The complexity of longer, more elaborate pipe systems, paired with the urgency of getting a business back up and running, makes having the right tools for commercial plumbing repairs essential. You need tools with the appropriate power and size capacity to complete jobs, enough cable to ensure they can reach the end of longer pipes, and extra cable flexibility to allow navigation of longer pipe runs. Along with finding tools with these general features, here are five basic tools you should invest in for commercial work:
- Cable machine with 6” or more of pipe capacity. Drain cleaners, whether drum or sectional style, are required to clean the tougher blockages found in large, commercial drains. The heavy-duty cable in products like the RIDGID K-5208 Sectional Drain Cleaner is designed to break up heavy debris, such as tree roots. Look for machines that have transport features, such as built-in wheels or transport carts, to aid you in getting your machine to the drain.
Watch this video on how to use the RIDGID K-5208 Sectional Drain Cleaner: https://youtu.be/iegfD18zimA
- Jetter. A jetter, such as the RIDGID KJ-2200 Water Jetter, is effective at removing grease and soft blockages from drain lines and a particularly good initial investment if you are working on grease-related restaurant projects. Make sure that you have a jetter designed for the areas where you work. Gas-powered jetters must be operated outdoors, but you can access drains indoors with a detachable hose reel.
Learn how the RIDGID KJ-2200 Water Jetter works: https://youtu.be/aMRfJVzIptY
- Press tool and attachments. Pipes and tubing in commercial settings cover a wide range of sizes and types of material. Look for a standard or compact press tool that offers a wide variety of jaw types and attachments, such as rings and cutters, so you can easily adjust the tool based on the needs of the jobsite. The RIDGID RP 251 Press Tool accommodates numerous attachments.
Get an overview of the RIDGID RP 251 Press Tool: https://youtu.be/_keH1bosE3I
- Inspection camera and locator. Standard size inspection cameras provide the size and distance you need for most commercial applications. Essential diagnostic tools, including cameras and locating equipment like the RIDGID SeeSnake® M200 with TruSense® Technology can give you a better understanding of the work that needs to be done. They often pair well with equally versatile drain cleaning tools, so you have the right solutions to complete your drain cleaning jobs.
See the RIDGID SeeSnake® M200 with TruSense® Technology in action. https://youtu.be/FNPeE53ZIWk.
- Standard threading machine. Tight spaces tend to be less of an issue in commercial settings, making a standard threading machine a good investment. Additionally, if you are threading a lot of pipe, a larger machine like the RIDGID 1224 Threading Machine can handle a large number of threads more efficiently.
Learn how to use the RIDGID 1224 Threading Machine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byqFOWRdM58
The right tools will make all the difference in how confident you feel about resolving your next commercial plumbing repair.
For more information, visit www.ridgid.com.
