For one thing, juries are unpredictable. If your business gets sued, it may be socked with a huge verdict. In addition, because of the time, energy and money it takes to defend a case, even if you win you lose.

And plaintiffs often fare as badly as defendants. Either side in a lawsuit can look forward to long sessions in a lawyer’s office. Pre-trial discovery – the process that lawyers use to learn about the opponent’s case – will gobble up additional hours. And you’ll probably need to answer lengthy written questions and be cross-examined at a deposition.

Even if the case gets settled before trial, your bank account will feel the strain. Perhaps worst of all, you’ll be surprisingly distracted from your normal business duties. It’s smart to stay out of court. True, it’s not possible to avoid all lawsuits. But with a bit of planning, your business can come close. Here’s a 12-point strategy that can help.

1. Watch what you say. If you make negative statements about an employee or customer, you can be sued for libel or slander – or even invasion of privacy or intentional infliction of mental distress. If you badmouth another business, you can be sued for defamation or interference with business relationships. Words have consequences. Before you speak ill of someone, be certain you have facts to back you up – and a good reason for passing along the bad news. When in doubt, clam up.

2. Put it in writing. Business deals often wind up in court because parties proceeded on only a handshake. It’s far better to summarize your deal in a written contract or letter so everyone is clear about the terms. This can help even if you and the other party know each other well and trust one another. People who act in good faith can still have poor memories. The task of writing down an agreement forces both people to think through the issues and to resolve differences before they become a problem. Don’t assume you and the other person see things the same way.

3. Do a safety check. Lawsuits by people who have been injured at someone’s store, office or workshop are common. Even if you have a ton of insurance, you shouldn’t ignore hazardous conditions. The insurance will pay the injured person’s claim – up to the policy limits – but won’t compensate you for your time and effort in helping defend against the claim. Check periodi­cally for dangers in your workplace. Visitors can slip and fall on a wet floor or trip over a cord. Poor lighting can increase the risk of an injury. Your insurance company can recommend a safety checklist for your business.

4. Read your lease. Make sure all the terms are clear before you sign it. You don’t want to litigate with your land­lord about whether you can expand your product line or the services you offer. And questions about the rental rate if you renew your lease or who pays for replacing the boiler should be answered in the lease – not in a courtroom.

5. Use care in collecting debts. Laws protecting consum­ers contain pitfalls for the unwary business. Push too hard for payment from a slow-paying customer and you can wind up as a defendant in a lawsuit. Avoid early morning or late night calls, and don’t discuss the debt with the customer’s employer. If the debtor has a lawyer, deal through the lawyer. A simple way to steer clear of collection problems is to not extend credit at all, but accept charge cards instead. It costs a bit, but shifts the burden of collection to the charge card company.

6. Think twice before fighting unemployment claims. Most employers hate to see an ex-employee file for unemployment benefits so their first impulse is to fight the claim. Resist that impulse. The unemployment laws strongly favor employees so usually it’s a big waste of time to fight the claim. Besides, battling the ex-employee may increase the bitterness of a job loss and nudge the former worker into suing you for wrongful discharge. Use discretion. Fight claims only if you have a very good chance of winning. Even then it may not be worth it.

7. Check out land use regulations. A zoning ordinance tells what kind of business you can conduct at a given location. If you violate the ordinance, the city can take you to court to close you down. There are also private rules known as deed restrictions or conditions, covenants and restrictions. These allow neighboring property owners to take you to court for violations. Make sure your business complies with these public and private regulations.

8. Plan for the business divorce. The breakup of a relationship with a co-owner can be as devastating and costly as the breakup of a marriage. You and the co-owners of your busi­ness should have a written agreement saying what happens if you can no longer agree on how to run the business – or if one of you dies or wants to sell out.

9. Update your employment practices. In recent years, some of the most expensive litigation has involved an employee’s claims that he or she was unjustly fired. Don’t promise job security unless you intend to follow through. And give employees ample notice if their performance is slipping and their jobs are in jeopardy. A firing shouldn’t come as a surprise. If you document warnings in an employee’s file, you greatly reduce the risk of being sued. To avoid discrimination charges, enforce your rules equally.

10. Choose your business name carefully. Check business names in your county and state to make sure another business didn’t get there first. If the name has special value or you’re planning to do business in more than one state, it pays to have a national name search made. You don’t want to have to go to court to defend your business name.

11. Consider alternative dispute resolution. Think about putting an arbitration clause in all contracts. Arbitration is usually quicker and less expensive than litigation for resolving business disputes. If you don’t have an arbitration clause in a contract, you and the other party can always agree to arbitration after the dispute arises. Mediation, too, can help. Although mediation isn’t binding on either party, an experienced mediator can usually settle a dispute.

12. Get preventive legal advice. It’s less expensive to get legal advice before a problem arises than afterward. Keep your lawyer informed of your business plans and seek advice if you think you’re getting into a sensitive area. Educate yourself on legal issues by taking a course at a community college or by checking out a book or two at your local library. Scan the newspaper for trends in business law.

Building and growing a business based on word-of-mouth speaks highly of Bastrop Tank Wash. Of course, word-of-mouth goes both ways – negative impressions can bury a business.

That’s why it’s important to treat every job as if it’s your most important one and to not let potential profits from a single job cloud your long-term perspective. Here’s a great example.

