Efficient pipe cleaning requires the right tools
Clogged pipes with sometimes stubborn deposits are a common part of a pipe cleaner's daily work. In such cases, a solution must be found through mechanical pipe cleaning, i.e., using machines and powerful tools.
The classic method of mechanical pipe cleaning is carried out using a so-called spiral. The cleaning performance is significantly enhanced by a pipe cleaning machine and the corresponding tool attached to the end of the spiral. Depending on the required pipe diameter and working length, the right machines, spirals, and tools are available for every job.
From handheld to motorised: The Right Pipe Cleaning Machine for Every Task
Simple blockages in small pipes can be dealt with using a manual pipe cleaning machine with a hand-cranked drive. The spirals used here move through pipe diameters of 6 – 10 mm and a length of 4 – 10 meters. This tool operates without motor assistance, relying purely on the operator’s manual power.
If manual force is not sufficient to clear the blockage, a motorised handheld pipe cleaning machine can be used. These machines use spirals with a diameter of 8 mm and a length of 10 meters, which can also feature a reinforced core (known as a "soul"), making the spiral stiffer and improving power transmission. The power of this machine comes from a motor of drill machine size, with a capacity of 0.5 horsepower.
To reach further into the pipe network and clean larger pipes up to 100 mm in diameter, pipe cleaning machines with a 16 mm spiral diameter are used. These spirals can be assembled to a working length of up to 40 meters using the groove/pin couplings. The spirals are also available in hardened material with a core to provide enough rigidity for longer working lengths.
The next level includes spirals with a diameter of 22 mm, designed for pipes up to 150 mm in diameter and a maximum working length of 60 meters. These spirals are powered by a pipe cleaning machine with 1 horsepower.
The heaviest “artillery” in this range consists of 32 mm spirals, suitable for pipes with diameters up to 250 mm and a working length of up to 80 meters. The machine is the most powerful model, with 1.36 horsepower (1 kW), while still maintaining a manageable weight of 28 kg.
Tool Variants for Every Need
At the end of the spiral, the tool (also attached via groove/pin coupling) is mounted. The range of tools available is vast: drill bits, cutters, joint tools, impact tools, cutting tools, milling tools, carbide tools, and the commonly used chain cleaners with smooth or knobby chains in every size. A separation key allows tools and spirals to be easily connected or disconnected without significant resistance. To ensure the functionality of your equipment, it is advisable to rely on proven and well-established tools available on the market.
Would you like to learn more about mechanical pipe cleaning? Our technical advisors are happy to assist you.
________________________
Curious, about who's behind it?
You can find out more about Elisabeth Pietraß, the author of this article, by visiting her LinkedIn profile.