Using Machines With Guide Hose And Autofeed - RIDGID K-40 Manual

K-40 Drain Cleaning Machine
moved completely past the blockage (or blockages), and
the drain is flowing.
While working the blockage, the tool and cable may be-
come clogged with debris and cuttings from the blockage.
This can prevent further progress. The cable and tool
need to be retrieved from the drain and the debris re-
moved. See section on "Retrieving the Cable".
Handling a stuck tool
If the tool stops turning and the cable cannot be pulled
back from the blockage, release the foot switch while
firmly holding the cable with both hands. Do not re-
move hands from cable or cable may kink, twist and
break. The motor will stop and the cable and drum will
turn backwards until the energy stored in the cable is re-
lieved. Do not remove hands from cable until the tension
is released. Place FOR/OFF/REV switch in OFF position.
Freeing a stuck tool
If the tool is stuck in the blockage, with the FOR/OFF/-
REV switch in the OFF position and the foot switch
released, try pulling the cable loose from the blockage.
Be careful not to damage the cable or tool while pulling
on the cable. If the tool will not come free from the
blockage, place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the REV po-
sition. Grasp the cable with both gloved hands, press the
foot switch for several seconds and pull on the cable until
it is free of the blockage. Do not operate the machine in
the REV position any longer than required to free the cut-
ting tool from the blockage or cable damage can occur.
Place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the FOR position
and continue cleaning the drain.
Retrieving the cable
Once the drain is open, start a flow of water down the
drain to flush the debris out of the line. This can be
done by running a hose down the drain opening, turning
on a faucet in the system or other methods. Pay attention
to the water level, as the drain could plug again.
With water flowing through the drain, retrieve the cable
from the line. The FOR/OFF/REV switch should be in
the FOR position – do not retrieve the cable with the
FOR/OFF/REV in the REV position, this can damage the
cable. As with feeding the cable into the drain, keep both
hands on the cable for control. The tool can become
caught while being retrieved. Pull 6" - 12" of cable from the
drain at a time and feed back into the drum. The flow of
water down the line will help to clean the cable as it is re-
trieved. Continue retrieving the cable this way until the tool
is just inside the drain opening. Release your foot from the
foot switch, allowing the drum to come to a complete
stop. Do not pull the end of the cable from the drain
while the cable is rotating. The cable can whip around
and could cause serious injury.
12
Place the FOR/OFF/REV in the OFF position and with dry
hands unplug the machine or remove the battery. Pull the
remaining cable from the drain by hand and feed into
the drain cleaner. If needed, change the tool and continue
cleaning following the above process. Several passes
through a line are recommended for complete cleaning.
Using Machines with Guide Hose and
AUTOFEED
Figure 13 – Using Machine With AUTOFEED
Grasp the AUTOFEED with one hand and hold it so
that the end of the AUTOFEED is within 6 inches of
the drain opening. See Figure 13. The guide hose helps
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