Drain cleaning professionals ignore new technology at their peril. As in most industries, if your competition has equipment that is better, faster, safer, and more professional, it puts you at a serious disadvantage. One need only look at the history of our industry in the past 30 years to see the truth in these statements Read more
drain cleaning
Drain cleaning professionals ignore new technology at their peril. As in most industries, if your competition has equipment that is better, faster, safer, and more professional, it puts you at a serious disadvantage. One need only look at the history of our industry in the past 30 years to see the truth in these statements.
What is the next big thing in our industry that you need to be paying attention to? Flex-Shaft Technology! It’s like putting a weed-whacker down the drain, and you can use your camera system to give it pinpoint accuracy.
Several years ago, we noticed that plumbers engaged in pipe relining were using high speed Flex-Shaft Technology to prep and mill their sewer lines. Flex-shaft machines utilize a swiftly rotating wire coil, much like a speedometer cable, inside a flexible hollow tube or hose. A high speed motor is connected at the back end and a cutting device, often a carbide tipped chain, is attached at the front end. Because these cutters rotate at approximately 2,000 RPM, flex-shaft machines are adept at milling, pipe prep and root removal.
When outfitted with the proper cutting tool, they leave the pipe in perfect condition to adhere to the material used in the pipe relining procedure. For this reason, they are used extensively in the pipe relining industry, and have also become popular with plumbers and drain cleaners whose only goal is to cut and remove root incursions.
One advantage that this technology has over snake style machines is that the outside tube or hose on the unit doesn’t rotate. This means that you can put the flex-shaft machine and a pipe inspection push rod down the pipe at the same time, giving the contractor a real-time view of the action. This ability to give you pinpoint control over the cutting process is a game changer that can save you time and money.
The only major weakness reported by users of this technology is its inability to muscle through a tough clog. But, that was before the General Flexi-Rooter®. It is a flex-shaft device tough enough to open a stubbornly clogged drain, as well as performing as a pipe prep and milling machine.
General’s Flexi-Rooter is unique because it has a stronger and stiffer flexible shaft and outer sheath than competitive units, giving it the straight-line cutting power needed to open solidly clogged drains.
Plus, the Flexi-Rooter can wield General’s unique ClogChopper® as a forward cutting tool, giving it unparalleled flexibility and the power to cut through the toughest obstructions.
The process of pairing the flex-shaft machine with a camera system is much easier to perform with the Flexi-Rooter because it has an air activated foot switch! This leaves both of your hands free to control the flex shaft and the camera’s pushrod, keeping the camera head close enough to see where the cutter is positioned, but not close enough to damage it.
The Flexi-Rooter emerges as the clear favorite for contractors searching for the best way to fully utilize this new technology in the real world!
For more information, call the Drain Brains at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/FlexiRooter.
Increase productivity and profitability with this camera system that easily shares inspection footage and and can be operated for up to 12 hours on battery power Features Gen-Pack Battery Adapter, Wi-Fi and Distance Counter The new Gen-Eye X-POD Plus sewer camera system from General Pipe Cleaners now includes the Gen-Pack battery adapter, Wi-Fi transmitter, and Read more
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Increase productivity and profitability with this camera system that easily shares inspection footage and and can be operated for up to 12 hours on battery power
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Features Gen-Pack Battery Adapter, Wi-Fi and Distance Counter
The new Gen-Eye X-POD Plus sewer camera system from General Pipe Cleaners now includes the Gen-Pack battery adapter, Wi-Fi transmitter, and an on-screen distance counter as standard equipment to boost productivity and profitability.
Depending on battery type and settings, the built-in Gen-Pack battery adapter lets you operate the camera system for up to 12 hours in remote locations with limited access to power. Fuse-protected to safeguard your equipment investment, the Gen-Pack battery adapter is also available separately. Battery and charger are not included.
X-POD Plus makes sharing inspections easy. The built-in Wi-Fi transmitter lets you view and record work on a cellphone or tablet. And using the system’s USB port, you can also archive activity on handy flash drives.
The new on-screen distance counter also shows how far the camera has travelled down a line in feet or meters. And for optimum accuracy, settings can be adjusted for full size or mini-reel configurations.
