GENERAL Power-Vee Drain Cleaner Instruction Manual

: October 30, 2023
: GENERAL

GENERAL Power-Vee Drain Cleaner

GENERAL Power-Vee Drain Cleaner

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your Power-Vee is designed to give you years of trouble-free, profitable service. However, no machine is better than its operator.
Read, understand and follow all safety warnings and instructions provided with the product. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Symbol To reduce the risk of injury, user must read instruction manual. Failure to follow operating instructions could result in death or serious injury.

WARNING Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
Replacement manuals are available upon request at no charge, or may be downloaded from our website, www.drainbrain.com. Instructional videos are available for download on our website, and may be ordered. If you have any questions or problems, please call General’s customer service department at 412-771-6300.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

These instructions are intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation and maintenance procedures for the Power-Vee.

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

Symbol DANGER indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Symbol CAUTION indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, will result in minor or moderate injury.

| Electric shock resulting in death can occur if you plug this machine into an improperly wired outlet. If the ground wire is electrified, you can be electrocuted by just touching the machine, even when the power switch is off. A ground fault circuit interrupter will not protect you in this situation. Use a UL listed tester to determine if the outlet is safe.
---|---
| Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
| Only wear leather gloves. Never use any other type of glove, such as cloth, rubber, or coated gloves. Never grasp a rotating cable with a rag. These items could become wrapped around the cable and cause serious injury.
| Always wear safety glasses and rubber soled, non-slip shoes. Use of this safety equipment may prevent serious injury.
| Do not overstress cables. Overstressing cables may cause twisting, kinking, or breaking of the cable and may result in serious injury.

This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury.

SAVE ALL WARNINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE!

The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work Area Safety

Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of an GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way. Double insulation eliminates the need for the three wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply system.

Personal Safety

Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off -position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or key that is left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

Power Tool Use and Care

Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it is designed.
Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
Store idle power tools out of reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits, etc. in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Service

Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES

This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.

| Electric shock resulting in death can occur if you plug this machine into an improperly wired outlet. If the ground wire is electrified, you can be electrocuted by just touching the machine, even when the power switch is off. A ground fault circuit interrupter will not protect you in this situation. Use a UL listed tester to determine if the outlet is safe.
---|---
| Do not overstress cables. Overstressing cables may cause twisting, kinking, or breaking of the cable and may result in serious injury.

Only wear leather gloves. Never use any other type of glove, such as cloth, rubber, or coated gloves. Never grasp a rotating cable with a rag. These items could become wrapped around the cable and cause serious injury.
Do not overstress cables. Overstressing cables because of an obstruction may cause twisting, kinking, or breaking of the cable and may result in serious injury.
Place the machine at a distance not greater than six inches (15cm) from drain opening. Greater distances can result in cable twisting or kinking.
Machine is designed for ONE-PERSON operation. Operator must control trigger switch and cable.
Never take hold of a rotating cable. Pull the cable out, or push it back into the container by hand only when the motor is stopped. When the motor is turning, always have one hand controlling the trigger switch and the other hand around the grip shield. Operator’s hand may be caught in the moving parts resulting in serious injury.
Be careful when cleaning drains where cleaning chemicals have been used. Avoid direct contact with corrosive drain cleaners. Drain cleaning chemicals can cause serious burns, as well as damage the cable.
Do not operate machine if operator or machine is standing in water. Will increase risk of electrical shock.
Wear safety glasses and rubber soled, non-slip shoes. Use of this safety equipment may prevent serious injury.
Before starting each job, check that the cable in the drum is not broken or kinked, by pulling the cable out and checking for wear or breakage. Always replace worn out (kinked or broken) cables with genuine GENERAL replacement cables.
Only use this tool in the application for which it was designed. Follow the instructions on the proper use of the machine. Other uses or modifying the drain cleaner for other applications may increase risk of injury.

FEATURES

Features

NOTE: Do not operate machine if warning labels on the grip shield and power cord are missing or illegible.

