EPL Solutions Glossary

Sewer & Drain Cleaning Equipment Terms

High-Speed Chain Knocker

A rotating chain-head attachment used with high-speed drain cleaning machines (such as flex-shaft or SpeedCut® systems). The chains spin at high RPM to aggressively scrape and descale the full interior circumference of pipes, effectively removing hard scale, grease, roots, and buildup without damaging the pipe walls. Ideal for restoring flow in cast iron, PVC, and other sewer lines.

Descaling Machine

Specialized plumbing equipment designed to remove mineral scale, limescale, rust, and heavy buildup from the interior walls of pipes. These machines (often used with chain knockers or milling tools) restore pipes to near-original diameter and flow capacity. EPL Solutions’ SpeedCut® and related systems are engineered for efficient mechanical descaling in residential and commercial applications.

High Speed Drain Cleaner

A powerful mechanical drain cleaning machine for professional plumbers, such as EPL Solutions’ SpeedCut® series, designed for fast and effective removal of stubborn clogs, roots, and debris in pipes and drains. These USA-built tools use high-RPM rotating cables or chains for superior cutting performance.

Hydro Jetter (also Water Jetter)

A portable or truck-mounted machine that uses high-pressure water streams through specialized nozzles to scour and clean the interior walls of sewer pipes, removing grease, scale, sludge, and blockages. EPL Solutions offers powerful, compact hydro-jetters suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

Pipe Cleaning Machine

General term for any mechanical or hydraulic device used to clear obstructions and maintain the interior of pipes. This includes drain augers, high-speed cleaners, and hydro-jetters offered by EPL Solutions.

Plumbing Camera (also Sewer Camera or Portable Sewer Camera)

A compact, flexible video inspection system (e.g., EPL’s MiniFlex or Gvision) designed to navigate tight bends in pipes. It provides real-time visual diagnostics of sewer lines, drains, and plumbing systems to identify blockages, cracks, or other issues without excavation.

Sewer Drain Cleaner Machine (also Sewer Line Cleaner Machine)

Equipment specifically engineered for clearing main sewer lines and larger drains. This category includes high-speed mechanical cleaners and hydro-jetters that handle tough residential and commercial sewer maintenance tasks.

Sewer Pipe Cleaning Equipment

The broad category of professional tools used by plumbers for maintaining and restoring sewer and drain systems. EPL Solutions specializes in high-performance machines, nozzles, cables, and cameras within this field.