Question: My guys keep breaking drain snakes and I don’t why, nor do I have the welding equipment or the expertise to repair them. What can I do?
Answer: First, make sure your guys are using your drain cleaning machines in the right size lines. Nothing will wear out a cable faster than trying to use it in the wrong size pipe.
Cable Application Chart
| Cable Size | Pipe Size |
| 1/4″ | 1-1/4″ to 2″ |
| 5/16” | 1-1/2″ to 2″ |
| 3/8” | 2″ to 3″ |
| 1/2″ | 3″ to 4″ (Not roots) |
| 5/8” | 3″ to 6″ |
| 3/4″ | 4″ to 8″ |
The next most common cause of premature cable failure in your drain snake or sewer snake is acid. It’s likely that your tenants first tried a chemical drain cleaner before calling you. Be sure to clean and lubricate your cables after each use. General makes Snake-Oil Classic™ that contains a lubricant, rust inhibitor and deodorizer to protect your cables, but light grade motor oil will do. Pour a little oil into the drum and let it spin. The oil will be absorbed between the coils to help prevent acid damage.
If your cable breaks, you can repair it quickly with General’s Quick-Fix™. It lets you quickly repair broken drain & sewer cleaning snakes on the spot and continue working to finish the job.
The specially designed spring with pre-welded female connector easily threads over the end of the broken drain snake. No welding required – just vice-grips or pliers. It’s available in 1/2″, 5/8″ and 3/4″ sizes.
You can see how easy it is to use Quick-Fix on your drain or sewer snakes by watching the video below.
Contact the Drain Brains® at General at 800-245-6200 or by email [email protected].
View our Cutters & Cables Application Chart here for more info on the right drain snake or sewer snake for your next job!
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