Sewer Drain Cable Types and Recommended Sizes

Selecting the proper sewer cable size and type is very important -- a cable that is too small or too weak for the pipe or the obstruction will break or kink prematurely. A good drain cleaning cable must be used in the proper application, be flexible enough to execute bends in the pipe but be strong enough to develop sufficient torque to remove the drain clog.

• • Inner Core
  • No Core
  • Double Wound

Inner core cable, is heavier than other sewer snakes without the added material and takes a bit longer for torque to develop.

A double wound drain cleaning cable, such as Spartan’s Magnum cable, is the strongest and lightest type of sewer cable on the market today. It is intended for use in runs with fewer bends or turns.

No core drain cables are used primarily on small residential pipes which can be difficult to navigate with heavier inner core cable.

The following chart is a guide to typical pipe sizes and the sizes of sewer drain cables that are most appropriate for cleaning applications:

After uncoiling the cable and laying out flat, attach the male end of the cable to the female end of the 10’ anchor in the drum. With the machine plugged in, depress the foot actuator and check the rotation of the drum. The drum should rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, as you face the front of the machine. If the drum rotates in the wrong direction, reverse the toggle switch located on the motor support and check rotation again. With the drum rotating in the proper direction, start feeding the cable into the drum.