My sister was selling her house in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. After accepting an offer, the buyer requested the usual inspections to make sure everything was in good order. Unfortunately, after video inspection of the sewer lateral, the inspector told the buyer the clay pipe was cracked and choked with roots and had to be replaced at a cost of $10,000.

After much wrangling between buyer, seller and their real estate agents, my sister sought a second opinion. The second contractor reviewed the video and determined the line to be in decent condition and replacement unnecessary.

More wrangling ensued. The buyer was not satisfied and wanted the lateral replaced. Finally, to facilitate the sale and be done with the headaches, my sister agreed to replace the line, but she went with the second contractor who quoted only about $5,000.

While the work crew was setting up, the owner of the company televised the line again to make sure they knew its path from the house to the main out in the street. He discovered there were several bends in the pipe that routed it around the side of the house and under the driveway – there had been no previous mention of having to tear up the driveway – on its way to the main. The video showed some very minor cracks and almost no root intrusion.

Armed with even more evidence of the lateral’s true condition, the contractor told his crew to stop working. He contacted my sister, assured her there was no need to replace the lateral, and told her he would gladly put it in writing. That ultimately satisfied the buyer.

My sister ended up with a modest bill for the contractor’s work that morning but saved thousands over the replacement cost. The contractor lost out on thousands, but he gained respect and the promise of good referrals, which will likely be worth far more than a single lateral replacement job. He understood the big picture: It was wrong to do unnecessary work, and his reputation held far more value than a single job.

That’s an ethic and an understanding that all contractors should have, and it’s a business practice that can multiply success. Here’s hoping all of you can meet that same standard and propel your businesses to greater heights.

Enjoy this month’s issue.

StoneAge Inc. expanded its dealer model, offering products for sale only through its distribution network. The tools division includes waterblast tools and mechanized systems, Warthog sewer cleaning tools and SpinCat downhole cleaning tools.

Schier releases 2012 catalog

The 2012 Schier Products catalog offers equipment for the interception of grease, oil, solids and chemicals. It also provides detailed code digests and sizing guidelines. Copies are available at www.schierproducts.com/literature.html.

IVIS Inc. joins NORDPIPE group

IVIS Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, became the fifth installation partner for NORDPIPE, a trenchless technology for the rehabilitation of water mains. IVIS provides inspection, cleaning, rehabilitation, excavation and underground utilities locating.

Footage awarded quality standard

Footage Tools Inc. was awarded the ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 Rev C quality standard.

Precision Lift receives product award

Precision Lift System received the Industry Choice Award in the Demolition and Repair Tools and Materials category of the World of Concrete’s Most Innovative Product competition. Precision Lift is a compact slab lifting system.

Vac-Con manufactures 6,000th unit

Vac-Con Inc. manufactured its 6,000th unit, a custom built, dual-blower XX-Cavator, completed in March. The machine was built for Multi-Construction Services of Gotmley, Ontario, and is the fourth of its kind.

Draincables Direct 2012 catalog

Draincables Direct released its 2012 product catalog. In addition to drain cables, the catalog contains information on cable accessories, including blades, holders, gloves, jetter hoses and nozzles.

At one point, Meeks employed 166. Today the company offers services to a broad range of customers with 19 technicians and 19 service vans, a combination truck, jetters and several excavators. On-site leak detection comprises a growing portion of their daily business.

Contract work has been vital to the success of Meeks Plumbing during a challenging time. They have provided service to municipalities for the past eight years and local school boards for 14 years. The company started out doing strictly new construction and began serving property management companies when they added plumbing services two years later in 1984. These important clients, along with traditional residential and commercial customers, have been a sustaining force for the business, keeping the doors open, phones ringing and the service vans on the road.

In 2003, Meeks saw another opportunity and added septic and grease service to the menu, as this provided another avenue to service the needs of their broad and expanding customer base.

More recent expansion in 2007 included the purchase of a Vac-Con vacuum truck, which has provided the opportunity to use hydroexcavation in situations where sewer lines must be uncovered without disturbing other utilities.

Attracting big clients

Ronnie Meeks considers the company’s contracts with the municipalities of Indian River County and St. Lucie County an essential component of his business. While not a large piece of the puzzle, they have a running purchase order with Indian River, where they basically provide emergency service to fire stations and handle backflow prevention work. They also handle Backflow Certification and repairs, in addition to plumbing problems and catch basin cleaning.

Meeks also has a contract for services with the City of Fort Pierce for backup services. “They often can fix a problem, but when they can’t get it fixed themselves, they will call us,” Meeks says. “They use us if their machines are down.”

Their work with municipalities, school districts, and property management firms and other commercial jobs now represent about 40 percent of their plumbing and drain business. Residential accounts for 35 percent of business, while the vac truck represents another 5 percent. The rest is comprised of septic and grease pumping and new construction.

“With residential customers, and we have a lot of those, we are not in the home on a regular basis. It might be once or even twice a year,” Meeks says. “With the other entities we serve we have a lot more interaction. These jobs separate the competition, because you have to have bigger equipment and be more specialized in order to handle the needs. Most plumbing companies do residential service, and don’t have the kind of equipment needed.”

