Jetting Machine vs. Flex Shaft: Which Is Better for Drain Cleaning?
Hydro jetters and flexible shaft machines are both powerful tools for professional drain cleaning, but they work in very different ways. A jetting machine uses
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
READ THIS SAFETY AND INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL CAREFULLY!
Read and understand all warnings and instructions. Failure to follow all warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.
• Keep the work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
• Do not operate tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gasses, or dust. Tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
• Keep children and by-standers away while operating tools. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
• Keep floors dry and free of slippery materials such as oil. Slippery floors invite accidents.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electrical shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electrical shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating tools. Do not use tools while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Do not force tools. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
• Store idle tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the tool or these instructions to operate the tool. Tools can be dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained tools.
• Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and grease. This allows for better control of the tool.
• Have your tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the tool is maintained.
• Always use safety glasses and gloves in good condition while handling or using. Use latex or rubber gloves, face shields, protective clothing, respirators or other appropriate protective equipment when chemicals, bacteria or other toxic or infectious substances are suspected to be present to reduce the risk of infections, burns or other serious personal injury.
• Do not allow the sewer cleaning chain knocker/end of the flexible shaft to stop turning while the drill switch is depressed. This can over-stress the flexible shaft and may cause twisting, kinking or breaking of the cable assembly and may result in serious personal injury.
• Practice good hygiene. Do not eat or smoke while handling or operating the tool. After handling or operating drain cleaning equipment, use hot, soapy water to wash hands and other body parts exposed to drain contents. This will help reduce the risk of health hazards due to exposure to toxic or infectious material.
• Only use the flexible shaft drain cleaning equipment for the recommended drain sizes. Using the wrong size drain cleaner can lead to twisting, kinking or breaking of the flexible drain cleaning shaft and may result in personal injury.
• Keep hand on the cable assembly whenever the flexible shaft is running. This provides better control of the cable and helps prevent twisting, kinking and breaking of the cable and reduces the risk of injury.
• Position machine cable outlet within 3′ (1m) of the drain inlet or properly support exposed cable assembly when the distance exceeds 3′ (1m). Greater distances can cause control problems leading to twisting, kinking or breaking of the cable. Twisting, kinking or breaking cable may cause striking or crushing injuries.
• One person must control both the cable assembly and drill. Do not lock the drill switch in the ON position during operation. If the cable stops rotating, the operator must be able to release the drill switch to prevent twisting, kinking and breaking of the cable and reduce the risk of injury.
• Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair and clothing away from moving parts. Loose clothing, jewelry or hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Do not operate this machine if the operator or machine is standing in water. Operating a machine while in water increases the risk of electrical shock.
• Do not use it if there is the risk of contact with other utilities (such as natural gas or electric) during operation. Visual inspection of the drain with a camera is a good practice. Crossbores, improperly placed utilities and damaged drains could allow the cutter to contact and damage the utility. This could cause electrical shock, gas leaks, fire, explosion or other serious damage or injury.
• Read and understand these instructions, the battery drill instructions and the instructions for any other equipment used with this tool before operating. Failure to follow all instructions may result in property damage and/or serious injury.
PLUMBER-TOOLS Contact Information
If you have any questions concerning PLUMBER-TOOLS products: – Contact us via email: office@plumber-tools.com or visit https://zewer-tools.com/ to find more information about the products.
We manufacture flexible shafts, sewer chain knockers, circular chains, tools for pipe relining, accessories for the pipe cleaning, removing blockages and descaling pipes. We distribute our tools worldwide from our workshop which is located in the European Union (Finland). Our workshop makes tools for the biggest plumbing brands in the world.
We use the expedited delivery service, which takes 3 to 4 days on average for your tools to arrive. In some areas, customers can choose the option of a slower delivery time if they wish to.
The shipping cost is calculated automatically on our website based on the weight of the goods you are purchasing and the dimensions of the package.
For a list of our products and catalog, please visit:
https://zewer-tools.com/drain-cleaning-tools-sewer-cleaning-equipment/
Our aim is to provide the highest quality tools at the most affordable prices, which is possible to achieve by delivering to the end user directly from our workshop.
Acceptable Battery Powered Drills:
Rotational Speed ………………. 1800 to 2500 RPM
Chuck Size ……………………….. 3/8” (10 mm) or greater
Drill Clutch ………………………… Adjustable torque limiter
Switch Type ………………………. Momentary
Contact Switch Lock ………… Not equipped
Drills must carry appropriate certification marks for the market (CE mark, c()us mark, etc.).
