How to Use a Drain Root Cutter

A lot of drain blockages can be taken care of easily with the right tools. A drain root cutter is a simple tool that can be invaluable to take care of blockages or clogs like roots or grease, helping to restore the flow of water to the full diameter of the pipe. There are two types of root cutters. One type, which has blades, can be used with  drain cleaning cable machines. The other type is hydraulic and is used with sewer jetters. Whether roots, loose items, or other debris causes the blockage, there is a drain root cutter available for any situation.

Blade root cutter versus hydraulic root cutter
A drain root cutter that works with a cable machine will have a blade attachment made of durable hardened steel connected to the cable by a blade holder. To use it, feed the cable down the line so that the blade removes the roots. Repeat the process several times until the pipe is cleared of all blockages and debris. When you first go through the drain, use small cutters to punch through the blockage. Once you have done this several times, change up the blade to a larger size. The larger blade will clean the line to the edge of the drainpipe. Blade root cutters are best for sewer lines with smaller cleanouts, like those found in many residential sewer systems.

A hydraulic root cutter uses the power of a sewer jetter to quickly cut out and clear roots and other debris from sewer lines. To clear the obstructions, attach the root cutter to the jetter hose and center it in the pipe using fins. Then work the cutters back and forth in the pipe until the obstruction is removed.

How to choose drain-cleaning equipment
To decide which type of equipment is right for your drain-cleaning job, the first thing you should look at is the diameter of the drain and the length of the pipe. For larger diameter drains, you need to use more power and larger diameter cables and cleaning attachments. In most cases, small pipes require smaller cables but usually can operate at less power to get through the obstruction. A pipe inspection sewer camera is a good tool to help you determine the nature of the blockage and to decide which type of tool you need to clear it.

Safety measures
There are a few basic safety measures to take into account when cleaning drains and pipelines. First, you should always keep loose fitting clothing away from the rotating cable and make sure to wear the proper gear. You should use safety glasses and wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and always use leather gloves, not cloth or rubber. Make sure the drain root cutter tools are securely attached to the cable and never turn the machine on until the cable is inserted at a proper distance into the drain line.

By following this basic guide, you can take care of most blockages without having to bring in more heavy-duty equipment. For any questions or for assistance on choosing the right equipment for you, call Duracable at 877-244-0740.