In the classroom/on the property

Meeks general manager Scott Buday says services for school boards include work at public, charter and private schools. These are large districts, sometimes with 20 or 30 or even 40 schools, and they can run up to 20 acres on a site.

For larger school jobs, they like to visit the property before making a bid. For emergency work that isn’t necessary, as they have been working with the school properties for many years and are familiar with the situations.

“We can act pretty quickly and it’s easy for us to understand the needs of these customers,” Buday says.

At the private Saint Edward’s School, in Vero Beach, Meeks Plumbing provides most of the plumbing service work. They also clean storm drains and collect from grease traps.

“We have associations with school boards in Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County,” Buday says. “The school districts are always building new schools and tearing down old buildings. But the older buildings not replaced do need our services. We will go in and look for broken lines. We do a lot of jetting of sanitary lines and deal with mainline stoppages. We do repairs on roof drains. We have issues with roof drains because a hurricane can come through and wreak havoc. Roofs are always a concern. We will replace lines when we find leaks. We also do some catch basin work with the schools.”

Buday notes that with the current economy, the school boards want to make necessary and adequate repairs, but they also keep a close eye on how a contractor goes about the work and the charges.

“They scrutinize how you do your billing and your pricing,” Buday says. “They want it spelled out clearly as to costs. They want to take care of the kids in school, but their budgets are greatly reduced.”

He explains that the school districts select three approved vendors they will do business with each year. Bids are submitted, and the district will chose a number one, a number two, and a number three contractor. Sometimes the number one contractor will have a lower price, but the least equipment and thus the least capability to perform some functions. Number two on the list might have more capability, and the third contractor could offer the widest range of services. The job itself usually determines which contractor gets the call. With emergency calls, districts will also consider past performance, pricing and type of equipment available.

Buday says that there are several things they take into consideration for preparing a special bid for a school district, including required time, materials, location of the school and when they want the work done.

“A lot of times we can’t work while school is in session. We might have to work late at night. A lot of it is timing more than anything. It depends on lead time – that might be two or three weeks.”

Tapping into tourist trade

Work with property management companies rounds out the specialty market for Meeks Plumbing, which has benefitted significantly from the addition of the Vac-Con.

Meeks says this is not conventional or typical plumbing service as these management companies cover everything from major hotels and condominiums to mobile home parks, and properties have to be maintained in excellent condition. The associations keep a close eye on the management companies.

“Very high end – very expensive,” Meeks notes. “Some of the companies represent at least 1,000 units. Some issues we deal with are broken lines, sewer mains, catch basins. This is much more than basic residential service.”

Meeks operates a fleet of 19 Dodge Sprinter super extended diesel vans, from 2003 to 2008. He particularly likes low mileage vehicles of this vintage as they offer better fuel economy than newer models. He says they are all single axle.

The Vac-Con is a 2002 International, and has a positive displacement blower with a 1,300-gallon water tank and an 11-yard debris tank. The water pump is rated at 2,500 psi/80 gpm. Their two pump trucks include a 2004 Peterbilt with a 3,600-gallon tank from Transway Systems, and a 1995 Ford L8000 with a 2,000-gallon steel tank.

Two Spartan jetters, a 758 Hydro-Jet and a 717 Electric Mini-Jet, and cameras from General Pipe Cleaners, MyTana, Ratech and RIDGID round out the inspection equipment. For locating they use five MyTana LD30 leak detector units, one RIDGID NaviTrack Scout and one NaviTrack 11.

They also utilize five Bobcat trackhoes, a Bobcat skid-steer loader, a Volvo EC35 mini excavator and a Ford 655C Extend-A-Hoe.

Dig and deliver

Meeks says they keep their excavators active because they fix spot repairs the old fashioned way, as lines are not buried deeply. They can be exposed expeditiously without the need to shore trenches for safety reasons, but when there is the possibility of running into telephone, electric, cable or other lines they turn to hydroexcavation to expose and repair.

Soils tend to be sandy in the areas they serve, but also they find Caprock in some regions, which is similar to limestone. Where they have to deal with Caprock they sometimes have to use a jackhammer, as it is “tedious” to work with, according to Meeks. He says this rock is primarily in the intercoastal areas, and they usually see softer terrain in other areas. The pipes are typically PVC Schedule 40, concrete, cast iron, old terra-cotta and some Orangeburg. They replace the old pipes with Schedule 40 and SDR 35.

Kyle Meeks, who joined his father’s company in 2005, has been the sole operator of the Vac-Con since that technology was added, but always has another helper with him. He says there was a learning curve as far as operating the system, but his skill level has grown right along with the work volume.

The elder Meeks notes that incorporating the Vac-Can was another step in rounding out the services. It allows them to respond quickly and get the job done fast, which is pleasing to both contractor and customer.

“It’s having happy customers, and having one service call create multiple service calls. We want to be on top. Our customer service and our reputation – that is what we strive for with all our customers.”

Brown purchased three Gamajet machines when she started her business in Bastrop, La., in 2007. The company uses two Gamajet V water-driven nozzles for cleaning and a Gamajet V nozzle, along with a cart-mounted Gamajet VIII, for applying a “pre-solve” (or pre-treatment) liquid chemical for tougher cleaning jobs.

