MyTana Blog

When Adam Hoffmann of Zippity Split Plumbing in Charleston, South Carolina got a call from a local homeowner with a clogged sewer line, he could tell the owner was already frustrated. Houses in downtown Charleston are unique, as many are on split lots with “half” addresses. Many of these homes have very old pipes, and often share sewer systems with their neighbors, making servicing them and troubleshooting a complex undertaking. The 4” pipe under the home of the owner who called Hoffmann had recently been redone, replacing an old cast iron line. Having had the line snaked 3 times already by other companies, calling Zippity Split was the owner’s fourth attempt in a week to get the issue resolved. Hoffmann knew the situation would call for a detail-oriented approach and looking beyond the obvious.

Proper jetter maintenance may be one of the easily overlooked business items as a drain cleaning professional. In this blog, we’ll provide a look at specifics for the jetter models we offer here at MyTana.

Basic troubleshooting can help solve some of the pressure issues that can afflict any jetter from time to time: low pressure, loss of pressure, or pressure spikes. These issues can be caused by a few different things, most of which have simple fixes. When something seems amiss with your jetter, here are three steps to start your diagnosis:

With cold temperatures on their way in, protect your jetter
from seasonal changes

How you care for your equipment somewhat changes throughout the year. As the Northern Hemisphere heads into fall and winter, it’s time to start preparing for cold-weather conditions. 

Protect your investment by properly caring for your tools

Drain cleaning is a tough job; you need equipment that works and is reliable. Regular cleaning and maintenance is the key to ensuring your equipment is ready to go when you need it. But too often, drain cleaners and plumbers let busy schedules get the best of them. Before you know it, you’ll have equipment that needs an expensive repair or even replaced.

Drain lines come in a variety of sizes. Many plumbers and drain cleaners find themselves changing reels midday or even mid-job. While some manufacturers attach reels with brackets and screws, MyTana cable machines all come with quick-change drive springs. Following the steps below, you can change your reel in under two minutes with only a hex key tool.

Jetters are an essential sewer and drain cleaning tool. If you are new to the drain cleaning world, training new team members, or looking to start your own business in drain cleaning, understanding the ins and outs of jetters is important. Nozzles, one of the key components of a good jetter system, often bring up specific questions like: how nozzles work with jetters, how a nozzle’s design affects the work it can do, and why nozzles have such variance in pricing.

Purchasing an inspection camera can be one of your most important investments in the drain cleaning industry. Having the right camera in your toolset can boost your efficiency, productivity and ultimately, your profitability. If you are considering a push-cam, you want to make sure your investment is the right one, especially when you’re a self-employed professional. In addition to setting a realistic budget based on your business needs, you’ll want to consider three main areas: what your typical job site looks like (residential vs. commercial, etc.); what features are important to you, including video and display size; and the types and sizes of pipes you’ll normally be inspecting.

At MyTana, we’re passionate about designing and building equipment that stands up to the harsh conditions of sewer environments. However, the electronic nature of inspection systems calls for special care that other drain tools don’t require. With appropriate use and regular care, your camera will serve you for years to come. In fact, technology upgrades may be the only reason you need to invest in a new system.

Like other industries, the drain cleaning industry has felt the pinch of the multi-year COVID-19 pandemic. As members of an essential industry, drain cleaning professionals have continued to show up every day and push forward despite unthinkable challenges. On the employment end, the Great Resignation affected all industries, leaving small businesses understaffed.