck for easy viewing in all directions – all in a padded case with sunscreen. General’s compact package can be also operated vertically or horizontally.
Capelli really likes that combination of features. “In tight spots, I can easily adjust the monitor for others to see what I’m doing,” the California-based plumbing pro adds.
Wi-Fi lets you send video to your smartphone or tablet to be recorded and sent to your customers. A 512 Hz transmitter is included for precise camera locating with General’s Hot-Spot® pipe locator.
A new Reel Cover made of a durable poly-canvas material keeps the jobsite clean. It fits snuggly around the camera reel and is securely held in place with Velcro tabs, yet it can be easily removed to inspect or hose off the push rod between job.
Equipment Depth Enhances Professional Reputation
James Capelli really loves his Gen-Eye POD. “But without a doubt,” he adds, “General Pipe Cleaners produces the best cable drain cleaning equipment around.”
Bottom line? “General drain cleaning and pipe inspection tools have always been reliable – and exceeded expectations,” James Capelli concludes. “They’re the best out there!”
To learn more about what the Gen-Eye POD can do for you, contact the Drain Brains® at General at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/geneye.
RectorSeal®, Houston, a leading manufacturer of quality HVAC/R and plumbing tools and accessories and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials, Inc. [NASDAQ: CSWI], adds new and improved 13-inch Big Foot® H-Frame kit to the company’s expansive line of HVAC products. The Big Foot 13-inch H-Frame kit is designed for ideal rooftop support of ancillary equipment Read more
RectorSeal®, Houston, a leading manufacturer of quality HVAC/R and plumbing tools and accessories and a wholly-owned subsidiary of CSW Industrials, Inc. [NASDAQ: CSWI], adds new and improved 13-inch Big Foot® H-Frame kit to the company’s expansive line of HVAC products.
The Big Foot 13-inch H-Frame kit is designed for ideal rooftop support of ancillary equipment, including ducts, pipes, and cable trays. Available in three sizes, Small, Large, and Mega, Big Foot H-Frame kits are suitable for internal or external applications ranging from -220 degrees to 1760 degrees.
Big Foot 13″ H Frame
The new 13-inch H-Frame Kit differs from the current assortment, with its improved flexibility to accept multiple sized struts or threaded bar – 13/16 x 1 5/8″, 1 9/16 x 1 1/2″ and 1 5/8 x 1 5/8″ strut, and 1 9/16 x 1 9/16 box section steel. The EPDM anti-vibration mats come adhered to the 13″ x 13″ new look feet, which conforms better to uneven surfaces.
Big Foot systems set a new standard for free-standing, non-penetrative frames. The rugged stance, modular flexibility, and architecturally friendly systems provide optimum weight distribution coupled with quick on-site leveling and a reduced risk of roof leaks. Big Foot systems do not penetrate the waterproof membrane of roofing, avoiding the requirement for the difficult installation of flashing around structures. With up to a maximum load capacity of 1,100 pounds, weather-resistant Big Foot H-Frame kits offer outstanding installation flexibility.
Big Foot bases are constructed of glass-filled Nylon with UV protection. The frameworks are hot-dip galvanized for all-weather protection. Further, they are tested to ASTM (Salt Mist) B117 and G85 (Acetic Salt Mist) standards.
Since 1937, RectorSeal has offered products that have built a steadily growing and loyal following among contractors due to differentiated and proven product performance. Further, RectorSeal is often the first to tackle and solve challenges faced by professional trade contractors.
Please visit www.rectorseal.com for additional details, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest product enhancements and news.
Jones Stephens introduces PEXALGAS™, an innovative, multilayer PEX-AL-PEX solution that accelerates and simplifies gas piping installations. PEXALGAS™ is certified to International Fuel & Gas Code, International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and meets ASTM and AS standards. As a result of the proprietary and unique design, PEXALGAS™ flow rates can exceed and outperform that of traditional Read more
Jones Stephens introduces PEXALGAS™, an innovative, multilayer PEX-AL-PEX solution that accelerates and simplifies gas piping installations. PEXALGAS™ is certified to International Fuel & Gas Code, International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, and meets ASTM and AS standards. As a result of the proprietary and unique design, PEXALGAS™ flow rates can exceed and outperform that of traditional gas piping methods, allowing for up to 60% reduction in material. Installation is approximately 50% faster than traditional gas piping methods, and it’s up to 50% lighter in weight.
The PEXALGAS™ multilayer system combines the positive features that are typical of crosslinked polyethylene PEX-b and those of aluminum, introducing excellent flexibility and malleability – fundamental features for accelerating and simplifying installation operations.
Its total resistance to corrosion, construction materials, and the principal chemical compounds allows it to be used in the most applications. The range of PEXALGAS™ fittings, accessories, and tools is particularly wide and allows all requirements to be satisfied.
Use of the PEXALGAS™ system is subject to state and local approvals. Confirm approval for use with the governing authorities for your project location before installing this product.
For more information: Jones Stephens | WE GOT IT.