Cable Application Chart (Table 1)

Cable Size	Pipe Size	Typical Applications
1/4”	1-1/4″ to 2″	Small lines, tubs, and shower drains.
5/16″	1-1/2″ to 2″	Sinks, basins, and small drains.
3/8″	2″ to 3″	Stacks, toilets, small drains (No Roots).

The 1/4″ and 5/16″ diameter cables with EL Basin plug heads can be spun through most strainer crossbars and work well in lines blocked by soft stoppages such as hair, soap, fats, etc.
Maximum Capacity: 50 ft. of 1/4” or 5/16” cable, or 35 ft. of 3/8” cable.

Cutter Application Chart (Table 2)

Cutter|

Catalog #

| Typical Applications
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Arrow Head
|

AH

| Ideal for heavy cutting and scraping.
Flexible Arrow Head
|

**** FAH

| More flexibility than Arrow Head; can take sharp turns in small lines.
Boring Gimlet
|

BG

| To remove or retrieve loose objects.
Down Head Boring Gimlet
|

**** DHBG

| Leads cable down drain line rather than up vent or across tee.
1-1/4″ Side Cutter
|

**** 1-1/4SCB

| Works well in grease stop- pages, scrapes walls of pipe.
Other Available Accessories:
Down Head Fitting
|

DHF

| Converts various cutters to the down-head style
Toilet Attachment
|

CAA

| For cleaning stoppages in toilet bowl

OPERATION

SET-UP

DISCONNECT MACHING FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE ATTACHING CUTTER!

The cable may have a drop-head spring on the end to help the cable around tight bends, or it may have a connector for attaching cutters to the end.
To attach a cutter, first unplug the machine. Then, remove the screw and lock washer from the connector at the end of the cable. Slide the cutter into the slot, then replace the lock washer and connecting screw. Tighten the screw firmly.
The Boring Gimlet and Arrow Head are good cutters to start with.
Then change to the larger cutters after you’ve gotten the water flowing.
Place machine at a distance not greater than six inches (15cm) from the drain opening. If you can’t place the machine this close to the drain opening, run the cable through a hose or pipe to prevent cable whipping.

Operation

OPERATION

Plug machine into a properly grounded outlet.
Insert the cable into the drain opening as far as it will go.
Be sure the Forward/Off/Reverse switch is in the FORWARD position.
Gently squeeze the motor trigger. Then, squeeze the power cable feed lever to feed cable into the line. DO NOT FORCE THE CABLE. The job won’t go any faster and you could kink the cable.
DO NOT USE TOO MUCH FORCE – LET THE CUTTER DO THE WORK
Use the variable speed trigger to adjust the feed rate to the resistance met. Do not force the cable or feed faster than the cable can go into the drain.
Do not leave too much slack in the cable since this will cause whipping. If the cable starts to bend or build up too much twist, release the trigger. Push any excess cable back into the drum and then continue.
DO NOT ALLOW TOO MUCH SLACK IN THE CABLE BETWEEN MACHINE AND DRAIN OPENING SINCE THIS CAN CAUSE CABLE WHIPPING.
When the cable reaches the stoppage, put feed in neutral by releasing feed lever. Move the machine back and forth as the cable is rotating until the stoppage has been cleared. Slight feed lever pressure may be applied as required to maintain contact with the stoppage.
Hint: It’s often helpful to have a small stream of water running in the line to wash the cuttings away while the machine is in operation and after.
To retract the cable, put Forward/Off/Reverse switch in the Reverse position and press the feed lever and motor trigger.
When you hear the end of the cable near the drain opening, take your finger off of the trigger switch to stop cable rotation. Never retract the cutter from the drain opening while the cable is rotating. The cable could whip and cause serious injury.

Note: An optional Handy Stand™ (shown at right) holds the Power-Vee for greater control of the machine and cable.

TO CHANGE CABLE CARTRIDGES

DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE INSTALLING CABLES OR CARTRIDGES!

