We asked four leading drain cleaning equipment manufacturers about what’s new with their product lines and where the industry is headed. Dave Dunbar from General Pipe Cleaners; Renae Bays from MyTana; Katja Lindy-Wilkinson from Picote Solutions; and Jeff Albertini from RIDGID answered our questions.
The responses show manufacturers are focused on the basics contractors care about: making equipment that’s faster, tougher and easier to use in the field.
But those “basics” also include features that might have been considered optional accessories not that many years ago. Hi-def cameras, for example, are a regular part of most service calls. Contractors can see for themselves what needs to be fixed and, more importantly, customers can see the problem with their own eyes. Wi-Fi and cloud storage are also making it easier to share footage and build trust.
There’s also more attention on making different tools work together. Contractors are using cable machines, jetters and cameras in combination depending on what the job calls for, and manufacturers are designing their products with that in mind.
PHC News: Contractors are looking for greater speed, durability and ease of use. What specific drain-cleaning product functions or redesigns have you launched recently to address those three priorities in the field?
Dave Dunbar, customer success specialist, General Pipe Cleaners
We believe that when it comes to drain cleaning, speed, durability and ease of use are closely linked.
We ask, how many more jobs per year would the average contractor complete if they had only half as many equipment failures as they do now? For this reason, we focus the manufacturing process on maximizing durability and ease of preventative maintenance.
For example, the most vulnerable component of a snake-style drain-cleaning machine is the cable. Therefore, we focus on making our patented Flexicore cable the strongest, safest, and most durable in the industry. Contractors also find it very easy to use, since the only instruction is not to force the cable down the drain, but rather to let the cable drill through obstructions.
This philosophy of durability and ease of use permeates our entire line of drain-cleaning products, including flexible shaft technology, jetters and camera systems.
Renae Bays, general manager, MyTana
Speed and ease of use: MyTana’s new M945 Mid-size Cable Machine has an easy-to-use manual control panel offering three speeds and three torque settings. The compact frame is designed to optimize ergonomics and mobility, such has going up and down basement stairs, and getting to tight cleanout locations quickly.
Durability: MyTana has consistently engineered equipment for maximum durability, leveraging nearly 70 years of field data and contractor feedback. We understand the mechanical stresses and abrasive conditions inherent to sewer and drain environments. The latest upgrade to our camera push-rod improves tensile strength and crush resistance while maintaining the necessary flexural properties for navigating multiple 90-degree bends without compromising signal integrity.
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, CEO, Picote Solutions
Picote has launched new compact, lightweight (30 and 32 lbs.) and more affordable ProLITE 6 and ProLITE 8 Millers for drain cleaning, descaling, and blockage removal in small to mid-sized (1 ¼ to 4-inch) pipe. Powered by an 18V Li-ion battery, these versatile units provide exceptional portability and freedom on-site without sacrificing cleaning power and come with adjustable speed control which is adjustable from 850-2,150 RPM for precision cleaning in varied conditions.
With multiple tooling options, variable speed control, and cordless convenience, the ProLITE Series gives the user the power, ease of use and flexibility to tackle tough jobs anywhere. Designed with operator safety, efficiency, and durability in mind, they are ideal for residential, commercial and maintenance plumbing professionals. The ProLITE Series is a long-waited addition to Picote’s multi-use, high-speed Miller product family, especially targeting drain cleaners.
Jeff Albertini, director of product management, RIDGID
RIDGID’s new drain cleaning tools are designed for better efficiency and ergonomics, while preserving their industry-leading quality. The K-46 Cordless SinkSnake features a powerful brushless DC motor, 360-degree rotatable AUTOFEED, and an enclosed drum for fast, mess-free operation. Its multi-position kickstand and cordless freedom make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while the robust construction ensures long-term reliability.