Authored by: Georges Mankarious, Product Marketing Manager for Emerson Automation Solutions Lead is a toxic metal that negatively affects the human brain and central nervous system and can result in high blood pressure and decreased kidney function. The effects can be even worse in children and infants and may include learning problems, hearing problems, anemia Read more
Authored by: Georges Mankarious, Product Marketing Manager for Emerson Automation Solutions
Lead is a toxic metal that negatively affects the human brain and central nervous system and can result in high blood pressure and decreased kidney function. The effects can be even worse in children and infants and may include learning problems, hearing problems, anemia, reduced IQ, and slowed growth.
People can be exposed to lead through a variety of means, including paint, dust, air, food and drinking water — or a combination of all of these. While a range of environmental regulations has removed it from many common substances, like gasoline and paint, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that, depending on where people live, drinking water can account for 20% or more of a person’s total lead exposure. As of 2015, it is estimated that 18 million Americans are served by water systems that violate the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule.
To address this challenge, new federal regulations were introduced in the past decade with the adoption of the U.S. federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act that amended Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act. It established that not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead be present when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures and not more than 0.2% lead content present in solder and flux.
Compliance is required only for new installations or older sites retrofitted with new equipment. Commercial and municipal water companies, as well as companies building and installing various kinds of water automation systems in commercial, institutional and residential facilities, need to consider the materials used to create the components that build the water transport and handling applications.
The challenge is making technology choices that help reduce the prevalence of lead-containing materials in these systems. This impacts not only the piping, but also valves for almost any kind of clean water applications.
THE LEAD-FREE CHALLENGE
Under the law, lead-free is a “cumulative” concept — some parts can be over the 0.25% number, and some can be under it. Specifiers and buyers can “add up” the lead content of all wetted components to get an average system percentage that comes in either at or under the 0.25% lead content requirement. This total wetted surface area calculation can provide a path to compliance, but it involves a series of complex calculations.
For OEMs or equipment builders who have direct access to suppliers, this calculation is possible if the surface area and lead content of all wetted surfaces can be obtained. However, in field installations, where full component information is not readily available to inspectors, they’re more likely to look at each individual component. In these instances, clear marking of lead-free compliance (i.e., an “LF” stamp or embossing mark) eliminates any questions of compliance with the new law.
MORE CONVENIENT, MORE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Products with complex geometries can lead to tricky calculations in an attempt to meet the 0.25% or less lead content requirement. A simpler, safer lead-free solution is often more practical.
A range of lead-free solutions are now available to upgrade existing water systems or for use in new construction, including stainless steel, engineered composites and lead-free brass. Many of these products are being designed as drop-in replacements for traditional brass valves and offer numerous benefits.
Plastic composites
Some companies now offer engineered plastic products that meet the new, stricter regulations. OEMs who choose valves made of engineered plastics don’t need to be concerned about the wetted average surface calculations necessary with traditional brass valves.
Leading manufacturers are engineering a new generation of valves with composite or thermoplastic materials, fabricated using strict quality processes and improved designs, making them both cost-effective and reliable options for a range of applications.
Stainless-steel
Most stainless-steel valves are inherently lead-free and provide the durable, corrosion-resistant performance required in many water system applications. An extremely hard material, stainless steel is a more difficult metal to machine, particularly when fabricating valves and other fixtures with complex geometries — thus increasing cost. There may also be local building and plumbing codes that require stainless steel components in certain applications.
Lead-free brass
It’s important to note that many common, more traditional brass products contain lead along with small amounts of other materials. Lead helps soften the brass alloy, making it easier and less costly to machine. However, this means that common brass valves and other plumbing fixtures have lead content ranging from 1.5% to 2.5%. A system designer or specifier may assume they are reducing the lead content in the wetted path, but that reduction may not be as significant— and could be exposed during a field inspection.
Specially formulated “lead-free” brass alloys, with lead content smaller than the mandated limit of 0.25%, are now available and allow the creation of products like valves that were formerly too difficult to manufacture.
Choosing the right product can help meet safe drinking water requirements and reduce inspection delays — both with the EPA for water safety and UL/CSA for NEC compliance.
IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO GET THE LEAD OUT
Investing in lead-free from the beginning instead of being “just good enough” is often the smartest — and fastest — solution. Using lead-free components can eliminate complex calculations and immediately reduce inspection delays.
A wider variety of product options meets varying needs, allows for more creative solutions, and helps make the lead-free transition easier while reducing design limitations. Look for fitting options like press fit or NPT end connections for increased versatility, improved efficiency, and reduced labor costs.
Both press fit and NPT have proven to be popular with contractors, and many lead-free options are now available with these connection options. For projects like upgrading or replacing legacy water systems where the labor to dig up and replace the infrastructure is expensive, companies can now choose lead-free valves and other components to help manage cost with less labor-intensive connections.
Products like lead-free brass valves provide a useful and cost-effective tool in the incremental process of providing lead-free water. When updating a system to “lead-free” status, or in the development of a new system, you can either calculate everything or simply use lead-free components.