A drain cleaning machine includes a brushless direct current (DC) motor configured to rotate a snake about the snake axis. An electronic processor is configured to control power switching elements to drive the brushless DC motor. In a first operating range when a load experienced by the brushless DC motor is less than or equal to a predetermined load, the electronic processor is configured to control the power switching elements to drive the brushless DC motor at an approximately constant speed regardless of the load experienced by the brushless DC motor. In a second operating range when the load experienced by the brushless DC motor is greater than the predetermined load, the electronic processor is configured to control the power switching elements to drive the brushless DC motor at a decreasing speed as the load experienced by the brushless DC motor increases.

A conduit cleaning device includes a body with a central portion, a forward portion comprising a neck, and a rear portion with a hose fitting adapted for connection to an associated hose. The body includes a main flow passage that extends through the hose fitting, through the central portion, and into the neck. A rotor is rotatably supported on the neck. The rotor includes at least one rotor nozzle orifice in fluid communication with the main flow passage. A centering device is secured to the central portion of the body. The centering device includes a core and a plurality of fins that project outwardly from the core. The core of the centering device includes a mounting bore that extends therethrough, wherein at least part of the hose fitting is located within the mounting bore of the core and an annular space is defined between the hose fitting and an inner surface of the mounting bore of the core.

Systems for energizing a drain cleaning cable within a drain line or other region of interest are described. A signal transmitter on an end portion of the cable enables the cable end portion to be sensed or located when in a pipe or conduit underground. Also described are electrically conductive drivetrains for transferring rotary power.

A closet auger includes a casing member extending along an axis and a drive member telescopically received in the casing member and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the casing member along the axis. The drive member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end having an expanded portion that expands away from a remainder of the drive member. The expanded portion configured to contact the casing member and limit the axial movement of the drive member. The closet auger also includes a flexible cable removably connectable to the drive member.

A closet auger includes a casing member extending along an axis and a drive member telescopically received in the casing member and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the casing member along the axis. The drive member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end having an expanded portion that expands away from a remainder of the drive member. The expanded portion configured to contact the casing member and limit the axial movement of the drive member. The closet auger also includes a flexible cable removably connectable to the drive member.

Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a duct cleaning apparatus comprising a frame, a coil carriage which is coupled to the frame and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation, a shaft with a first end and a second end, wherein the shaft is configured to rotate within a guide wire cable, a cleaning tool which is connected to the shaft at the first end of the shaft, a drive unit coupled to the second end of the shaft via a gear, and wherein the drive unit, the gear, control electronics and at least one battery are located within the coil carriage.

A system and an apparatus for positioning a plurality of flexible cleaning lances through tubes penetrating a tube sheet of a heat exchanger tube sheet, includes a smart lance tractor drive, a controller, and a tumble box connected to the controller operable to generate and/or distribute electrical power to the AC induction sensor from an air pressure source, supply electrical power to the controller and distribute pneumatic power to pneumatic motors for positioning the tractor drive on the positioner frame. The smart tractor drive includes sensors for detection of mismatch between expected and actual lance positions, sense lance insertion distance and lance removal and provide automated drive reversal operation to remove blockages within tubes being cleaned.

A system and an apparatus for positioning a plurality of flexible cleaning lances through tubes penetrating a tube sheet of a heat exchanger tube sheet, includes a smart lance tractor drive, a controller, and a tumble box connected to the controller operable to generate and/or distribute electrical power to the AC induction sensor from an air pressure source, supply electrical power to the controller and distribute pneumatic power to pneumatic motors for positioning the tractor drive on the positioner frame. The smart tractor drive includes sensors for detection of mismatch between expected and actual lance positions, sense lance insertion distance and lance removal and provide automated drive reversal operation to remove blockages within tubes being cleaned.