Snake Cable Diameter Question...

[Moz]

Hello good people, just joined and have a question regarding cable size. I've got a Ridgid K-45AF with the cable that has a permanent bulb head on it, so I want to replace the cable with the ones that allow you to switch out auger heads, I use the K-45 mostly for vanity / kitchen sinks and tubs, but have used it in basement stacks too,

I decided on replacing it with a 5/16 cable, which I think is good for 1 1/4" vanity pipes due to it's flexibility in smaller pipes, but I'm now thinking it might be better to get a 3/8 for the 2" and larger pipes, which would be a bit more sturdy inside the pipe.

So my question is, does the diameter between the two sizes mean that much when dealing with the 1 1/4" - 2 1/2" pipes, and will the larger 3/8 be noticeably less flexible inside the vanity pipes, making for a more rough snake advancement?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Sylvan]

I do not use a cable larger than 3/8 on a 2" line, and for plastic, I normally use 1/4" as it is more flexible and less chance of puncturing a PVC Ell, which is short radius.

You need written documentation from Rigid that they "recommend" 5/16 cable, and your tech followed industry standards, and if you have to go to small claims court, you have written proof from the manufacturer.

Knowing the age of the piping also helps, as one can argue that the PVC can be brittle over decades of use, especially on kitchen lines where scalding hot water from a dishwasher can adversely affect the plastic.

That will be $3,500 for expert advice (Discounted by $200 for professional courtesy) IM KIDDING

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jeff H Young]

K45 is made for 1/4 , 5/16 or 3/8 ? handheld drill style machine. writen permission that they recomend 5/16 is all over the place. I do a little drain clearing, 2 1/2 inch pipe is non existant in my world Id go 1/4 inch on 1 1/2 .
wouldnt mind having a hand held with 5 /16 cable or even 3/8 I only have a cheezy 1/4 inch harbor freight and a 3/8x75 ft general self feed so Im sure i could clear a lot with a handheld with little bigger cable though Obviously Im not well equipt or really looking to add a machine or a new drum for either I might entertain another handheld though just not actively looking.


The 5 16 I think would be valid addition to the arsenal >when the 1/4 goes in but isnt getting through stoppage , and 3/8 is a bit big or tight bends cant get to the clog . Sylvan is the pro at drain clearing Im sure he has cables and machines to fit every need .

 

[Sylvan]

K45 is made for 1/4 , 5/16 or 3/8 ? handheld drill style machine. writen permission that they recomend 5/16 is all over the place. I do a little drain clearing, 2 1/2 inch pipe is non existant in my world Id go 1/4 inch on 1 1/2 .
wouldnt mind having a hand held with 5 /16 cable or even 3/8 I only have a cheezy 1/4 inch harbor freight and a 3/8x75 ft general self feed so Im sure i could clear a lot with a handheld with little bigger cable though Obviously Im not well equipt or really looking to add a machine or a new drum for either I might entertain another handheld though just not actively looking.


The 5 16 I think would be valid addition to the arsenal >when the 1/4 goes in but isnt getting through stoppage , and 3/8 is a bit big or tight bends cant get to the clog . Sylvan is the pro at drain clearing Im sure he has cables and machines to fit every need .

Jeff, I used to subcontract drain cleaning because the drain guy charged me $35 per call, and I was charging $150.

When I realized I could hire someone and teach them how to maintain the equipment, I went full blast into the main sewers up to 30" and bought water Jetters and all types of cable machines as needed.

I advertised that no one knows more about the proper maintenance of sewers or drains than the masters who install them.

My first Jetter was an electric 1,200 PSI 1.5 gpm, which paid for itself after 6 jobs. I then went to gas jetters, and as I made money, I bought bigger, more powerful jetters

Think about it, Snaking a 4" main sewer with a 3/4" cable 100 feet. I was charging $350 in 1983, and with travel time, it was less than 1 hour. Doing "plumbing" was $150 per hour or any part thereof, plus parts.

No brainer as even snaking out a kitchen was $175 for snaking and replacing the trap, etc. was $150 plus parts

Also, by doing plumbing, heating, and drain cleaning, it meant I was able to work constantly, as one call does it all.

My company grew to 25 employees, including an office staff of 6 for the billing and filing, and other paperwork.

Then we added "expert witness," which added $3,700 per call, which I normally handle.