A Guide to Drain Cleaning Cable Machines

Drain cleaning cable tools and machines use rotational power that is transferred along a flexible, spiral-shaped cable to the cutting tool at the head.  

Cable tools and machines are available in a wide range of configurations, including simple hand-operated tools, drill-driven power tools, and larger units with independent electric motors. Powered machines have the advantage of variable speed, which offers greater control and less risk of pipe damage. In recent times, high-speed flexible shaft machines have grown in popularity due to their enhanced cleaning capabilities and are becoming a must-have tool for drainage contractors and plumbers.

Wire-wound cables are sized to suit the pipe diameter and have the flexibility to pass through bends while offering the strength and stability to tackle obstructions and residue build-ups in the pipe. Cables can be used with a multitude of cutting heads, from simple tools such as the straight or funnel augers, through cutting and blade heads to carbide-tipped milling cutters and drill heads.

Contents

1. FLEXIBLE SHAFT MACHINES
2. DRUM + SECTIONAL MACHINES
3. CABLE MACHINES AT A GLANCE 
4. CLEANING AUGURS + CUTTERS 

1. HIGH-SPEED FLEXIBLE-SHAFT MACHINES

High-speed flexible shaft technology is relatively new to the sector but has seen rapid growth in use.

The torsional strength of the flexible shaft when rotated at speeds up to 3,000 rpm makes these types of drain cable machines a powerful option for wall-to-wall pipe cleaning. Powered either by a small electric motor or hand drill, flexible shaft cutters are ideal for the rapid removal of rust, cement, lime and small tree roots in domestic drains and sewers.

The sharp cleaning head at the leading end of the cable is sized to the diameter of the pipe being treated, making it useful for applications such as CIPP preparation and scale removal. With the correct cutting heads, flexible shaft cleaners can be used in different pipe materials such as concrete, cast iron and PVC. This is further enhanced by the ability to control the speed and torque of the cutter, reducing the risk of pipe damage and improving the effectiveness of the clean.

1. WALL-TO-WALL CLEANING

The flexibility and strength of the shaft allows easy access to tight, twisting pipe runs. A wide range of chain heads or knockers can be used in different drain types and diameters, with carbide tip heads suitable for cast iron and concrete pipes and smooth chain heads for PVC pipes. There are also drill heads available for the toughest jobs.

2. EASE OF USE + TRANSPORT

Typically compact and lightweight, these units often include wheels for ease of transportation. In some cases, the electric engine pack and the reel can be separated and used independently. The spring is protected with a flexible cover that aids navigation through the tightest of bends and is easy to clean.

3. RADIO REMOTE CONTROL

Typically compact and lightweight, these units often include wheels for ease of transportation. In some cases, the electric engine pack and the reel can be separated and used independently. The spring is protected with a flexible cover that aids navigation through the tightest of bends and is easy to clean.

4. MACHINES CAN BE USED WITH CCTV

As flexible shafts cleaners are water-free they can be used in conjunction with a drain camera system. The outer covering on the shaft protects the camera from damage and allows the operator to view the pipe as it is being cleaned. The camera is fed into the drain just behind the spinning end of the cable.

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2. DRUM + SECTIONAL MACHINES

Cable machines operate using variable speed to spin, scour and cut as the cables are fed into a drain.

Drain cable machines are also commonly known as ‘spring machines’ or ‘drain snakes’ and range in size and features based on the type of cleaning task. The two main types of cable machines are drum and sectional, or suitcase, designs. Both utilise flexible cable lengths with a range of cleaning and cutting heads. In simple terms, a drum machine contains the entire length of cable in its housing (the drum), whereas sectional machines use coupled sections of cable that are transported separately. Both types have advantages. Enclosed drain drum machines are cleaner for internal work and easily transportable. Sectional machines are lightweight and capable of longer runs, with operators only needing to transport the length of cable that is required for a specific task.

As drain cleaning technology has advanced machines have become lighter, more powerful and safer to use. The variety of scouring cables and cutting blades has also evolved to allow the machines to tackle a wide range of drain cleaning applications.

3. CABLE MACHINES AT-A-GLANCE

Sourcing the right machine for the job can be a time-consuming process. We hope this at-a-glance guide may make the task a little easier…

Manual Hand Tools
	Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Overflows, Small Pipes Suited to: Clearing light blockages in domestic drains. Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads
Pipe Size	32mm - 50mm
Cable Length	Up to 7.5m
Cable Dia.	6/7mm
Our Applications	Type D Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Closet Auger Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Syphon Pump Drain Cleaning Hand Tool

Powered Hand Tools
	Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Overflows, Small Pipes Suited to: Clearing light blockages and cleaning domestic drains Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads Cutting Knives, Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Tulip Cutters
Pipe Size	32mm - 75mm
Cable Length	Up to 10m
Cable Dia.	6/8/10mm
Our Applications	HandMatic