Do not use hammer drills or impact drivers. Use of an inappropriate drill increases the risk of equipment damage and personal injury. See Battery Powered Drill Set-up and Operation section.
Refer to the PLUMBER-TOOLS catalog (https://zewer-tools.com/drain-cleaning-tools-sewer-cleaning-equipment/) for details on equipment supplied with specific drain cleaning machine catalog numbers.
These tools are made to clean drains. If properly used, they will not damage a drain pipe that is in good condition and properly designed, constructed and maintained. If the drain is in poor condition, or has not been properly designed, constructed and maintained, the pipe cleaning process may not be effective or could cause damage to the drain. The best way to determine the condition of a drain before cleaning is through visual inspection with a camera. Improper use of this drain cleaning equipment can damage the tools and the drain. These tools may sometimes not clear all blockages in pipes.
Before starting, examine your drain cleaning equipment to prevent potential injuries such as electric shock, cable damage, chemical burns, or infections. Always wear safety glasses and suitable protective gear during inspections.
Follow these steps to set up the drain cleaning machine and work area safely and effectively:
Refer to the Specifications and this section to ensure your battery-powered drill is suitable for use with the drain cleaning flexible shaft. Not all drills are appropriate for this task. If in doubt, avoid using the drill.
The drill must have a momentary contact switch without a lock. This means that the drill will only operate when the user is holding the switch down. Once released, the drill will stop immediately.
When using your flexible shaft, the optimal rotational speed is between 1800 and 2500 rpm. To get the best cleaning results, aim for the higher end of this range, closer to 2500 rpm. Check your drill’s specifications and settings to ensure it operates within the required speed. Many drills come with multiple speed settings, with the highest typically being in the range you need. Do not exceed 2500 rpm when using the sewer cleaning flexible shaft.
Always use a drill with a properly adjusted torque limiter. The drill should be set to “screw driving mode” for the slip chuck to function correctly. When the clutch engages, the motor continues to turn, but the chuck will not. This may result in some vibration or noise. Start with the torque limiter set at about 25% of its maximum range (e.g., for a range of 1-20, set it to 5).
Avoid using the “Drill” or “Hammer” modes, as these override the torque limiter, and these modes are not suitable for drain cleaning.
Brushes are used for fine cleaning, centering the chain knocker, or applying lining compound. Installation is similar to chain knockers: the brush is placed on the cable and secured with set screws. Brushes can also be locked in place for added security. Like with chain knockers, limit exposed cable to no more than 6 mm to avoid damage.
Penetrating drill heads are used to break through blockages, allowing the chain knocker to move into the area.
Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Use additional protective gear like face shields or respirators when working with chemicals or infectious materials.
Avoid using corded drills to reduce the risk of electric shock.
Never allow the chain knocker or cable to stop spinning while the drill is on. This could cause excessive stress on the cable, leading to kinks, twists, or breaks.
When pulling the cable out, be sure to avoid excessive bending, which can cause the shaft to twist or kink. Pay attention to the protective sheath marking as the cable nears the drain entrance. Release the drill switch when the chain knocker gets close to the opening to prevent damage.
Brushes are used for finer cleaning after blockages have been cleared. They are generally rotated while advancing the cable, pushing debris in front of them. Chain knockers can also be used alongside brushes to provide a more thorough clean.
Store the flexible shaft assembly and chain knocker in the flexible shaft holder. Before transporting or storing, remove the drill from the input shaft. Always detach the drill to avoid tipping and potential damage to the drain cleaner. The drain cleaning equipment should be kept dry, either indoors or, if stored outside, well-covered. Store the shaft holder and all flexible shaft plumbing tools in a locked area, out of reach of children or individuals unfamiliar with these tools. These tools can cause serious harm if used improperly by untrained individuals.
Before performing any maintenance, always remove the drill from the flexible shaft machine. Be sure to wear safety glasses and other protective gear when carrying out maintenance.
To keep your equipment in good condition, it’s recommended to wipe off dirt and debris from the flexible shaft assembly as it is withdrawn from the drain. Clean the tools periodically with hot, soapy water or a mild disinfectant.
Always lubricate your drain cleaning flexible shaft before its first use and check it regularly. Proper lubrication ensures the shaft operates efficiently and extends its lifespan.
We avoid applying lubricant in the workshop to prevent leaks that could cause the lubricant to spill onto the packaging. This could weaken the adhesive on the tape and result in the shaft being lost during shipping. Upon receiving the shaft, lubricate it once, and then check the lubrication every few weeks to ensure it remains well-maintained.
