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Perform Routine and Basic Maintenance

Although the rest of a drain-cleaning machine does not require the same maintenance frequency that the cable does, don’t forget to do the basics, says Barrows. Every few months, inspect the drive belts (and replace when worn), test the GFI switch in the power cord and if the unit has stair-roller tracks, check that they move freely.

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Teach and Promote Maintenance Routines

Taking the time to prevent rust on your cable and doing routine cleaning and maintenance of the machine’s moving parts keeps you moving from job to job smoothly. Barrows’ company rolls much of this process into van inspections that occur every other month. This ensures that the entire fleet keeps their equipment in top condition and helps new technicians learn the process. A small investment in time can significantly affect your company’s bottom line.

About the expert:

Don Barrows is the operations manager at Roto-Rooter in Stoughton, Massachusetts. He began his career in plumbing with 12 years of service on Roto-Rooter’s front lines as a drain technician and worked his way up the ladder. Overall, he has more than 17 years in the field.

About the author:

Craig Gustafson is a writer and editor based on the East Side of St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent several formative years working on a construction crew and enjoys home-improvement projects of many types. His family has recently purchased a small property in Northern Wisconsin with a shell standing on it, which they look forward to finishing themselves.