New to Drain Cleaning? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re just getting started in drain cleaning and building your own plumbing business, choosing the right setup early can save a lot of time and money. Many people still rely on augers or jetters, but flexible shaft drain cleaning tools are quickly becoming the go-to choice for professionals. They’re fast, precise, and often pay for themselves after only a few jobs.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should think about before picking your first flex shaft setup.

1. Know the Pipes You’ll Work With

The type of pipe you clean will decide which tools you need.

PVC and cast iron are not the same, and using the wrong chain knocker can cause real damage. As a simple guide:

• Use plain chains for PVC pipes.
• Use chains with carbide bits for cast iron or other metal pipes.

Older buildings tend to have cast iron, while newer ones often use PVC. Knowing what’s common in your service area helps you choose the right chain for the job.

2. Pick Tools That Match the Job

Ask yourself what kind of work you want to focus on. Clearing blockages? Descaling? Both?

• For blockages, use a two-hub chain knocker or one with a drill head in the front. They’re built to break through grease, debris, or roots.

• For descaling, a circular chain gives full coverage on the pipe wall and removes buildup evenly.

Keeping both types on hand lets you handle almost any situation.

3. Residential or Commercial Work

Your typical customer also affects what gear you need.

For residential jobs like toilets, sinks, and smaller drains, a 6 mm (¼”) flexible shaft with a mini plain chain works well. It’s small enough for tight bends and safe for porcelain surfaces. The protective sleeve keeps the shaft from marking the toilet bowl while you work.

For commercial systems, expect heavier deposits such as grease, limescale, and mineral buildup. Here, a thicker shaft and a tougher (Heavy) chain setup provide the torque you need.

4. Shaft Size and Length

The right shaft thickness depends more on the type of work than the pipe diameter.

Thinner shafts, like 6 mm (¼") and 8 mm (5⁄16"), are best for light cleaning and brushing where you don’t need much pushing power. They’re flexible and ideal for smaller tools such as brushes or light chains.

Thicker shafts, such as 10 mm (⅜") and above, are made for heavier tools like drilling heads, chain knockers, and cutters. They deliver the torque and stiffness needed for descaling or liner opening work.

In Finland and most of Europe, a 10 mm (⅜") flexible shaft is commonly used across a wide range of pipe sizes, roughly 30 mm to 150 mm (1¼" to 6").

When it comes to length, most blockages are within 20 meters, so that’s often enough. You can also connect two shorter shafts with a shaft connector when you need extra reach or a different shaft size for a specific tool.

5. Keep Bends in Mind

Each shaft size behaves differently when passing through bends. A thinner shaft like 6 mm (¼") or 8 mm (5⁄16") will move easily through tight turns but lacks the stiffness for heavier tools. Thicker shafts such as 10 mm (⅜") can push heavier chain knockers or drill heads through longer runs but need a bit more space to turn.

Instead of thinking only about bend radius, focus on matching the shaft’s strength to the job. Light cleaning tools work best on thin and flexible shafts, while drilling or liner-opening tools need the power of a thicker one. Balancing those two factors keeps your tools running smoothly and extends the life of both the shaft and the sleeve.

Final Thoughts

Once you have the right setup of shaft and chains, you’ll be ready for most drain cleaning tasks. As your business grows, you can upgrade to a more powerful system. 4Reline offers flexible shafts, chain knockers, and other accessories that are more affordable option to the well-known machines like the Picote Mini Miller.

If you’re unsure where to start, take a look at our Drain Cleaning Tool Collection or contact us for help choosing the right setup.