Flexible Shaft Machine (Small)
	Applications: Small Pipes Soil Pipes, Main Lines, Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Wall-to-wall cleaning and the removal of hard deposits. Cleaning Heads: Chain Knockers, Drill Heads
Pipe Size	38mm - 75mm
Cable Length	Up to 10m
Cable Dia.	8mm
Our Applications	RioFlex Mini PVC RioFlex Mini Concrete/Metal

Flexible Shaft Machine
	Applications: Small Pipes Soil Pipes, Main Lines, Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Wall-to-wall cleaning and the removal of hard deposits. Cleaning Heads: Chain Knockers, Drill Heads
Pipe Size	38mm - 75mm
Cable Length	Up to 10m
Cable Dia.	8mm
Our Applications	RioFlex 8mm RioFlex 10mm

Small Drum Machines
	Applications: Sinks Bathtubs, Small Drains with Longer Runs Suited to: Efficient cleaning of domestic and light commercial drains. Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads, Cutting Knives, Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Tulip Cutters
Pipe Size	32mm - 75mm
Cable Length	Up to 15m
Cable Dia.	6/8/10/15mm
Our Applications	FlexMatic+

Large Drum Machines
	Applications: Small Drains, Main Lines, Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Robust cleaning of domestic and commercial drains and sewers. Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads, Funnel Heads, Cutting Knives Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Tulip Cutters, Root Cutters, Retrieving Hooks
Pipe Size	40mm - 250mm
Cable Length	Up to 20m
Cable Dia.	10/13/16/20mm
Our Applications	Master Drum Spring Machine Allround+

Suitcase Machines
	Applications: Small Drains Main Lines with Longer Runs Downpipes Difficult Obstructions Suited to: Long distance cleaning of domestic and light commercial drains Cleaning Heads: Bulbous Heads, Cutting, Knives Chain Heads, Drill Heads, Root Cutters, Retrieving Hooks
Pipe Size	32mm - 160mm
Cable Length	Up to 40m
Cable Dia.	Victor Drain Cleaning Spring Machine
Our Applications	Type D Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Closet Auger Drain Cleaning Hand Tool Syphon Pump Drain Cleaning Hand Tool

 4. CABLE MACHINE AUGERS & CUTTERS

Here we aim to describe the wide range of augers, cutters and chain heads available for cable machines.

Quality, durability and application is key in choosing from the wide variety of spring widths, lengths, couplings and heads to suit the type of cable machines. As a note of caution, it can be a false economy to buy springs and cleaning heads based solely on price. Opting for a manufacturer’s high-quality spring or head ensures the right fit for the machine and is likely to last much longer and provide better performance than some of the low-cost alternatives.

Cable Cutters & Chain Heads
	TULIP CUTTERS Ideal for removing hardened deposits and rust without damaging pipes or getting stuck. Sizes: 10 - 75mm cutters for 10 - 22mm cables		ROOT CUTTERS For clearing drains blocked by roots, rags and other debris causing stoppages. Sizes: 65 - 90mm cutters for 16 - 22mm cables
	BLADE DRILLS Clears blockages and build-ups caused by hardened materials like chemical deposits. Sizes: 10 - 90mm cutters for 22mm cables		CUTTING KNIFES For milling drains by cutting and scraping material attached to the pipe wall. Sizes: 35 - 125mm cutters for 10 - 22mm cables
	DIAMOND HEADS Suited to clearing detergent build-ups and pipes tarnished with chalk or urine stones. Sizes: For 16 - 22mm cables		CHAIN HEADS Expand to removing scale and hard deposits from the walls of steel and iron pipes. Various configurations for 10 - 22mm cables

Cable Augers
	STRAIGHT HEADS Often used as an exploratory tool for determining the head for the task. Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables		FUNNEL HEAD The funnel is often used after a straight auger to break up any remains of the blockage. Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables
	BULBOUS HEADS Suited to light cleaning in curved pipes and removing loose objects and broken cables. Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables		RETRIEVING HOOK Principally used to remove obstacles from pipes such as cloths, wet wipes and other objects. Sizes: For 10 - 22mm cables

CUTTERS, CHAIN HEADS & AUGERS FOR RIONED APPLICATIONS

• Type D accessories
• Super accessories
• Handmatic accessories
• Flexmatic+ accessories
• AllRound+ accessories
• Master accessories
• Mini Victor Dual Speed accessories
• Victor accessories

Flex-Shaft Knockers & Drill Heads
	SMOOTH CHAIN KNOCKERS Commonly used to descale following cleaning, they also cope well with FOG and similar soft deposits. Sizes: 40 - 100mm cutters for 8 - 10mm flex-shaft cables
	CARBIDE-TIPPED CHAIN KNOCKERS For removing hard debris from hard-walled pipes and cutting through FOG, scale, and roots. Sizes: 40 - 100mm cutters for 8 - 10mm flex-shaft cables
	DRILLER HEADS Drilling is sometimes the best method of breaking through tough obstacle such as roots, debris and scale. Sizes: 40mm cutters for 8 - 10mm flex-shaft cables

 KNOCKERS, DRILL HEADS & OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE RIOFLEX