18 FEATURE
Drain and pipe cleaning equipment
• Drain cleaning machines – motor-driven machines that use rotating cables to clear blocked drains and pipes.
• Pipe cleaning machines – machines used to clean the inside of larger pipes.
Pipe isolation tools
• Pipe freezing machines – used to freeze the contents of a pipe, allowing plumbers to isolate a section without shutting off the entire water system.
This is particularly useful in locations such as hospitals, commercial buildings or shopping centres where water supply interruptions must be avoided.
Other useful electrical and battery-powered tools Cordless and jobsite support tools:
• Hybrid work light
• Cordless blower( for cleaning work areas)
Detection, measuring and layout tools:
• Leak detector tools
• Line laser / line laser levellers
• Laser distance measurers
Thermal and moisture diagnostics tools:
• Thermal cameras
• Moisture meters – used to assess moisture before painting / prep
• Hygrometer – measures humidity and temperature
Electrical testing equipment:
• Clamp meters – primarily used by plumbers for checking power to geysers
• Multimeters – can be used to check AC / DC, voltage, current and resistance
Inspection and visual tools:
• Inspection cameras – different types, including acoustic and thermal
• Drain cameras
Benefits of power tools
• Cordless tools create mobility
• Power tools are specialised for specific applications – for example, a wall chaser is specifically designed for chasing, whereas an angle grinder could create more uneven cuts
• Much faster work than with hand tools, allowing you to take on more jobs
• Less physical effort and fatigue, making work easier
• Cleaner, more reliable operations – a power tool can only do what it was designed to do, and there are fewer tools lying around
• If well maintained and regularly serviced, power tools can last for decades before needing to be replaced
• Guaranteed, consistent results
• You look more professional – for example, showing the client on a screen what the inspection camera revealed
www. plumbingafrica. co. za June 2026 Volume 32 I Number 04