Remove the cutter and connecting screw from the cable, if one is attached.
Swing the Feed Lever Assembly open.
Loosen three screws that hold front and back of container together. Pull the container front off of the machine, revealing the cable cartridge within.
Remove the cable cartridge
Press replacement cartridge firmly into back of container.
Make sure to line up the grooves in the cartridge with the slots in the container back.
Slide the cable through the container front.
Position the container front so that the three screws aligned with the slots in the container back. Press the container front into the container back.
Tighten screws firmly, making sure the screw heads are centered in the slots and flush with the container surface.
Close the Feed Lever Assembly and snap it into place.

MAINTENANCE

**DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM POWER SOURCE BEFORE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE !**

To keep your machine operating smoothly, it is essential that all bearings and bushings be lubricated. Oiling moving parts is particularly important where machine comes in contact with sand, grit and other abrasive material.

CABLE MAINTENENCE

To get maximum service from your cables, be sure that they are clean and well oiled. This not only provides running lubrication but greatly extends the life of the cables as well. Some users periodically pour oil directly into the drum. Then, as the drum turns, the cables get complete lubrication. Our SNAKE OIL is ideally suited for this purpose, since it not only lubricates the cables, it deodorizes them as well.

FEED MAINTENANCE

Keep feed free of excessive soil and grit. It is recommended that the feed be flushed with fresh water followed by a light oiling of the moving parts. No disassembly is normally required. Failure to feed can usually be traced to dirt accumulation.
Over time, dirt can harden enough to stop roller rotation. Flushing with water followed by liberal oiling can usually restore function. If disassembly is required, proceed as follows,

TO CLEAN OR REPLACE FEED ROLLERS

To clean the Feed Rollers, simply swing open the Feed Lever Assembly and flush the rollers with WD-40. No disassembly is required.
To replace the Feed Rollers, first remove the Feed Assembly by loosening the three screws using a 5/32 Allen wrench.
Swing the Feed Lever and top roller assembly open.
Remove the Latch in front of the top roller using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
To remove the top roller, unscrew the Feed Roller Retaining Screw using a #3 Philips screwdriver. Be careful not to lose the felt washer.
Remove the two lower Feed Rollers by unscrewing the Feed Roller Retaining Screws using a #3 Philips screwdriver as well.
The lower Feed Rollers do not have felt washer.
It is recommended that all three Feed Rollers be replaced at the same time.
After all three Feed Rollers and the Latch are installed, place the Feed Housing over the Container Front Assembly, line up the holes, and thread the three 5/32 Allen screws back into place. Tighten evenly.
Close the Feed Lever Assembly and snap it into place.

TO REMOVE MOTOR

Loosen the three screws that hold the container front and back together.
Pull the container front off of the machine.
Loosen the two set screws in the beveled collar and remove both the collar and the felt washer.
Slide a flat head screw driver into the Hub Spindle and unscrew the Left Hand locking screw from the drive shaft by turning it clockwise.
Unscrew the Hub Spindle from the Right Hand Drive Shaft by rotating the container back counter-clockwise. Note: The Hub Spindle, Hub, and Container Back remain as one unit. The thrust bearing will spin freely.
Reverse these instructions to re-assemble.

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE (TABLE 3)

Problem| Probable Cause| Solution
Cable kinks or breaks.| Operator forcing the cable.| Do not force the cable. Let the cutter do the work.
Too much slack between machine and drain.| Do not allow more than six inches between machine and drain.
Cable used in wrong size drain line.| A cable that is too large or too small in diameter for a line is more likely to kink. (Consult Table 1—Cable Applications.)
Cable exposed to acid| Clean and oil cables regularly.
Cable tangles in container.| Operator forcing the cable.| Do not force the cable. Let the cutter do the work.
Failure to feed.| Feed Rollers frozen.| Clean and lubricate feed rollers regularly. Replace worn rollers.
Cable tangled in drum.| Use proper cable size. (Consult Cable Application Chart—Table 1).
Motor does not run.| Trigger in neutral (off) position.| Switch Trigger to either Forward or Reverse.
Motor turns in one direction but not other.| Reverse switch failure.| Replace reverse switch.

Symbol

| Name
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V

| Volts

A

| Amperes

Hz

| Hertz

Hz

| No load speed

…/min