General Pipe Cleaners Mini-Rooter XP User manual

Operating Instructions for
General Mini-Rooter XP
For 1-1/4" through 4" lines (30mm – 100mm)
Your Mini-Rooter XP is designed to give you years of trouble-free,
profitable service. However, no machine is better than its operator. We
therefore suggest you read these instructions through carefully before
using your machine on the job. This will enable you to operate the Mini-
Rooter XP more efficiently and more profitably. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause personal injury to operator or damage to
equipment.
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING! Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious
personal injury. Call General’s customer service department at 412-771-
6300 if you have any questions.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Work Area Safety
• Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and 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 bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause
you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
• Grounded tools must be plugged into an outlet, properly installed and grounded in accordance with
all codes and ordinances. Never remove the grounding prong or modify the plug in any way. Do
not use any adapter plugs. Check with UL approved tester or a qualified electrician if you are in
doubt as to whether the outlet is properly grounded. If the tool should electrically malfunction or break
down, grounding provides a low resistance path to carry electricity away from the user.
• Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators.
There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
• Don’t 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 to carry the tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately.
Damaged cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These
cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric shock.
• Use only three-wire extension cords which have three-prong grounding plugs and three-pole
receptacles which accept the tool’s plug. Use of other extension cords will not ground the tool and
increase the risk of electric shock.

• Use proper extension cords. Insufficient conductor size will cause excessive voltage drop and loss of
power.
• Before using, test the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) provided with the power cord to
insure it is operating correctly. GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
• Extension cords are not recommended unless they are plugged into a Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) found in circuit boxes or outlet receptacles. The GFCI on the machine power cord
will not prevent electric shock from the extension cords.
• Keep all electric connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch plugs or tools with wet hands.
Reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal Safety
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not
use tool while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing,
and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off before plugging in. Plugging in tools that have the
switch on invites accidents.
• Remove adjusting keys or switches before turning the tool on. A wrench or key that is left attached to
a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables
better control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Tool Use and Care
• Use clamp or other practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and may lead to loss of control.
• Do not force tool. Use the correct 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 tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing the tool. Such preventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
• Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the
hands of untrained users.
• Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained tools, with sharp
cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts, and any other condition that
may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained tools.
• Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that
may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous when used on another tool.
• Keep handles dry and clean; free from oil and grease. Allows for better control of the tool.
Service
• Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service or maintenance
performed by unqualified repair personnel could result in injury.

• When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance
section of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may
create a risk of electric shock or injury.
Specific Safety Information
• Wear leather gloves provided with the machine. Never grasp a rotating cable with a rag or cloth
glove. Could become wrapped around cable and cause serious injury.
• Never operate machine with belt guard removed. Fingers can get caught between belt and pulley.
• Do not overstress cables. Keep gloved hand on the cable for control when machine is running.
Overstressing cables because of an obstruction may cause twisting, kinking, or breaking of the cable and
may result in serious injury.
• Position machine within two feet of drain opening. Greater distances can result in cable twisting or
kinking.
• Machine is designed for one-person operation. Operator must control foot switch and cable.
• Do not operate machine in reverse (REV). Operating machine in reverse can result in cable damage
and is used only to back cutting tool out of an obstruction.
• Keep hands away from rotating drum and distributor tube. Do not reach into drum unless machine
is unplugged. 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 skin and eyes. 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.
GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER (GFCI)
Your machine is equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, which protects you against shock if a short
circuit should occur. Check that receptacle is properly grounded. Test the GFCI before each use.
1. Plug into 120-volt receptacle.
2. Push test button. Indicator light will go out and power to machine should cut off.
3. If light does not go out when test button is pushed, equipment should not be used until proper repairs can
be made.
4. To restore power after test, push reset button. With the reset button depressed, if the machine doesn't
start, stops while running, or if the operator experiences a mild shock, do not use the machine! Take it to
a motor repair center or return it to the factory for repairs.
Note: The section of cord between the wall plug and the GFCI is not in the protected circuit.