General’s powerful X-POD Plus Command Module packs other standard features, too, including:
- A big 7-inch LCD color monitor with a sunscreen for easy viewing in any location
- “One-touch” recording for speed and convenience
- 4X digital zoom for close-up inspections
- Voice-over recording for job site commentary
- Date and time stamp for work documentation
The lightweight, popular X-POD systems combine camera, reel and monitor into one compact package. A durable docking arm supports the Command Module and permits height and angle adjustments for the optimal viewing.
The full size X-POD features a self-leveling color camera and 200 feet of Gel-Rod for inspecting 3- to 10-inch drainlines. The compact Mini-Reel carries 100 feet or 200 feet of Gel-Rod with mini color self-leveling camera for troubleshooting 2- and 3-inch lines. The rugged steel frames and reels include a drag brake and reel lock. The full size reels sport 10-inch wheels.
For additional information, contact the Drain Brains at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200, or visit www.drainbrain.com/geneye.
“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.
Great for a wide range of heavy-duty plumbing, drain cleaning, maintenance, and rental applications, the Typhoon® trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs. The Typhoon delivers 12 gallons a minute at 2500 psi to blast grease, sediment and debris from 4” to 12” drain lines up to 400 Read more
Great for a wide range of heavy-duty plumbing, drain cleaning, maintenance, and rental applications, the Typhoon® trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners blows away blockages in big lines and long runs.
The Typhoon delivers 12 gallons a minute at 2500 psi to blast grease, sediment and debris from 4” to 12” drain lines up to 400 ft. long. And a 200 gallon holding tank carries enough water to handle remote locations where access to water is limited.
General’s brawny machine also boasts electric brakes, safety strobe light, safety cones, rear fold-down stabilizer jacks, retractable hose guide arm, and antifreeze system as standard equipment.
Its reliable 690 cc (24 hp) Honda engine with electric start and 7 gallon fuel tank ensures extended performance on stubborn stoppages. On-demand Vibra-pulse® helps slide the nozzle around tight bends – and propel the hose down long lines.
Two hose reels – a jet hose reel with 400 ft. x 1/2″ capacity featuring variable speed electric rewind, and a water supply hose reel carrying 150 ft. x 3/4″ hose – are mounted at the rear of the unit next to the pressure gauge and output valve. Engine controls, including an hour meter, are located within easy reach in the lockable tool box with slide action doors just below the reels.
General’s Typhoon trailer jet rides on rugged 15″ radial tires with modular wheels and a leaf-spring suspension rated at 3500 lbs per axle. A splash guard at the front helps protect the pump and engine from road debris. And the body is protected by a tough epoxy finish for added weather protection. The Typhoon is also available in a skid mount model.
To see the Typhoon trailer jet in action, visit drainbrain.com/en/products/jm-2512/. For more information, contact the Drain Brains® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300.
With the versitlity to handle 1-1/4” to 4” drain lines, General Pipe Cleaners’ Root 66® is three machines in one. Designed to clear practically any inside or rooftop drain, the Root 66 sectional cable power drain cleaner uses 5/8″ or 7/8″ sections interchangeably. There’s no need for adapters or tools to switch from one cable Read more
With the versitlity to handle 1-1/4” to 4” drain lines, General Pipe Cleaners’ Root 66® is three machines in one.
Designed to clear practically any inside or rooftop drain, the Root 66 sectional cable power drain cleaner uses 5/8″ or 7/8″ sections interchangeably. There’s no need for adapters or tools to switch from one cable size to the other!
Need to clear sinks and other small drain lines? Get the optional drum with smaller 1/4″, 5/16” or 3/8” Flexicore® cables. Just slide onto the back of Root 66 and you’re ready to go.
A General exclusive, optional 7/8″ Proflex® sectional cables (15R10-P) sport an inner spring. It gives the cable greater strength to transfer extra torque down the line for additional cutting power.
Operating Root 66 is easy, too. Depress the drive handle for plenty of cable torque from the 1/2 hp capacitor motor. Release the drive handle and the cable immediately stops rotating – for no additional torque build-up. A wide, four-point base adds greater stability, and an optional dolly offers easy transport over long distances.
Other accessories include cable carriers, the optional drum for small drain work, and a toolbox. Standard equipment includes a ground fault circuit interrupter, double palm leather gloves, rear guide hose, and General’s tradition of quality, performance and reliability.
For more information contact the Drain Brains® at General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200 or 412-771-6300, or visit drainbrain.com.