Lubricating the shaft is crucial for both performance and longevity. The flexible shaft spins inside a sleeve at speeds up to 3000 rpm, generating heat from friction—especially if the shaft is coiled in a smaller diameter. For optimal results, we recommend uncoiling the flexible shaft as much as possible during use.
The protective sleeve contains special additives that guard it against damage from high temperatures and the chemicals typically found in sewer systems. Shaft lubrication reduces heat buildup between the sewer cleaning flexible shaft and the protective sleeve. The key benefit of lubrication is its positive impact on the torque demand from your drill.
Less friction in the protective sleeve means more torque is available for the chain knockers. Use a lubricant that remains stable under high temperatures and is safe for plastics. Suitable options include machine oil, compressor oil, grease, graphite grease, and even paraffin oil.
Lubricating the shaft is quick and easy. Place the sleeve bearing in a vice or have someone hold it for you, then pull about 50 cm (20 inches) of the shaft out to reveal a hollow space. Pour lubricant into the hollow space and allow a few seconds for it to run down the shaft.
Once done, turn your drill back on and slowly move the lubricant through the shaft. Avoid pushing it too quickly to prevent the lubricant from spilling. You can also lubricate the set screws to protect them from rust.
A video demonstrating how to lubricate your flexible shaft can be found here.
If your sewer cleaning flexible shaft shows signs of wear, it is strongly recommended to replace it with a new one. While lubrication will extend the life of the flexible shaft, its longevity also depends on how frequently it is used and the specific applications.
| SYMPTOM | POSSIBLE REASON | SOLUTION |
| Cable kinking or breaking. | Cable assembly is being forced. | Do not force assembly. Follow proper procedure. |
| Incorrect flexible shaft or chain knocker used for drain pipe diameter. | Use the correct flexible shaft or chain knocker for pipe size. | |
| Cable assembly exposed to acid/corrosion. | Clean your equipment routinely. | |
| Cable/protective sheath worn out. | Replace worn out equipment. | |
| Cable assembly not properly supported. | Support and handle cable assembly properly. | |
| Chain knocker not properly set up/adjusted. | Properly set up/adjust chain knocker. | |
| Improper drill/ drill settings used. | Choose a proper drill with a torque limiter. | |
| Flexible shaft wobbles or moves while cleaning the drain. | Ground not level. | Place on a level stable surface. |
Improper servicing or repairs can make the equipment unsafe for use.
The “Maintenance Instructions” section covers most of the service needs for these tools. Any issues not addressed here should only be handled by a PLUMBER-TOOLS employee or authorized representative. Always use PLUMBER-TOOLS original service parts.
For further details, inquiries, or service and repair questions, please refer to the Contact Information section of this instructions manual.
To minimize the risk of serious injury, only use accessories that are specifically designed and recommended for use with the ZEWER-TOOLS flexible drain cleaning shaft.
For a complete list of ZEWER-TOOLS equipment available for use with our tools, visit the ZEWER-TOOLS online store at https://zewer-tools.com/ or refer to the Contact Information section of this manual.
Certain components of these tools contain valuable materials and are recyclable. Local recycling companies may be available to handle disposal. Dispose of components according to all applicable regulations. For more information, contact your local waste management authority.
We manufacture our own brand of flexible shafts, and some customers have adapted them for use with Ridgid K9 102 or Ridgid K9 204 sewer cleaning machines. They have noted that our flexible shafts are slightly more rigid than Ridgid’s. However, we do not claim that our shafts can directly replace Ridgid Flexshafts.
Hydro jetters and flexible shaft machines are both powerful tools for professional drain cleaning, but they work in very different ways. A jetting machine uses
Introduction When working with professional drain cleaning equipment, transporting and handling flexible shafts can quickly become a challenge, especially when dealing with longer, heavier cables.
Introduction When it comes to drain cleaning, having the right machine can make a huge difference. Whether you’re clearing kitchen lines, tackling bathroom blockages, or
Introduction Choosing the correct drain cleaning tools for the pipe diameter is essential for effective cleaning, descaling, and pipe rehabilitation. Selecting the wrong setup can
Български
Hrvatski
Čeština
Dansk
Nederlands
English
Eesti
Français
Deutsch
Ελληνικά
Magyar
Italiano
Lietuvių kalba
Polski
Português
Română
Slovenčina
Slovenščina
Español
Svenska