The company, which cleans giant chemical trailer tankers, test-drove the Gamajets by renting them for three or four months before purchasing them. They all proved equal to the task of removing difficult-to-clean chemicals from the inside of tankers, mostly with 7,000-gallon capacities.

“We want to get trucks in and out as fast as possible,” Brown says. “On an average day, we clean anywhere from 14 to 30 tanks a day. The ‘spinners’ perform the bulk of our workload, so they are really important to our operation’s productivity and profitability. It’s far more efficient to let a machine do the majority of the work.”

The tanks carry everything from what Brown calls “lighter” chemicals, such as petroleum distillates, which don’t cling to the tanker walls, to heavier, stickier materials that she says are comparable to model-airplane glue.

“We can clean the lighter materials in a total of about 30 minutes, while the really bad stuff can take days,” she notes. “Sometimes we have to pre-solve a tank and let it sit overnight before we can clean it.”

The Gamajet machines employ two nozzles that gyrate around and up and down to spray hot water mixed with strong cleaning chemicals in a 360-degree pattern. Crews typically hook up the cleaning nozzles to a pressurized hot-water system, which helps the nozzles generate pressure of 400 psi at 21 gpm. A boiler heats water up to 220 degrees F, she says.

The Gamajet is attached to a rigid pipe that’s hooked up to a water hose. Crews use the pipe to lower the cleaning nozzles down into the tank through either a manhole (typically 24 inches in diameter) or washout holes (usually three to four inches in diameter).

Next, computerized operation allows crew members to punch in specific information about things such as the kind of chemical cleaner needed, the kind of wash required, the timing of wash and rinse cycles and so forth. A plastic shield that covers the manhole or washout holes prevents the nozzles from falling to the bottom of the tank, and also prevents water and chemicals from spurting up and out of the tank, she explains.

Brown also lauds the Gamajet because it improves safety by reducing the number of times employees must go inside the tanks. In fact, she specifically bought the pre-solve “spinner,” which can be water- or air-driven, to reduce employee in-tank exposure to the stronger chemicals and heavier fluids used by that system.

“Anytime you can minimize the time someone has to spend inside a tank, it’s better,” she notes. “At some point, someone always has to go inside the tank and make sure it’s clean. But the Gamajet greatly reduces the need for confined-space work.”

Wastewater that drains from the tanks passes through a treatment filter before being stored in a 20,000-gallon, aboveground storage tank. There it’s treated chemically until it’s safe to drain it into a city sewer line for treatment at a wastewater facility, she says.

Brown says the Gamajets her company owns provide her with the best marketing program available: word-of-mouth referrals.

“The Gamajets definitely help us obtain new business,” she says. “They ensure that we provide quality service for our customers. If we provide quality service for customers, those over-the-road drivers talk a lot to other drivers, and tell them about our service. Then those drivers, in turn, tell their dispatchers about us.

“We probably have 150 different trucking companies on our books right now,” she adds. “I don’t even do any advertising, so I know that word-of-mouth referrals are most likely generating any new business.”

Which means more trucks available for employees to take out for a “spin.”

There are two options when it comes to hiring debt recovery assistance: a debt collection agency or a lawyer who specializes in debt collection. And there are several factors to consider when choosing the option that will best serve your business.

When to hire a professional

The first consideration is the amount the delinquent customer owes. Hiring a collection professional for a minimal debt is impractical. But you have to decide what a practical cut-off amount is for your company … $100? $500? $1,000? Also consider how important it is to your business to have this particular customer pay back the debt. If it’s someone you never plan to do business with again, hire a collection professional as soon as possible. If it’s a long-term customer you’d like to retain in the future, you may want to continue trying to work out payment arrangements with them privately.

A good rule of thumb is to get serious about collections when an invoice is 90 days delinquent (120 days after it’s sent out). But the number of days isn’t the only indicator that you aren’t getting paid. Aside from missing payments, there are other warning signs a customer is not planning to pay. These include:

Relocating without submitting a change of address with the postal service

Refusing to respond to your phone calls, bills or final notice letters

Denying that he or she owes you money

Disputing the quality of service provided in an attempt to justify refusal to pay

If your debtor shows any of these signs, you may not want to wait past 30 days to hire a collection professional. Time is of the essence because, in general, after three months you can expect to collect only about 75 cents of every dollar owed. After six months the amount drops to about half. After a year you’re lucky to get a quarter of the delinquent amount.

The collection agency route

Collection agencies essentially do the same things you do when a customer is delinquent – make calls and send letters – however, they have the time, personnel, equipment and technology to do it efficiently and effectively.

When it comes to technology, make sure the collection agency you hire employs skip tracing. This means if your debtor moved without leaving a forwarding address and has disconnected the telephone, the collection agency can access databases to locate them.

Also make sure the agency you are considering is licensed in the states where the debtor is located. You don’t want your debt illegally collected through an unlicensed agency.

Finally, verify the collection agency has errors and omissions insurance. This protects you and the collection agency if a debtor sues over tactics used to collect on behalf of your business.

The cost of hiring a collection agency varies, depending on the amount of business you bring them as well as the amount of debt in question. Most agencies keep 25 to 30 percent of the amount they collect, but it can go as high as 50 percent.