FlexShaft machines deliver wall-to-wall cleaning with chain knockers that expand to pipe size, allowing simultaneous cleaning and inspection for maximum efficiency. Product improvements to the FlexShaft line include field serviceability enhancements like a repair coupling that removes the need for specialized tools and DeadCore cable which can easily be cut as needed. Sectional machines like the K-5208 are 35% lighter and 71% smaller than previous models, with tool-less clutch adjustment and in-field serviceability to minimize downtime. These products are purpose-built to withstand tough jobsite conditions and streamline the drain cleaning process.
PHC News: Camera technology has advanced rapidly in recent years. What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in how contractors use inspection cameras as part of their drain-cleaning workflow?
Dave Dunbar, customer success specialist, General Pipe Cleaners
We have found that contractors are moving toward using camera systems on every job. There are several reasons for this.
First, contractors recognize that without a video inspection, they may miss problems or defects in the drain that could come back to haunt them. This is especially true if the contractor warrants their work.
Also, there is a growing recognition that without a video inspection, they may be leaving money on the table. If a contractor has adopted pipe relining or pipe replacement technology, camera systems are their primary lead-generation device. Pipe inspection systems start as diagnostic tools, but quickly become marketing tools once a problem is identified.
The ability to record and use Wi-Fi to share video on smartphones and tablets, allowing contractors to show rather than tell, can be a powerful sales technique. Contractors have found that, when used correctly, camera systems pay for themselves very quickly.
Renae Bays, general manager, MyTana
In the past, drain cleaners would review the inspection video themselves, prepare a report of their findings, and base charges on that report which would then be presented to the customer.
Today, with increased industry competition and concerns about fraudulent practices, customers expect to see the video firsthand. This makes it more important than ever to use a self-leveling camera with crystal-clear optics and digital recording capabilities so customers can receive an accurate copy of the inspection.
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, CEO, Picote Solutions
Picote recently launched an HD camera system with a bigger screen conveniently integrated with a Picote high speed Miller to provide contractors easy access to CCTV their work during drain cleaning, reinstatement, failed liner/concrete removal and brush coating. Generally speaking, ease of use and better technology combined with more affordable pricing is making camera use easier to achieve and add as a part of a workflow for a single-user or multiple teams.
Jeff Albertini, director of product management, RIDGID
Contractors now rely on real-time data to document and communicate findings efficiently. Integration with Wi-Fi-enabled monitors and mobile apps allows instant sharing of inspection footage and reports, streamlining approvals and customer communication. The result is a more transparent, efficient workflow that reduces call-backs and enhances service quality. They are also leveraging advancements in technology such as Digital Self-Leveling, which always keep the image upright for easier system diagnosis while greatly improving an already durable system by removing the moving parts previously required to self-level a video inspection.
PHC News: Connectivity and data sharing are key selling points. How are you integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cloud-based reporting tools into your inspection systems to help contractors document and share their findings?
Dave Dunbar, customer success specialist, General Pipe Cleaners
General was one of the first major drain-cleaning companies to integrate Wi-Fi into its camera systems and has continued to enhance that feature. We offer a free app that enables your camera system to communicate with your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to record, upload, edit, and add voice-over descriptions to the video stream from your Gen-Eye system.
As was mentioned above, this feature allows your camera system to pivot from a diagnostic tool to a marketing tool, because a picture is worth a thousand dollars! We have integrated three methods for saving and uploading video files from our Gen-Eye systems, giving contractors several cloud-based options.
We have found that our customers have diverse preferences for web-based systems, so we have made our product compatible to as many as possible.
Renae Bays, general manager, MyTana
All MyTana camera systems can record footage digitally, which may then be downloaded and shared with customers, or posted to a site such as YouTube. Additionally, the MS11-NG2 and PGR200 camera systems have Wi-Fi connectivity and can use our app to stream the video to any mobile device.
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, CEO, Picote Solutions
For years Picote contracting teams have used a system to monitor air pressure and power supply on job sites during ambient curing for CIPP lining. The monitoring system has been further developed utilizing a smart, single line device based on LTE-M Technology to monitor air pressure, temperature and power supply. An integrated rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery allows it to be used even if electricity is unavailable. You can easily monitor operational status and adjust limits via phone or computer when away from the jobsite. In case of an alarm, the system sends text messages and also calls each phone number in the system in case the messages go unnoticed. Data can be accessed online when needed and after the jobsites have been completed. Cloud-based data storage and reporting tools have made data sharing convenient and more affordable.
