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TECHNICAL
Chain knockers and cutters need to be used correctly to avoid damage
By Tim Dobbins ( September 27 , 2021 , www . plumbermag . com )
The last thing you want from a tool designed to fix problems is for it to create new ones . Unless you take the time to properly choose and operate the right chain knocker or chain cutter for your next pipe cleaning job , that could be exactly what happens .
When used correctly in the right applications , the capability of these tools to power through the toughest clogs , roots and blockages provides a gift to the pipe cleaning industry . Paying attention to the details of the environment and understanding the material options and specs of your individual system is key . Being careless can break equipment and damage pipes , making a seemingly simple job difficult and expensive .
Choosing a chain cutter After 15 years as a part owner and engineer for Arthur Products , Richard Rauckhorst says there are a lot of things a contractor should think about when buying a chain cutter . “ You need to know what your objective is . Consider your environment and equipment to start off with and be very selective .”
Obviously , the environmental conditions are going to vary with every job but consider what you will most likely be handling and choose equipment accordingly . That sometimes means picking a tool built to adapt . “ Every situation is unique . Customisation when it comes to any nozzle is important , but when it comes to a chain cutter , it is ultimately important because there are a lot more moving parts to deal with ,” Rauckhorst says . “ Also , don ’ t get your expectations up too greatly as far as speed goes because you don ’ t know the exact environment this is going to be in . It could be hair roots , which are easy to clean , or trunks that aren ’ t so easy to clean .”
SewerProShop owner and 30-year industry veteran Reinhart Laimer agrees . “ The operator needs to know first and foremost what they are going to be cutting . Are they cutting roots , or are they cutting grease ? Grease can be as soft as butter or as hard as a rock .”
Once you ’ ve established the general conditions in which you will be working , take a good look at your equipment and understand that the effectiveness of a chain cutter is completely dependent on the pressure and flow you ’ re able to produce . Without enough gpm or psi , a cutter can easily become another blockade in the pipeline .
“ I need to know four technical parameters when helping a customer choose a cutter ,” Laimer says . “ First , what is the flow rate of the pump ? Second , [ what is ] the operating pressure ? It is very important to know this information because if you don ’ t use the right nozzle inserts with the right orifices , the cutter won ’ t go up the line properly . Next is the hose size in diameter and then the length . This allows you to calculate friction loss .”
Rauckhorst also talks of the importance of using a suitable amount power for any cutter or knocker . “ When you have chain or cables or anything on a rotating head , you ’ re adding mass ,” he says . “ To get that mass to rotate it requires more power , and that power comes from your system ’ s water pressure and flow .”
It boils down to knowing that the distance and effectiveness of any cutter or knocker is directly influenced by the specific system behind the head and what materials it is going through .
Material matters A lesson we all learned at a young age is if you ’ re not sure what something is , don ’ t touch it . The same holds true when using chain cutters and chain knockers . Make sure you know what the pipe is made from and match the material of the cutter or knocker properly to avoid damage to both equipment and pipes . Do some research before pushing in a tool and revving it up to full throttle .
“ We supply a cable system , a rower chain and link chain option based on the primary type of pipe you are going to be in whether it be PVC , clay , cast or steel ,” Rauckhorst says . “ Let ’ s say you are in PVC pipe with light hair roots , I would recommend the cable . The cable is very effective , and it can loiter and not damage the PVC . If you stopped a chain and let it spin in one spot , it would erode the PVC .”
Rob Broccolo Jr . began his career in the industry over a decade ago and he has owned and operated Professional Drain Services of Southern New England for the past four years . Through servicing the variety of drains the New England area has to offer , he has learned a thing or two . “ I try to use non-carbide tipped chains in older pipes the first time around to make sure nothing breaks , but nine out of ten times , I ’ m using a carbide cutter ,” he says .
Manufacturers like RIDGID have readily available documentation for their chain knockers showing which of their products should be used in specific pipe materials .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2022 Volume 28 I Number 6