The collection attorney option

The main difference between a collection agency and a debt collection attorney is that the latter can ultimately take your delinquent customer to court. If the debt is large enough to sue over and you are willing to go the distance and take the delinquent client to court, hiring a collection attorney from the beginning makes sense.

A collection attorney may charge an hourly fee, retain about one-third of the amount recovered, or both. Some attorneys have a set minimum fee, or require the debt be of a minimum amount. Court-related fees and any other charges related to a lawsuit will be your responsibility. Considering this, if you’re not willing to take your customers to court over a past-due account, then there’s probably no reason to hire a debt collection attorney.

More about costs

Before you hire either a collection agency or collection attorney, ask firms you are considering to provide a client list. It may be a benefit to you if they have other clients in industries similar to yours. Meet the owner or manager of the collection agency, or the partner in the law firm before you decide. Consider their success rate, any upfront or hourly fees and the percentage of collections they retain.

If an agency’s success rate is 70 percent, meaning they collect 70 percent of every dollar they go after, plus they retain 20 percent of any amount they collect, and you hire them to help collect a $20,000 debt, they’ll retain $2,800 ($20,000 x 70% = $14,000 x 20% = $2,800). In other words, probably the most you can expect to recover of a $20,000 debt you put in this agency’s hands is $11,200.

To avoid any surprises, get rates in writing up front. It’s not always wise to base your decision on which firm comes in with the lowest rates, however. There is an argument to be made that the agency that keeps a higher percentage of any debt they recover will be the more motivated to bring in cash.

Problem

A 2-inch PVC pipe almost 200 feet long in the fabrication shop of Ringling Brothers Circus in Palmetto, Fla., was full of sludge and dried paint.

Solution

Officials called Richard Baron of Baron’s Jet Tec in Sarasota. He used a Warthog WV 1/4-inch nozzle from StoneAge, operating at 4,000 psi and fed from 200 feet of 1/4-inch hose and 500 feet of 1/2-inch hose. Baron cleaned the first 25-foot section in one pass. The 60-foot section with a 45-degree elbow required two sweeps 25 feet apart.

Result

Baron cleaned the line in 68 minutes. 866/795-1586; www.sewernozzles.com.

Max Flow trailer-mounted jetters from Amazing Machinery are available with a single jetter hose for large lines or dual jetter hose for large and small lines. The single-hose system operates with 1/2-inch hose while the dual jetter operates with 3/8- to 1/2-inch hose. All models are equipped with a rear-mounted 12V electric jetter hose reel. The jetters include curbside-mounted jetting controls, water fill tube and fender-mounted toolbox, heavy-duty trailer, compact design, and large water supply tank. 800/504-7435; www.amazingmachinery.com.

Diamond cutter

The Diamond Tap Cutter from Cloverleaf Tool cuts cast iron and clay pipe taps in 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 15- and 18-inch sewer lines. All cutters are available from stock. The 15- and 18-inch units are special order. 800/365-6583; www.cloverleaftool.com.

Rotating nozzle

The Rotodrill nozzle from Enz USA features a rotating front jet for improved cutting performance. The nozzle clears blocked and frozen pipes and moves heavy debris. It has high-quality propulsion and can be used in hydroexcavation by plugging the thrust jets. The nozzle is available in 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-inch systems. 877/369-8721; www.enzusainc.com.

Cleaning solution

The Gamajet VIII offers a fast and safe, 12-minute solution to cleaning wet wells, lift stations and manholes. Municipalities and contractors can lower the unit into any vessel for a quick and easy, hands-free cleaning. The process includes connecting the unit to a hose, connecting the hose to a hydrant, pump or jetter, lowering the unit in the vessel, and turning on the pump. The unit is dynamically balanced and will remain in the center of the vessel while blasting grease and residue from the surface, creating pumpable slurry. 610/408-9940; www.gamajet.com.

Combo unit

The MC Advanced Series combo unit from GapVax includes a monitoring system allowing the operator to observe and troubleshoot the entire system. The display screen (one inside cab/one outside) controls hydraulics, blower and water pump operations with a complete complement of gauges. All body functions, boom and hose reel functions, vacuum break, throttle, area and safety lighting are wirelessly controlled. The job card feature allows the user to keep track of blower and water pump hours and logs time on each job.

The unit has a 3/16-inch ASTM A572 Grade 50 Exten steel, 5- to 12-cubic-yard (stainless steel also available) debris body, and stainless steel water tank with 2,000-gallon capacity. Vacuum options range from 3,500 to 5,000 cfm with up to 27 inches Hg. The heavy-duty, double-acting single-lift cylinder provides a stable 50-degree dump angle. The boom is an 8-foot front-mounted, telescopic design with dual-lift cylinders, reaching 26 feet with a 270-degree rotation. 888/442-7829; www.gapvax.com.

Trailer jetter

The Typhoon trailer jet from General Pipe Cleaners is designed for blockages in big lines and long runs. The unit delivers 12 gpm at 2,500 psi to clean grease sediment and debris. A 200-gallon holding tank carries enough water to handle remote applications where access to water is limited.

