Running a rental business in the mountains of Colorado means being ready for anything. For 285 Rent-A-Tool, located in Conifer, 20 miles outside Denver, that means stocking everything from crutches and wheelchairs to full-size backhoes, party supplies, and live animal traps. “We rent a little bit of everything,” says owner Joe Gray, who’s been in the rental business since 1983 and is now completing his 43rd year in operation. “People know to try me first before they drive to the big city.”

But among the wide range of equipment that cycles through Gray’s rental center, one category stands out as an essential lifeline for his customers—drain cleaning tools. With no municipal sewer systems in the mountainous area, every homeowner relies on septic, and when septic lines clog, they need help fast.

Since 1998, Gray’s rental center has trusted General Pipe Cleaners to provide that help. After a previous manufacturer went out of business, General’s strong presence in rental industry trade magazines convinced him to make the switch. “Their advertising made me feel comfortable calling them,” he recalls. “They professed their equipment to be rental-ready!”

Long-Term Partnership Built on Durable, Rental-Ready Tools

Since that first purchase, 285 Rent-A-Tool has steadily expanded its fleet of General equipment. Today, customers can find a range of General Pipe Cleaners equipment:

• Two Easy Rooter drain cleaning machines – the top 285-Rent-A-Tool rental item
• A 50-foot Power-Vee electric drain snake
• 100-foot flat sewer rods
• Several hand-crank drain augers
• Several closet augers – “far superior” to any other Gray has ever used

The Easy Rooter, in particular, has become indispensable. Customers tackling septic line blockages often come in stressed, but Gray tells them he expects to see a smile when they return. “Ninety-nine percent of the people come back and it solved the problem,” he says. The only exceptions are collapsed lines where no snake could ever get through.

Designed to clear clogged 3″ to 10″ drain lines of severe stoppages and roots, the Easy Rooter features a reliable 1/3 hp motor with capacitor, thermal overload protection, and reverse switch. The easy-to-clean open cage reel holds 100 feet of 3/4″ or 5/8″ Flexicore® cable. Flexicore drain cleaning cables from General offer superior kinking resistance and unequalled strength with the right amount of flexibility—and they carry a one-year warranty against breakage.

The rugged General drain cleaner also includes a powder-coated square-tube frame with special “roll bars” to protect the motor. The plated steel cage rides on roller bearings for enhanced reliability, longer life and greater motor efficiency under the most demanding rental conditions.

One Easy Rooter even stayed in service at 285 Rent-A-Tool for more than 20 years before finally being replaced in 2024. “It started having enough problems that it was easier and cheaper to get a new one than to fix it,” Gray said. “But its longevity speaks for itself.”

Built for the Realities of Rental Use

Drain cleaning equipment in a rental environment takes a beating. Customers may be inexperienced or nervous, and improper use is always a risk. But Gray credits General’s thoughtful design for keeping his repair bay quiet.

“The safety features are the biggest benefit for our customers,” he says. “The GFI, the air actuated foot pedal, safety slip clutch, the built-in lock system and its overall durability make it safer for customers. We’ve never had an injury. Never.”

General also provides clear written operating procedures, which Gray and his staff use to thoroughly train renters before equipment leaves the shop. As a result, he says he hardly ever gets troubleshooting calls.

To further minimize downtime, Joe stocks the most common replacement parts, such as springs, cutter heads, and other wear items, and praises General for fast, reliable parts support. “There’s very little downtime,” he says. “They provide excellent response.”

Customer Service That Builds Loyalty

In over 25 years, Joe has had just one warranty issue—a motor problem on a newly purchased machine. He dreaded the hassle he expected but instead experienced the opposite.

A customer service rep from General Pipe Cleaners’ warranty department immediately sent out a brand-new motor with all attachments, no questions asked. “They went out of their way to make sure I was happy,” Gray commented.

The experience cemented Gray’s loyalty. “I would never go anywhere else after that. I know they’ll take care of me.”

A Trusted Resource for the Community

Because 285 Rent-A-Tool stocks both equipment and parts, even local septic service companies often send customers Gray’s way. He recommends General Pipe Cleaners equipment to them without hesitation and many purchase their own units after using his rentals.

After more than two decades of partnership, Gray sums up his relationship with General Pipe Cleaners simply saying, “I’ve been extremely happy with General. I’m a customer forever.”

From durable, rental-ready machines to exceptional customer service and safety-focused design, General Pipe Cleaners helps 285 Rent-A-Tool keep its mountain community flowing, one cleared septic line at a time!

For more information on General Pipe Cleaners line of drain cleaning equipment designed for the rental industry, visit drainbrain.com.