Reputation, reliability and results mean much to Vincent “Vinnie” MacDonald’s Boston-area drain cleaning business. So do the right tools.

“We tackle really tough jobs no one can handle,” the Rooterman franchisee says. “Customers know that we combine first-rate talent with first-rate tools to solve problems – permanently. And General gives us the equipment to do just that.”

Exhibit 1: A chronically clogged Lowell, Massachusetts, sewer line. Two different competitors couldn’t clear the blockage. And the job actually proved so challenging that both “just walked away.”

Equipment mix saves the day
That’s when MacDonald’s Rooterman technicians flew to the rescue.

The New England pros diagnosed, pinpointed and solved the problem by teaming three pieces of General Pipe Cleaners equipment – a Gen-Eye video inspection/location system, a Rodrunner sectional cable drain cleaning machine and a JM-3000 gas-powered water jet.

“We immediately determined that the long line was really packed with roots. So we used the Rodrunner to bore right through the blockage.”

Weighing just 90 pounds, the Rodrunner is a lightweight, powerful sectional machine capable of clearing heavy stoppages and roots in lines over 200 feet long.

General’s versatile Rodrunner can either be run “lawn mower” fashion, as the self-feeding cable screws into the line or, in tight spaces, operated in “up close” stationary position.

“It gives fierce boring power, and works sludge really well in long lines,” MacDonald says.

Jetter clears the way
But it couldn’t handle all the sludge. So that’s when the Rooterman crew fired up their JM-3000 water jet to clear the remaining debris.

Built for heavy use and abuse, the powerful JM-3000 – part of General’s Jet-Set range of gas and electric powered water jets – is great for clearing large lines and long runs. A heavy-duty 3,000 psi, 4 gpm pump is driven by a reliable 389 cc (13 hp) Honda engine with electric start through a 2:1 gear reducer to extend pump life. On-demand Vibra-pulse helps propel the hose around tight bends and farther down long lines.

“Our JM-3000 cleaned the line so we finally spotted the real problem!” MacDonald says.

Gen-Eye quickly spots true trouble
Rooterman’s Gen-Eye video pipe inspection system revealed that the line had actually broken and separated under the street.

“Pinpointing the exact problem led to precise repairs – fixing that ‘unsolvable’ puzzle for good!” MacDonald says.

Available in a variety of models, Gen-Eye systems offer drain cleaning professionals everything necessary to troubleshoot 2- to 10-inch lines.

And with General’s new, easy-to-use Gen-Eye Hot-Spot digital pipe locator, professionals can pinpoint the target quickly.

Standard operating procedure
“Lather, rinse and repeat. We do this sort of thing all the time,” MacDonald jokes. “I’ve been teaming up with General tools for over 30 years. It’s our standard ‘de-rooting’ routine!”

In fact, the Rooterman franchisee credits expert service and General tools with boosting his profitability.

“Residential or commercial jobs, we pride ourselves on permanently solving customer crises,” he adds. “But we can’t fix tough problems – and remain profitable – without the right equipment mix. And that’s what General gives our business!”