Two hose reels (a jet hose reel with 400 feet of 1/2-inch capacity featuring variable-speed electric rewind, and a water supply hose reel carrying 150 feet of 3/4-inch hose) are mounted at the rear of the unit next to the pressure gauge and output valve. Engine controls, including an hour meter, are mounted within easy reach in the lockable toolbox with slide action doors just below the reels. The jetter includes electric brakes, safety strobe light, three safety cones with holder, rear fold-down stabilizer jacks, retractable hose guide arm, and antifreeze system. A 24 hp Honda engine with electric start powers the triplex pump with Vibra-pulse to help slide the nozzle around tight bends and propel the hose down long lines. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com/jets.

Quiet vacuum truck

The Guzzler NX vacuum truck from Guzzler Mfg. is built for cleanup and recovery of a wide range of materials, including solids, dry bulk powders, liquids, slurries, and thick, heavy sludge. The cyclone and baghouses are configured together to maximize efficiency and reduce overall weight. An increased filter area and offline cleaning extend bag life while forcing carryover back to the debris tank.

The truck carries a Robuschi blower delivering 5,435 cfm with vacuum capability to 28 inches Hg. The blower, combined with simple air routing, makes more air available at the hose inlet and so moves more material. The large blower lets users load more material at a lower engine rpm, conserving fuel and reducing noise. The truck has a tested operating sound level of 88.9 dB per SAE J1372 test. 815/672-3171; www.guzzler.com.

Sewer pumps

HD-146 and HDP-196 sewer pumps from Hammelmann Corp. are suited for dirty water applications. With flow up to 160 gpm and pressures of 3,200 psi, the pumps can handle any sewer blockage problem. The compact design offers an integral reduction gear. Installation options include horizontal or vertical models, reversible pump head, central or side suction connection, discharge connections on both sides, left or right drive shaft, and the pumps operate at any angle.

The pumps are suitable for recycled water, and include high-grade solid ceramic plungers, wear-resistant valve seats, low flow velocity over suction and discharge valves, packing seal sets within rust-resistant stainless steel sleeves, slow plunger speed, standard continuous-duty industrial drive end, pressurized oil lubrication system, and clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Reversible valve seats offer easy servicing features. Discharge valves use identical components, and maintenance is possible without removal of suction and pressure lines. All service access is from the front and above the units. Fixed valve housing is accessible via lightweight cover plates. Pumps offer quiet drive end due to twin helical gears. 800/783-4935; www.hammelmann.com.

Jetting units

The Aquatech F-Series combination jetting and vacuuming units from Hi-Vac Corporation are designed to provide high-quality utilization and efficiency for cleaning storm and sanitary sewers, catch basins, lift stations, wet wells and treatment plants in municipal and industrial applications. The units feature a top, front-loading cylindrical debris tank engineered for use with a positive displacement blower. This style tank provides high-quality strength, durability and longevity.

A true telescopic, top-loading, self-supporting boom with 180-degree hydraulic boom rotation and flexible joint protector prevents kinks, splits and tears. Internal air vac valve allows users to develop maximum vacuum in the debris tank and stop vacuum at boom inlet for safety. A chassis engine powers all components. 800/752-2400; www.aquatechinc.com.

Protective clothing

Jetstream of Houston offers a wide range of advanced protective clothing and gear for ultra high-pressure (UHP) applications from the TST Sweden product line. Products are designed for ease of use, increasing the likelihood that the operator will wear the clothing. Because the gear can be put on or removed quickly and easily, there is less downtime on the job. The protective clothing features ultra-high performance, high-molecular weight polyethylene Dyneema fiber. 800/231-8192; www.waterblast.com.

Spinning nozzles

Spinning nozzles from NozzTeq are available in 1/2-, 3/4-, 1- and 1 1/4-inch sizes with two kinds of sleds. The 3/4- and 1-inch are one in the same. The spinners are made of stainless steel and brass and require no oil or daily maintenance. The nozzles require no rebuild kits, only washing at the end of the day. The nozzles can clean sewer or stormwater pipes from 2 to 18 inches. Two stainless steel sleds are available for the largest spinners. 866/620-5915; www.nozzteq.com.

Drain restoration

Nu Drain from Nu Flow Technologies creates a protective, structural pipe inside an existing host piping system without digging or destruction. The system lines inside infrastructure and underground pipe. Nu Drain restoration uses a liner saturated with epoxy to create a barrier that can span missing sections of pipe, which commonly cause low flow and root intrusion.

The seamless, jointless system is used to rehabilitate deteriorating sanitary drain and storm sewer lines, stopping leaks while controlling and preventing root intrusion. The technology is designed for pipe 3/4 inch to 12 inches in diameter and larger custom sizes, while accommodating multiple 45- and 90-degree elbows. The Scorpion Cutter is used to clean out the pipe of existing roots and buildup. Once cleaned, the pipe is lined with the structural liner. The liner can also be used as a preventive measure. 800/834-9597; www.nuflowtech.com.

Grounding reels

Static discharge reels from Reelcraft are used to ground equipment operating in hazardous atmospheres. When properly clamped to ground, the reels dissipate static electrical buildup, reducing the chances of sparking and the potential for explosion. The reels are available to 3/32-inch O.D. steel aircraft cable or 1/8-inch O.D. nylon-covered cable. Reels are supplied with a 100-amp universal jaw-type grounding clamp. They are factory lubricated for life and require no additional lubrication. 800/444-3134; www.reelcraft.com.