CABLE APPLICATIONS (Table 1)
Cable Size Pipe Size Typical Applications
1/2" 3" to 4" Roof Stacks and Small Floor Drains (No roots)
3/8" 2" to 3" Roof Stacks, Laundry Lines and Small Drains
*5/16" 1-1/2" to 2" Sinks, Basins and Small Drains
*1/4" 1-1/4" to 2" Small Lines, Tubs and Shower Drains
*The 1/4" and 5/16" diameter cables are for use with the J-Drum and Dual Drum.
CUTTER APPLICATIONS (Table 2)
Cutter Catalog # Typical Applications
Arrow Head AH Starting tool, ideal for cutting and scraping.
Boring Gimlet BG Starting tool, to remove loose objects.
1-1/2” U-Cutter 1-1/2UC Finishing tool, works well in grease stoppages.
2” Side Cutter Blade 2SCB Finishing tool, for scraping inside edges of pipe.
Note: There are no fixed rules for what cutter to use. If one tool doesn't take care of a stoppage,
simply try another.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
SET-UP
1. Place machine within approximately two feet of drain opening. Be sure the Mini-Rooter XP Guide Tube
(XP-GT) is in place. If you can’t place the machine this close to the drain opening, run the cable through
the optional Guide Tube Extension (GTE) or a metal guide tube to prevent cable whipping. On manual
feed machines, always keep a gloved hand on the cable.
2. Position the foot pedal for easy accessibility. The machine is designed for one-person operation. Be sure
you can quickly remove your foot from the pedal in an emergency.
3. Be sure the motor switch is in the off position.
4. Select the proper cutting tool (See Cutter Application Chart—Table 2). A good tool to start with is the
Arrow Head or Boring Gimlet. After the line is opened, follow with larger blades, which scrape the inside
edges of the pipe, assuring a real cleaning job.
5. Insert the cutter into the female connector at the end of the 3/8" or 1/2" cable and tighten the connecting
screw and lock washer firmly in place.
OPERATION
1. Begin by pulling the cable from the drum and sliding it into the drain as far as it will go.
2. Tighten the knob at the top of the Power Cable Feed so that the feed roller presses against the cable. Be
sure not to over tighten since this could cause excess cable wear. Note: The Power Cable Feed is
designed for use with 1/2” and 3/8” cables only.
3. The feed lever controls the feeding rate and direction of the cable. Move the lever down to feed
the cable out of the drum. The further the lever is moved downward, the faster the cable will feed
out. Move the lever up to retract the cable into the drum. When the lever is in the middle (neutral)
position, the cable will spin in place.
4. Move the motor switch to the forward position. Then with a gloved hand on the guide tube or cable,
depress the air foot pedal to start machine.

5. Feed the cable into the line and against the obstruction with a firm, even pressure. Adjust the feeding rate
to the resistance met. Do not force the cable – let the cutter do the work. The job won’t get done any
faster and you could damage the cable.
DO NOT FORCE THE CABLE - LET THE CUTTER DO THE WORK.
6. Don't 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 pressure on the foot pedal and rotate the drum in the opposite direction to
relieve the twist on the cable. Push any excess cable back into the drum and then continue.
7. If you're having trouble getting around tight bends, try putting the machine in reverse while applying steady
pressure. Don't do this for more than a few seconds at a time since this could cause tangling in the drum
or kinking.
8. If you still can't get around the bend, you're probably using too large a cable. Switch to a 3/8" diameter
cable, or even a smaller one if necessary. (See Cable Application Chart—Table 1)
9. When the cable reaches the stoppage, put feed in neutral. Then allow the cable to progress forward
slowly, chewing into the stoppage as it goes. This slow forward movement will reduce stress on the cable
while doing a more thorough cleaning job. A back and forth action often works best.
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.
10. Be careful not to let the cutter get caught in the stoppage as you work through it. This can cause kinking
and breaking of the cable. When you feel the cable starting to twist in your hands, stop the machine and
pull back on the cable. This will free the cutter from the obstruction. Then allow the cable to move forward
slowly into the stoppage. Remember, no cutting takes place when the blades stop turning.
11. After the line has been opened, return the cable to the drum with the motor turning forward. This is
important to prevent the cable from tangling in the drum or in the line.
Caution: Do not use reverse to pull the cable out of the drain. Always run the machine in forward, whether
you are feeding the cable into the line or pulling it out. Use reverse only to release the cable should it become
caught in the line.
12. When the cutting tool is near the drain opening, take your foot off the pedal to stop drum rotation. Never
retract the cutting tool from drain while cable is rotating. The cable could whip and cause serious injury.
SPECIAL OPERATIONS
IF CABLE GETS CAUGHT IN LINE
The motor can be reversed to free cable if it gets caught in the line. Use the following procedure:
1. Move the toggle switch on motor to reverse position.
2. Pull the cable out of the drain while the drum is rotating in reverse.
3. When the cable has been freed, move the toggle switch to the forward position.
Note: Do not run motor in reverse for more than a few seconds at a time since this could cause tangling in the
drum or kinking.
IF CABLE TANGLES IN DRUM
This is caused by using too much pressure when feeding the cable or by feeding the cable while running the
machine in reverse. To untangle cable, rotate drum in opposite direction. This will usually get the cable to lie
in the drum properly.
If cable has become severely tangled, which shouldn’t occur if used properly, it can be straightened out by
removing the distributor tube from the drum. To do this:
1. Loosen the four bolts that hold the distributor tube cone on the front of the drum.
2. Pull the cone and distributor tube forward, then pull the tangled portion of the cable out of drum.

