What Kind of Sewer Machine is Right For You?

There are so many sewer machines on the market, it can be hard to decide which machine is worth the investment for you. Truthfully, many overlap in purpose and functionality. Depending on the jobs you do, you might just need a standard sled machine or you could require a few different styles. The main factors that determine which type of machine to use are the space that you’ll be working in, the size of the lines, and the size of the clog.

Benefits of a Sink Machine
If your business mainly focuses on residential jobs, you’ll likely benefit from using a sink machine. Sink machines are meant to clean small lines like sink, bathtub, and shower drains. These pipes are usually 1-1/4” to 3” in diameter, but they can be tricky to access because of the lack of space in the rooms. A sink machine is small – usually less than 2 feet long – and can operate in multiple positions, so they can fit in the tight bathroom spaces while leaving you room to maneuver.

Duracable’s most popular sink drain machine is the DM138. Weighing less than 8 pounds, it is easy to transport and operate in small spaces. Though small, it packs a punch with a ¼ HP motor and 230 rpm. It easily fits 8” or 14” polyethylene reels and runs 1/4” to 3/8” cable, perfect for residential lines. The DM138, and the rest of Duracable’s sink machines, comes with a 2-year “It” Happens warranty on its frame, motor, and gearbox. We offer this warranty because, while we know our machines can stand the test of time, we want to correct any issue and make sure you can keep doing your job with the best equipment.

Benefits of a Sled Machine
The sled machine is the original style of sewer machines, and it is still a very popular design for good reason. Sled machines can range in size and capabilities; smaller machines handle jobs in 1” to 6” pipes, while bigger equipment can service lines 2” to 10” in diameter. They are more fitted to commercial and industrial jobs – though some are also fitting for residential lines. Sled machines offer more variety in type of reel and size of reel and cable. All of Duracable’s sled machines can be purchased with an open spoke metal reel or an enclosed polyethylene drums. All of our sled machines come with a 2-year minimum “It” Happens warranty as well.

Duracable’s DM30 is a mid-size sled machine that can easily handle jobs in 2” to 6” pipes. It is a great machine to have on hand because it can tackle clogs in residential lines, floor drains, and roof vents – and it can be used on light commercial work. The DM30 has a ½ HP motor that runs at 200 rpm. The standard packages come with 20” reels and 5/8” x 100’ cable – ideal for various types of jobs. Though 21” drums are standard, the machine is also recommended with 19” reels, adding versatility to the equipment. It comes with wide wheels that make it easy to transport up and down stairs, but it’s still thin enough to fit through a 26” doorway. The DM30 comes equipped with a PCFR, making pushing and retracting the cable much easier on you and your machine.

If you’re after a machine that is meant for bigger jobs, the DM55 is probably the machine for you. With a ¾ HP motor that operates at 175 rpm, it’s perfect for commercial and industrial jobs, mainlines, and clearing grease and roots. It can service lines between 2” and 10” in diameter, so it can still work for some residential jobs where it’s not as tight of a space. Like the DM30, it is equipped with a PCFR to make running the cable easier. The recommended reel size for the DM55 is 26 inches, with options for 26” oversized reels. This means that the sewer machine can handle cable 110’ to even 150’ in length. It’s an incredibly capable machine, which is why Duracable warranties the frame and gearbox for an extra year, making it a 3-year “It” Happens warranty.

Benefits of an Upright Machine
A big part of the job is actually just getting there. If you can’t get your sewer machine to the line, you can’t do your job and the pipe stays clogged. That’s where an upright machine can be beneficial. These machines are designed to be transported easier, and they can fit in spaces where sled machines might not. This is especially true in older buildings where doorways and hallways can be much narrower than the modern standard.

The DM162 is Duracable’s mini upright machine and it can clean a whole range of pipes that are 2” to 6” in diameter. The DM162 has a 1/2 HP motor at 265 rpm, an 18” enclosed polyethylene reel and 5/8” x 80’ drain cable. If you need more power, the DM175 has a 3/4 HP motor that operates at 175 rpm. It comes standard with a 23” poly drum and 11/16” x 100’ cable, but it can also handle ¾” drain cables with the 27” polyethylene reel. Both of these uprights come with a built-in toolbox, allowing you to bring your essentials up to the job with your machine in one trip. They also both come with a 3-year “It” Happens warranty on the frames and gearboxes, and a 2-year warranty on the motor.

Why Choose a Duracable Machine
At Duracable, we know that you need to be able to count on your equipment so you can get the job done. That’s why we build our machines (and the rest of our products) to the highest standards. When you get a Duracable machine, you can count on it to last. You can also count on the people to come through for you if there’s an issue, a question, or an unexpected need. If you’re not sure which machine you need, feel free to reach out to our customer service representatives – they’ve got your back.