Virax VAL 80 User manual

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VAL 80 MANUAL DRAIN
CLEANING MACHINE ref.2912 00
For drains from 30 to 100 mm
We strongly recommend that you read these instructions carefully before using the drain cleaning machine.
VIRAX VAL 80. This will help you make the best and most efficient use of it.
The non-respect of these instructions may lead to personal injury and/or damaged equipment.
• Be sure that the appliance is connected to a properly earthed mains power supply.If in
doubt check the plug before connecting. Be sure that the power cable is intact and not damaged
in anyway.
Safety notice
• Use a correctly earthed extension lead when themachine's power cable is too short. The use of
an inferior extension lead may lead to loss in power and thus motor over-heating.
• If the working area is wet wear rubber boots and glove inserts. The machine must not be
operated whilst the operator is standing in water.
• This equipment is designed for operation by no more than one person.
• Wear eye protection when using the machine.
• Leather gloves, not fabric ones, must be worn when manipulating the cable. Fabric gloves
may be caught in the spirals of the cable as it rotates.
• Neutralise or remove any chemical drain cleaning products present in the drain before starting.
Exposure to such products may injure the operator and damage the cable.
• Before starting insure that the cable in the drum is neither broken nor twisted by pulling out the
cable and checking for signs of wear or breakage.
Always replace worn (twisted or broken) cables with official VIRAX spare-parts.
Cable usage table
6.35 and 8 mm cables must be used with drum ref: 2912 23
Ø cable
(mm) Ø drain (mm) Usage
6.35 30 to 50 Sinks, baths and shower waste
water pipes
840 to 50 Sinks, baths and shower waste
water pipes
9.5 50 to 75 Down-spouts and smaller waste
water pipes
12.7 75 to 100 Down-spouts and smaller waste
water pipes

There is a choice of available blades:
Blades
There are no set rules concerning the type of blade to be used in any situation. If a blade does not clear an
obstruction, try another.
Locate the machine about 60cm from the drain access. If it is not possible to get that close, pass the cable through
a flexible or metal pipe to prevent the cable from whipping under pressure.
Operation
Insert the blade into the female connector (for 9.5 and 12.77 mm cables) at the front-end of the cable and
securely tighten the connection ring and the stop washer. It is recommended to start with the arrowhead or
spiral blade. Once the drain is cleared continue with the larger blades in order to scrape the insides of the pipe in
order to properly finish the job.
Place the cable inside the drain-pipe before applying pressure to the pedal. Be sure that the motor control
switch is in the forward position.
IMPORTANT:Always keep two hands on the cable, such as to guide the cable inside the drain towards the
obstruction with a firm and constant pressure.
DO NOT FORCE IT - LET THE BLADE DO THE WORK.
The cable must not be too loose, this will cause it to whip. If the cable starts to twist or coil up on itself release the
pedal and turn the drum to reel the cable back in and clear the coiled up cable. Reel any loose cable back into the
drum.
When working with ground level siphons it is best to run a small amount of water whilst the machine is running to
clear any debris.
If you have any problems with bends in the pipe put the machine into reverse whilst maintaining constant pressure
on the cable. This should not be done for more than afew seconds at a time since it may lead to cable whipping or
coiling.
If you still have trouble getting past a bend the cable is probably too large. Use a 6.35 or 8 mm cable.
Once the drain is cleared reel the cable back in with the machine operating in forward mode. It is very
important that the cable does not get entangled either in the drum or the pipe.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VAL 80 MANUAL DRAIN
CLEANING MACHINE ref.2912 00
2912 17 arrowhead Starting tool, ideal for cutting and scraping
2912 13 spiral Starting tool, for removing objects
2912 11 Half-moon blade Finishing tool, perfect for fatty obstructions
2912 18 50mm side blade Finishing tool, to clear the interior of the
drainpipes

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VAL 80 MANUAL DRAIN
CLEANING MACHINE ref.2912 00
The motor can be run in reverse mode to free the cable should it become stuck in the pipe. Use the following
procedure:
Cable stuck in the pipe
1. Set the motor control switch to reverse position.
2. Pull the cable as the drum turns in reverse.
3. Once the cable is free return the motor control switch to forward mode.
This happens often when there is an excess of pressure applied on the cable when advancing or if the cable is
advancing with the machine in reverse mode. Turn the drum in the reverse direction to untangle the cable. If the
cable becomes excessively tangled, which should not happen if the machine is being used correctly, it may be
necessary to disconnect the distribution tube from the machine. The distribution tube is the curved hose that guides
the cable from the drum to the front of the machine.
Cable tangled in the drum
Remove it by unscrewing the bolts that hold the distribution tube funnel onto the front of the drum. Pull the funnel and
the distribution tube towards forwards then remove the tangled cable from the drum.
Once the cable has been untangled slide thefunnel and distribution tube along the cable until it can be returned to its
original position and bolted to the front of the drum. Then roll any excess cable back on to the drum.
1. There is a connector inside the drum which receives the rear-end of the cables. Turn the drum until this
connector is at the bottom.
How to install 12.7 and 9.5 mm cables on the drum
2. Position the cable distributor tube such that it is curved to wards the bottom.
3. Insert the cable into the drum until it is wound around it for almost an entire turn.
4. Reach inside the drum and connect the cable to the connector.
5. Remove the the drive belt and turn the reel clockwise with one hand whist feeding the cable into the drum with
the other.
1. Remove the drive belt. You may relieve tension on the belt by applying pressure to the motor which is
spring-mounted.
How to remove the drum from the machine
2. Locate the holding latch behind the drum. Pull the drum forwards, whilst pulling on this latch to remove it from
the machine.
3. The drum can be replaced by repeating these manoeuvres in reverse order.

The 2912 23 drum isfor use with 6.35 or 8 mmcables. These cable are fitted with a sink U-bend head
that can pass through most U-bend fittings.
How to use the 2912 23 drum
To install the cable, fully open the jaws of the chuck such that the cable may pass freely.
Tighten the chuck when working on difficult obstructions or tight bends to avoid the cable becoming
entangled inside the drum.
Regularly clean and lubricate the chuck against rust.
For your machine to function correctly, it is essential that all bearings and cables are lubricated with
VIRAX 290400 specific drain cleaning machine oil. It is especially important to lubricate all moving
parts when the machine is used in an environment where sand, dirt or other abrasive materials are
present.
Maintenance
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE VAL 80 MANUAL DRAIN
CLEANING MACHINE ref.2912 00