While working the blockage, the cable end may become
clogged with debris and cuttings from the blockage. This
can prevent further progress. The cable needs to be re -
trieved from the drain and the debris removed. See section
on
“Retrieving the Cable”
.
If the cable end continues to get hung up in the blockage,
a different RIDGID drain cleaner may need to be used.
Handling a Stuck Tool
If the cable end stops turning and the cable cannot be
pulled back from the blockage, release the foot switch,
maintain a firm grip on the AUTOFEED unit and guide
hose and release the feed lever. Do not remove your hand
from guide hose or the cable may kink, twist and break. The
motor will stop and the cable and drum will turn back-
wards until the energy stored in the cable is relieved. Do not
remove hand from the AUTOFEED unit and guide hose
until the tension is released. Place FOR/OFF/REV switch in
the OFF position.
Freeing a Stuck Tool
If the cable is stuck in the blockage, hold the FOR/OFF/ -
REV switch in the REV position. With both AUTOFEED
levers released press the foot switch for several seconds
until it is free of the blockage. Do not operate the machine
in the REV position any longer than required to free the
cable end from the blockage or cable damage can occur.
Place the FOR/OFF/REV switch in the FOR position and
continue cleaning the drain.
Figure 11 – Retrieving Cable
Retrieving the Cable
1. Once the drain is open, if possible start a flow of
water down the drain to flush the debris out of the line
and help clean the cable as it is retrieved. This can be
done by turning on a faucet in the system or other
methods. Pay attention to the water level, as the drain
could plug again.
2. The FOR/OFF/REV switch should be in the FOR
position – do not retrieve the cable with the switch in
the REV position, this can damage the cable. As with
feeding the cable into the drain, cables can be caught
while being retrieved.
Depress the RETRIEVE feed lever to retrieve the
cable
(Figure 11)
. Keep hands firmly on the AUTO -
FEED unit and guide hose for control. The cable end
can become caught while being retrieved. Continue
retrieving the cable until the tool is just inside the
drain opening. Release the feed lever.
3. Release 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 tool can
whip around and could cause serious injury.
4. Place the FOR/OFF/REV in the OFF position and
with dry hands unplug the machine. Pull the remaining
cable from the drain by hand and feed into the drain
cleaner. If needed, continue cleaning following the
above process. Several passes through a line are
recommended for complete cleaning.
Draining the Machine
If the machine needs to be drained, turn machine OFF,
and with dry hands, unplug the machine. Remove the
drain plug
(See Figure 1)
and drain. The back end of
the machine can be elevated if necessary.
Preparing for Transport
Wrap cord and foot switch hose on cord wrap. Secure as
shown in
Figure 12
. Secure AUTOFEED on hook.
Figure 12 – Preparing For Transport
11
PowerClear™ Drain Cleaning Machine