Turbojet nozzle

The RR3000 Root Ranger nozzle from RIDGID offers a single rear-facing turbojet. It blasts a concentrated stream of water that shears root obstructions from the drain wall. The nozzle can clean lines up to 8 inches. 800/769-7743; www.ridgid.com.

Hybrid jetter

The Model 740 Hydro-Jetter from Spartan features 4,000 psi of jetting power at 12 gpm flow on a wide track chassis towable by any vehicle. The unit is available in a gas-powered configuration or in a hybrid version that runs on liquid propane (LP) fuel. The jetter comes with 350 feet of hose and a 40 hp electric-start engine. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.

Vacuum truck

The Durasucker vacuum truck from Super Products is DOT 412-approved for hauling hazardous waste on highways. The truck features a full-opening rear hatch, and a hydraulic hoist tilts the tank up to 50 degrees for easy and fast unloading. It can produce vacuum and pressure discharge. For pressure discharge, contractors use a 6-inch-diameter, air-operated, self-closing discharge valve. Vacuum is achieved through a 4-inch port. Both use conventional couplings.

The unit features a 3,200-gallon, carbon-steel tank with an outside diameter of 72 inches; an external rotary float gauge with a 9-inch stainless steel float ball; an air-engaged, heavy-duty PTO pump drive with a hydraulic pump; primary and secondary shutoff valves; hose hooks, trays and fenders; LED DOT lighting; one rear-mounted LED floodlight; and a bumper with heavy-duty under-ride protection and a split for hose pass-through. A Fruitland RCF500 rotary vane pump generates maximum vacuum power of 27 inches Hg, pressure of 35 psi and 350 cfm. It also offers automatic lubrication; a four-way valve for vacuum and pressure; and an oil-catch muffler with drain valve. 800/837-9711; www.superproductscorp.com.

High-performance cutters

Turbo chain cutters from USB – Sewer Equipment Corporation are made of tempered stainless steel and offer continuously adjustable guide skids. The chain retainer is driven by a high-performance turbine to remove roots, grease and mineral deposits from 4- to 48-inch sewer lines. With an optimized 3D hydromechanics design in conjunction with ceramic nozzle inserts, the cutters use recycled or clean water. They can also be used as barrel cutters with diamond bits for smooth removal of protruding laterals. Heavy mineral deposits can also be removed with carbide bits attached to the specialized chain. 866/408-2814; www.usbsec.com.

Combo sewer cleaner

The Vacall AJV P series combination sewer cleaner from Gradall Industries Inc. provides high-quality jetting action and vacuum power to open clogged sewer lines and perform needed maintenance. All models use positive displacement blower systems and feature a hose reel in the front with an optional axial pivot. The vacuum and jetting systems are powered by the chassis engine, rather than a second engine.

An AllSmartFlow CAN bus control system with programmable LCD display monitors water flow, engine performance and vacuum functions. A fully proportional pendant allows operators to control boom and reel movements away from the chassis, using wired or wireless capabilities. Options include decant valves, cold-water circulation system, backup hose reel hydraulics, and blowers and water pumps, including an 85 gpm/2,000 psi water pump with 30-minute run-dry guarantee. Debris tanks with choice of 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-yard capacities and water tanks with choice of 1,000-, 1,200- and 1,500-gallon capacities. 800/382-8302; www.vacallindustries.com.

Long operation

The HXX Hydroexcavator from Vactor Manufacturing offers a safe, easy-to-use alternative for uncovering buried utilities, precision and slot trenching, potholing, water valve box repair and locating existing fiber optic lines, cables and other utilities. It also handles waterline repair, directional drilling, sign and pole installation, and other large-volume excavation.

The unit provides up to seven hours of continuous operation with onboard water. Lower water flow results in less operator fatigue and a clean, precise digging process. Other features include a 12-cubic-yard debris tank, 1,200-gallon superlinear XL polyethylene insulated water tank, and 320-degree rotating boom. Heated pump and cabinets and built-in boiler enable the unit to work on frozen ground in subzero temperatures. 800/672-3171; www.vactor.com.

The DEB1 deburr and chamfer tool from Reed Manufacturing Co. creates a smooth, chamfered pipe end so solvent spreads evenly as the pipe is joined. The tool is made for deburring 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-inch PVC, CPVC, ABS and PP pipe calibrated in iron pipe size and copper tube size. The tool has a knurled grip for slip resistance and sharpenable blade. 800/666-3691; www.reedmfgco.com.

General Pipe waterjet drain cleaner

The JM-3080 Jet-Set waterjet drain cleaning machine from General Pipe Cleaners clears grease stoppages as well as lines clogged with sand, sludge and ice. The machine has a removable 300-foot capacity hose reel and jetter that generates 3,000 psi at 8 gpm. Vibra-pulse on demand helps the hose slide down long runs and around bends. Features include 20 hp, electric-start Honda engine with 2:1 gear reducer that drives the pump and 12-gallon buffer tank that protects the jet if the water supply can’t match pump demand. The unit is mounted on a tubular frame with four pneumatic tires and wheel brake. Safety features include thermal relief valve, backflow check valve and inlet filter. Toolbox, spray wand and chemical injector are included. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.

