999-998-285.10_REV. G
8
K-45 Drain Cleaning Machine
Figure 6 – Example Of Extending Drain To Within 6"
(15cm) Of Drum Opening
7. Evaluate the work area and determine if any barriers
are needed to keep bystanders away from the drain
cleaner and work area. The drain cleaning process can
be messy and bystanders can distract the operator.
8. Select proper tool for the conditions.
Most of the cable choices for the K-45 Drain Cleaning
Machine incorporate a bulb auger end configuration.
This is a good choice for use in small secondary drain
lines. Use of a bulb auger allows the obstruction to be
probed and fiberous blockages to be pulled out of
the line.
The C-4, C-6 and C-6IC cable available for use with
the K-45 Drain Cleaning Machine incorporate a male
coupling that allows for the installation of various
tools for cleaning drains.
If the nature of the obstruction is unknown, it is good
practice to use a straight or bulb auger to explore the
obstruction and retrieve a piece of the obstruction for
inspection.
Once the nature of the obstruction is known, an ap-
propriate tool can be selected for the application. A
good rule of thumb is to start by running the smallest
available tool through the blockage to allow the backed
up water to start flowing and carry away the debris and
cuttings as the drain is cleaned. Once the drain is
open and flowing, other tools appropriate for the
blockage can be used. Generally, the largest tool
used should be no bigger than the inside diameter of
the drain minus one inch.
Proper tool selection depends on the specific circum-
stances of each job and is left to the users’ judgement.
A variety of other cable attachments are available and
are listed in the Accessories section of this manual.
Other information on cable attachments can be found
in the RIDGID Catalog and on line at RIDGID.com.
9. If needed, install the tool to the end of the cable. The T-
slot coupler allows the cutting tool to be snapped into
the cable coupler. As the cutting tool is installed make
sure that the spring-loaded plunger in the coupling
on the end of the cable moves freely to retain the
tool. If the pin sticks in the retracted position, the cutting
tool may fall off in use. To remove cutting tool, insert
the pin key into the hole in the coupling to depress the
plunger and slide the coupling apart.
(See Figure 7.)
Figure 7 – Coupling and Uncoupling Tools
10. Run the cord along a clear path. With dry hands plug
the drain cleaner into the outlet. Keep all connec-
tions dry and off the ground. If the power cord is not
long enough, use an extension cord that:
• Is in good condition.
• Has a plug similar to that supplied on the drain
cleaner.
• Is rated for outdoor use and contains a W or W-A in
the cord designation (i.e. SOW), or complies with
H05VV-F, H05RN-F types or IEC type design
(60227 IEC 53, 60245 IEC 57).
• Has sufficient wire size (16 AWG (1.5mm
2
) for 50'
(15.2m) or less, 14 AWG (2.5mm
2
) for 50' – 100'
(15.2m – 30.5m) long). Undersized wires can over-
heat, melting the insulation or causing a fire or other
damage.
The GFCI on the drain cleaner (if equipped) does
not protect the extension cord. If the outlet is not
GFCI protected, use a plug in type GFCI between the
outlet and the extension cord to reduce the risk of
electrical shock from extension cord faults. If the
drain cleaner is not equipped with a GFCI, use a
plug in type GFCI between the outlet and the drain
cleaner to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
Operating Instructions
WARNING
Always wear eye protection to protect your eyes
against dirt and other foreign objects.
To Couple Cable
and Tools
Snap Together
Insert Pin
Slide Apart
To Uncouple Cable and Tools
Drain
Extension
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