3. After the cable has been straightened out, slide the distributor tube and cone back along the cable until it
can be repositioned and bolted to the front of the drum.
4. Then, push the excess cable back into the drum.
HOW TO REMOVE DRUM FROM MACHINE
1. Loosen front post knob and swing Power Cable Feed out of the way.
2. Push down on the spring-loaded motor and slide the V-Belt off the back of the drum.
3. Reach behind the drum and locate the drum-retaining latch. Pull the latch to release the drum shaft, then
pull the drum forward off of the machine.
4. To install the drum, simply slide drum onto machine. The latch will lock automatically.
5. Remove the belt guard by loosening retaining knob on top. Position the V-Belt around the drum, then
press down on the motor and slip V-belt onto the pulley. Be sure to reattach the belt guard.
6. Reposition the Power Cable Feed and tighten knob at base of front post.
HOW TO INSTALL 1/2" AND 3/8" CABLES IN DRUM
To install cable in the drum, simply connect the male end of the cable to the drum connecting cable, which is
already attached to the drum. Then remove the drum V-Belt and turn the drum clockwise, while pushing the
cable into the drum.
Note: The cable should lay in the drum in a clockwise direction.
ACCESSORIES
HOW TO USE J-DRUM (OPTIONAL)
The J-Drum holds 50 feet of 1/4” or 5/16” cable to be used when you need to clear smaller
1-1/4” to 2” lines. These cables have a basin plug head that can be spun through most strainer crossbars.
(See Cable Application Chart—Table 1)
1. To install cable, open chuck jaws fully so that cable will pass through easily.
2. Slide the back end of the cable (opposite to the end with basin head) through spout and into the drum.
The cable will be easier to install if you bend the last inch of cable at a 45-degree angle.
3. When working through difficult stoppages or tight bends, tighten the chuck to provide more torque and to
prevent the cable from tangling in the drum.
4. Clean and lubricate chuck regularly to prevent corrosion.
HOW TO USE DUAL-DRUM (OPTIONAL)
The Dual-Drum holds two different diameter cables at the same time. Inner and outer drum compartments
protect the cable from tangling. You can easily switch from 1/4” to 5/16” or 3/8” cables without removing either
one from the drum.
1. Install 1/4” cable into the Dual-Drum by sliding the back end of the cable (opposite to end with basin
head) through spout and into the inner drum. The cable will be easier to install if you bend the last
inch of cable at a 45-degree angle.
2. Install the 5/16” or 3/8” cable into the outer drum by sliding the back end of the cable (opposite to the
end with the Female connector) through the spout. Reach one hand into the drum through one of the
three ports in the face of the drum and pull the cable end to the left side of the outer drum. Then push
another two feet of cable into the drum while pulling the cable downward to form a loop. The cable
should lay in the drum in a clockwise direction.
Note: Use HE cables only in Dual-Drum—not EM cables.
3. Select the appropriate cable for the line you are working on. (See Cable Application Chart—Table 1)
If a 1/4” cable is required, reach into the Dual-Drum and pull the cable out of the inner drum and
through the spout. If a larger cable is required, slide 1/4” cable back though spout, then reach into the
drum and pull the 5/16” or 3/8” cable from the outer drum through the spout.

4. Each of the cables can be “chucked” in place to provide more torque by pressing the knurled knob against
the spring and tightening it against the cable.
MAINTENANCE
To keep your machine operating smoothly, it is essential that all bearings and distributor tube bushings be
lubricated. Oiling moving parts is particularly important where machine comes in contact with sand, grit and
other abrasive material.
CABLE MAINTENANCE
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 disinfects and 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 the following possibilities:
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:
1. Remove the feed tension knob, springs and spring plunger. Note the positioning of these parts to ease re-
assembly. The top roller can now be removed.
2. Remove the snap rings and thrust washers from the bottom housing cylinders. The bottom rollers can now
be removed.
3. Re-assembly is done in reverse order.
DAMAGED ROLLER: Excessive use may wear a roller to the point of failure. It is recommended that all three
rollers be replaced at the same time (Cat # PO-MR-703).
TANGLED CABLE: If a cable loops over itself in the drum, it will not feed properly. Remove and reload the
cable by hand to restore function. If the cable kinks, it is evidence of abuse and results from the use of too
much pressure or use of the wrong size cable for the line. Do not force the cable—Let the cutter do the work.

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.
Allow no more than two feet 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
drum
Operator forcing the cable. Do not force the cable. Let the cutter do
the work.
Machine running in reverse. Do not run the machine in reverse to
retract the cable from the drain.
Distributor tube frozen. Lubricate distributor tube bushings.
Drum stops while
foot pedal
depressed.
Hole in pedal or hose. Replace as required.
Hole in diaphragm switch If no hole found in pedal or hose,
replace diaphragm switch.
Drum turns in one
direction but not
other.
Reverse switch failure. Replace reverse switch.
Ground fault circuit
interrupter trips and
will not reset.
Damaged power cord or
extension cord.
Replace cords.
Short circuit in motor. Take motor to authorized repair center.
Faulty ground fault circuit
interrupter
Replace ground fault circuit interrupter.
Motor turns but
cage does not.
Safety Slip Clutch engaged. Do not force cable.
Failure to feed Cable tangled in drum. Do not run machine in reverse. Use
proper cable size. (Consult Cable
Application Chart—Table 1).
Feed misadjusted If feed tension knob is too loose the
cable will slip. If it is too tight the feed
rollers will wear prematurely.
Feed roller frozen. Clean and lubricate feed rollers
regularly. Replace worn rollers.
Worn cable. When cable coils wear flat, cable should
be replaced.
General Wire Spring Co.
1101 Thompson Avenue
McKees Rocks, PA 15136
C-XPOI-06/02