Jeff Albertini, director of product management, RIDGID
RIDGID integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cloud-based tools across its inspection systems to maximize connectivity and reporting. Our SeeSnake monitors feature Wi-Fi for streaming inspections to iOS or Android devices via the HQx Live app, enabling contractors to capture, make notes, and share high- definition images and video instantly. RIDGIDConnect provides a secure cloud environment for storing, organizing, and sharing inspection reports, videos, and photos with clients and team members. These solutions empower contractors to deliver detailed documentation, streamline approvals, and enhance collaboration on every job.
PHC News: According a recent survey of PHC News readers, 38% use cable machines; 30% use cameras and 24% use jetters. How are you designing products to offer more versatility for contractors?
Dave Dunbar, customer success specialist, General Pipe Cleaners
General believes that versatility comes down to offering contractors effective solutions for whatever problem they face. Although contractors often have a favorite tool, they recognize that drain cleaning requires different machines for different problems.
For example, we recommend snake-style machines for hard stoppages, such as roots, and jetters for soft stoppages, such as grease clogs. However, if a contractor attempts to open a sink drain clogged with a grease plug, using a jetter first may cause the pipe to back up and overflow into the contractor’s workspace. Using a snake to poke a hole in the obstruction would solve this problem.
We have noticed that our customers are increasingly using multiple machines in tandem to do the best job possible, rather than looking for a single machine that can “do it all.”
Renae Bays, general manager, MyTana
Because MyTana manufactures cameras, jetters, and cable machines exclusively for the sewer and drain cleaning industry, contractors who use our systems can trust that future MyTana equipment purchases will deliver the same reliable, high-quality performance—along with a single, consistent point of contact for support if any issues arise.
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, CEO, Picote Solutions
One of Picote’s main goals is to keep innovating. We always want to create something unique and better that makes work on job sites easier and faster! Picote’s R&D team works closely with the Picote contracting teams and global technical teams.
For many years now, Picote has been developing and offering high speed, multi-use Millers and tooling specially designed for drain cleaning, descaling, reinstatements, brush coating and concrete/liner removal for work in 1 ¼ to 12-inch pipe. As technology advances, the goal has been to provide never-ending development within the Miller family to make safer, smarter, and more efficient machinery and tools.
The recent developments include the replacement of mechanical clutches with electronic clutches, foot pedals with a quick connector and the launch of the new ProLITE series. To offer more value for money and more versatility for contractors, Picote has also designed new CIPP lining drums, spray coating tooling and reinstatement cutters.
Jeff Albertini, director of product management, RIDGID
RIDGID drain cleaning and diagnostic tools are built for versatility when used alone and are also designed to work together seamlessly, enabling contractors to tackle a variety of challenges with one unified system.
Sectional, drum, and sink machines are engineered for quick cable changes and compatibility with various cable sizes, while FlexShaft machines enable simultaneous cleaning and camera inspection since the cable rotates inside of a sheathing. Water jetters efficiently clear grease and soft blockages, and SeeSnake camera reels offer backward compatibility and multi-monitor compatibility for different pipe sizes and conditions.
The RIDGID Drain Cleaning Product Selector tool helps contractors match the right equipment to each job, and accessories like chain knockers, brushes, and sonde locators further expand functionality. This modular approach ensures that RIDGID tools adapt to any jobsite, boosting productivity and reducing equipment redundancy.
PHC News: What training programs or other educational resources are you providing to contractors to help them understand your drain-cleaning products?
Dave Dunbar, customer success specialist, General Pipe Cleaners
General offers four ways of providing educational resources to our customers. The first is our network of independent rep agencies. These sales professionals are factory-trained and local, so they can provide hands-on training anywhere in North America.
