The general operating steps for the FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machines (see below):
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1. Advance the chain knocker (generally not
rotating) to the area of the drain that needs
cleaned.
2. If there is a blockage, pass the chain
knocker through the blockage.
3. If possible, start a flow of water through the
drain to carry cuttings and debris away as
the drain is cleaned.
Figure 9 – General Operating Steps
8. Advancing/Retrieving the Cable
Assembly
In some cases it may be beneficial to
apply RIDGID FlexShaft lubricant to the
outside of the sheath when feeding the
cable down the drain. This can make it
easier to advance the cable assembly
down the drain and allow greater clean-
ing distance. If doing so, place a clean
towel with lubricant on it in the palm of the
gloved hand used for advancing the cable
assembly, and apply lubricant as feed-
ing the cable assembly (Figure 10). Add
lubricant to the towel as needed during
the process. RIDGID FlexShaft markings
are printed on the sheath every 5' (1.5
m) to aid in determining how much cable
assembly has been fed from the machine.
Only use RIDGID FlexShaft lubricant.
Other lubricants may not be appropriate
for use in a drain and could contaminate
the water.
When retrieving the cable assembly, it is
good practice to use a towel to wipe dirt
and debris from the cable sheath as it is
pulled from the drain and fed back into
the drum.
999-995-158.09_REV. A
FlexShaft™ Drain Cleaning Machines
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4. Rotate the cable/chain knocker at full speed.
5. Continue to rotate knocker. Gradually with-
draw the cable assembly so that the chain
knocker can break up the blockage.
6. Continue to gradually withdraw the cable
assembly while rotating so that the chain
knocker can clean the walls of the drain.
9. Rotating the Chain Knocker
Only rotate the cable/chain knocker when
the chain knocker is at least 1' in the
drain. To rotate the cable, firmly grip the
drill handle and depress the drill switch.
The person controlling the cable assem-
bly must also control the drill switch. Do
not operate the machine with one person
controlling the cable assembly and an-
other person controlling the drill. Do not
allow cable assembly to build up outside
the drain, bow or curve. This can lead
to twisting, kinking and breaking of the
cable. At any time, release the drill trig-
ger to stop cable rotation. When clearing
blockages, operate the cable at full speed
for best cleaning. Do not force the chain
knocker into blockages. In some cases,
using variable speed will assist with nav-
igating turns. Rotating the chain knocker
in FORWARD or REVERSE for a short
time while advancing the cable assembly
can help it negotiate the drain and block-
ages.
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