RMT safety camera system

The TRACK-VISION safety camera system from RMT Equipment Inc. has a 115-degree field of view in any direction to eliminate blind spots to the front, rear and sides. The system has a shockproof 7-inch, high-resolution LCD monitor for clarity even in low light. Each monitor enables the operator to view up to four cameras. 450/622-0682; www.track-vision.com.

McElroy pipe fusion DataLogger 4

The DataLogger 4 pipe fusion tool from McElroy Manufacturing Inc. records and documents key parameters of the pipe fusion process, ensuring proper procedures have been followed prior to installation. The device consists of a handheld computer for recording and navigating data, as well as a data-collection unit that records fusion pressure over time. Features include a visual go/no-go interpretation of the graphs presented and 0 to 3,000 psi pressure range. 918/836-8611; www.mcelroy.com.

Extech wireless video receiver

The BRD10 wireless USB video receiver from Extech Instruments enables Extech boroscopes to work like a wireless webcam for real-time inspection video streaming with Web-based services like Skype, WebEx and UStream. The receiver weighs less than an ounce and is about the size of a USB memory stick. Software enables users to control video parameters, including brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, frame rate and output size. It is compatible with Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 operating systems. 603/324-7801; www.extech.com.

Zistos confined space pole camera

The IA-WSZ-A14 self-illuminating and submersible zoom camera from Zistos Corp. has a 14-foot extension pole that can remotely pan the camera 180 degrees. Made to inspect difficult-to-reach or dangerous areas, such as vaults, dry wells, manholes and other confined spaces, video is displayed on the LCD monitor above ground. The system is packaged in a foam-fitted hard case. 631/434-1370; www.zistos.com.

Electric Eel eCAM inspection system

The eCAM ACE pipeline inspection camera system from Electric Eel Mfg. includes 200 feet of Kevlar braided pushrod for use in 3- to 10-inch-diameter lines. Features include stainless steel-housed 1.68-inch color camera with scratch-resistant sapphire lens, 512 Hz transmitter, 5.4-inch LCD monitor with anti-glare shield and video output jack. The portable, powder-coated steel reel and frame have a secure locking reel brake. The unit measures 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide and weighs 39 pounds. 800/833-1212; www.electriceel.com.

Royal Building SDR 26 sewer fittings

Molded, heavy-duty solvent weld SDR 26 sewer fittings from Royal Building Products are made to withstand pressure from compacting soil during and after installation. Fittings are available in sizes from 4 to 8 inches in diameter and more than 100 patterns and configurations. 800/232-5690; www.www.royalbuildingproducts.com/plastic-trends.

“It’s designed to be a very rugged, weatherproof unit,” says Ronald Brewer, national sales manager. “Our crawlers are IP68 rated and can operate even fully submersed.”

The brass and stainless steel non-steerable P354 crawler (12 pounds, 9.2 by 3.2 by 2.7 inches) can inspect 4- to 12-inch manholes and pipes, while the steerable P356 crawler (31.5 pounds, 13.6 by 5 by 3.3 inches) can inspect pipes from 6 to 24 inches in diameter. Powered by 50-watt (P354) and dual 50-watt (P356) motors, the crawlers are available with quick-release wheels and hard or soft tires, as well as grit finish for inspection in PVC pipes. Wheels can be changed in the field by removing one screw and are available in 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-inch sizes.

The crawler system is available in six packages that range from the basic control module, drum and smaller crawler to the platinum package that includes both crawlers, full set of wheels, Plumbers pushrod camera and locator.

Digital control features include ultra-bright LED 8-inch industrial grade TFT screen with anti-reflective protection, splash-proof keyboard, real-time digital zoom and picture navigation, and one-touch control for video or photo capture. The USB 2.0 port (video/audio in/out, Ethernet, Bluetooth) enables files to be transferred to a PC or laptop for editing with FlexiSight software (reports can be converted to Microsoft Word format). Developed for continuous operation and easy maintenance, the main modular components are fully interchangeable.

A re-termination field repair kit enables cable repairs to be made using a single set of Allen or hex key wrenches for reduced downtime.

Stainless steel camera choices include forward view (1.3 pounds, 2.4 inches long and 2.7 inches in diameter), pan and tilt (4 pounds and 5.3 by 2.7 inches) or pan and tilt (6.4 pounds, 6.2 by 3.5 inches) with 10X optical zoom.

Drum options include manual (39.7 to 64 pounds, depending on cable length; 17.5 by 10.6 by 22.4 inches) or powered (130 to 154 pounds, 24.9 by 16.2 by 29.1 inches). Accessories include pendant controller, grab tool for quick and safe deployment and retrieval, elevator and light head (850 lm).

The control unit is fully compatible with the P340 flexiprobe pushrod system, enabling users to switch from crawler to pushrod inspection. Crawlers are rated IP68 to 330 feet with inclinometers and multi-frequency sondes. Cable lengths range from 330 to 825 feet.

The P350 command module weighs 12 pounds and measures 14 by 14 by 8 inches. Light in weight compared to a mainline system, the entire system fits in the trunk of a car or can be mounted in a van or truck and wheeled on site.

“We call the flexitrax P350 our mini mainline,” Brewer says. “Rather than a box vehicle, it can fit into an SUV, for example. And that can save tons of money on gas. We can even fit it into an ATV for inspection in very remote areas.” 800/688-8094; www.pearpoint.com.