GB2432641A - Wire brush for removing roots from drains - Google Patents

Abstract

Drain cleaning apparatus comprises a wire brush consisting of a plurality of radially disposed bristles sandwiched between two circular steel plates, the bristles extending beyond the circumference of the plates. The brush may be attached to a drain rod using a nut and bolt, and may in use be moved in a pushing and pulling motion through a pipe to cut and scrape roots and/or scale. It may also be attached to a high pressure jetting machine.

Description

<p>Descri DtiOfl: The invention is a non automated system that attaches to

drain rods to extract obstructions in that underground drainage systems caused by tree root ingress and heavy scale/silt build-up. The invention has no moving parts and is secured to the drain rods by a standard lock-fast fastening coupling.</p>

<p>Its construction consists of two steel plates that compress a multitude of thin steel wires together emanating from the centre outwards to a diameter of either 100mm, 150mm or 225mm depending on the size required.</p>

<p>There is a central hole that accepts the lock fast coupling so it can join onto the drainage rods.</p>

<p>Once the desired diameter of the invention has been chosen, fitted onto drain rods and inserted into the drainage system to a previously designated spot where the obstruction is. The rods can be pushed and pulled in a forward and backward motion to let the invention slide past. The thousands of tightly knitted strands of wire actually entangle in the fibrous tree roots or break down the scale with each individual passing of the invention.</p>

<p>Both scale and tree roots are broken down and dispersed by the abrasive piercing nature of the tightly pressed wires relieving the drainage system of the obstruction.</p>

<p>It is usual to complete approximately 15-20 passes of the invention to clear stubborn roots and approximately 1/2 of that to clear scale build-up.</p>

<p>The invention is different from other tools/instruments as that claim to do similar operations as traditional methods are either automated or are not as flexible in utilisation.</p>

<p>Most methods utilise a high pressure jetter and have many moving parts, they are often unreliable to use on a daily basis. Other types cannot negotiate bends or frequently get stuck on displaced joints or other obstacles. This invention will negotiate multiple bends upto 60 and because the outer distribution of closely packed wires have a certain tolerance to temporarily distort, the invention will not get stuck on any displacement or obstacle that a traditional method would. a,.</p>

<p> q' * S a * p * S * a S * * a 5 :5. I -There is no need to configure or set this invention up as its easily fixed onto a standard " drain rod using a lock fast coupling. at,</p>

Claims (8)

1. <p>a *. * S S a * ** S * * ** I I, a * * * S * S * S * * * *:. *,. * St*

   Claims: 1. Cuts tree roots from drains
2. 2. Negotiates upto 900 bends
3. 3. Can be used to remove objects from pipes/drains
4. 4. Can be used to remove scale from pipes/drains
5. 5. Can be used to degrease drains
6. 6. Can be used in general clearing of silt from pipes/drains
7. 7. It is a flexible cutter, it is not rigid
8. 8. It will not get stuck when pulling back on joints Can be attached to high pressure jetting machine</p>