Second is our customer service department, known as the Drain Brains. These drain-cleaning experts are available during business hours, ET. All Drain Brains have practical, hands-on experience and can answer questions about using our full line of equipment, troubleshooting, order tracking, and billing.
Third, we provide operating instructions with every tool that we sell, clearly describing the step-by-step process of using, maintaining, and repairing our equipment.
Fourth, we offer a comprehensive website with parts schematics, operating instructions, and hundreds of videos to train our customers on proper use and maintenance of our equipment. Regardless of the customer’s preference, we provide all the information they need to use our products successfully.
Renae Bays, general manager, MyTana
MyTana offers how-to videos for many of our products and is working toward a complete library. Plus, our dedicated (human) customer service team is available by phone to provide support whenever you need it.
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, CEO, Picote Solutions
Picote has always focused on customer training and technical support. Specialized hands-on trainings are available at Picote Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Practical and certification courses cover everything about Picote products and solutions, including drain cleaning, whether you are just starting out or want to learn more.
Trainings can also be organized virtually or at a customer location. Picote provides extensive technical resources and E-courses via picoteinstitute.com online. This includes information on drain cleaning products, such as Millers and tooling, and drain cleaning processes, including high-speed drain cleaning, descaling and blockage removal. Our global technical team has decades of experience from pre-job site planning to project execution.
Picote also offers on-site support and technical consulting. As a global manufacturer and trenchless contractor ourselves, we understand the importance of technical training and support, as well as access to high quality educational options in order to run successful job sites.
Jeff Albertini, director of product management, RIDGID
RIDGID offers a wide range of training and educational resources to help contractors succeed. Our Skilled Trades Labs program, developed in partnership with NC3, offers hands-on certifications in drain cleaning, diagnostics, and pipe threading, enhancing real-world skills and job readiness.
RIDGID also provides in- person and virtual training at its training center in Elyria, Ohio, that is customized to the needs of distributors, service centers and employees from all over the world. Our world-class field sales team conducts product training and demonstrations on site with professional contractors and additionally, the RIDGID website features comprehensive product guides, manuals and video tutorials.
PHC News: Looking ahead, do you think AI-assisted diagnostics might represent the next frontier in inspection technology or will the future of inspection technology be something else entirely?
Dave Dunbar, customer success specialist, General Pipe Cleaners
We tend to think AI will permeate all aspects of life in the future, including areas we haven’t yet imagined. That said, we think some of these changes are several years away from practical utilization in the drain-cleaning industry. Although we continue to educate ourselves on this topic and explore new technologies, we haven’t yet seen practical AI applications a plumber could use today. We anticipate seeing remote-controlled robotic camera systems with AI and GPS soon, and that these devices will be connected to cloud-based mapping programs like those used in “smart buildings.”
Ultimately, this information will be used in “predictive maintenance,” which may revolutionize the plumbing and drain-cleaning industry. Again, we believe these changes are likely several years away, but we anticipate their arrival will have an impact.
Renae Bays, general manager, MyTana
Some commercial camera systems already use AI to detect imperfections and issues in municipal pipes, automatically generating reports based on their findings.
As AI continues to evolve, these applications will become even more accurate and efficient, improving with each data set and real-world experience.
Katja Lindy-Wilkinson, CEO, Picote Solutions
AI-assisted diagnostics will play an important role in the future of inspection technology, particularly in improving consistency and reducing human error in defect recognition. However, reliable hardware, high-quality imaging, and skilled operators remain at the core of effective inspection. As technology matures, we’ll continue to evaluate where AI adds real value in practical field use.
Jeff Albertini, director of product management, RIDGID
There has been an increase in usage for AI-assisted diagnostics that we see across various markets. One specific market is municipalities, where thousands of miles of pipe need to be inspected for maintenance and upkeep. Leveraging AI to read the video inspection and provide the technician with a report to focus on anomalies allows the techs to save time by targeting their review. Day-to-day contractors working house to house don’t seem to have the same need as longer inspection runs of underground infrastructure. As technology adapts and makes the ease of use seamless with your recording we will see increased adoption. These are trends to continue to monitor.
