My Drain Cleaner Is Cooler Than Yours! - Rigid FlexShaft K9-204

Drain cleaning is one of the most common plumbing service calls you'll do, especially when you are new to plumbing. Today I'll be showing you how the Rigid FlexShaft K9-204 makes drain cleanings EASY. Let's get after it!
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Thanks for watching! I'm Roger Wakefield, LEED AP, The Expert Plumber and welcome to my channel. On this channel I teach homeowners how to save money on their plumbing by doing DIY plumbing projects. I also teach plumbers and plumbing company owners how to be the best plumbers in their area and run successful plumbing businesses. My goal is teach you everything you need to know about plumbing.
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[@RogerWakefield]

Would this make your job easier?

[@guitarheromoose8445]

Probably not but it would be fun. (I work in fast food)

[@Tedybear315]

Drain Addict already broke his LOL! The end snapped clean off while doing a toilet line. He wound up extracting it further down the 'pipe'... Fairly sure he's already had it repaired, but he had a few choice words for Ridgid.

[@kamilmazur7206]

Its good for inside and small pipes. But for the standard pipe (150mm) in Germany where I work its not powerful enough.

[@cryptoindeed5909]

I been using these flexshaft equipment for over 2 years now even before ridgid came with their k9 line. I also used all the ridgid 102, 204 and the biggest of the line up the 306 that came out earlier this year. I will say these machines have their place, 102 and 204 could be frustrating depending on the situation but when effective you could save a lot of time and its super light compared to regular drum or sectional machines.

[@edbroski4499]

Ridgid for the Ridgid

[@Travoz787]

Would be cool to see this in clear pipe and really get a sense of how this tool breaks apart blockages.

[@dcross446]

We use this same tool with an HD camera. We can literally watch it from the inside. Its pretty neat.

[@dylanswanzy5000]

They have a demonstration video of just that on the Ridgid channel!

[@brian2100]

Your right

[@jamesboone3678]

I love how excited you get doing your job and showing the world how much you love your job. I am a violin teacher and I'm the same way!

[@jdwool08]

It’s all for views he hates it in real life

[@tylerr6651]

I don't even come here for the plumbing vids he's just awesome too watch. Such a cool dude.

[@bobbydebont8173]

We have been waiting for new cables more time than we've used ours.... on the 6th cable now

[@208Potato]

I can only imagine the additional costs and work of sending these units out to Rigid for repair because my technicians were in a hurry and failed to follow the operational directions. A traditional cable machine will work just as well, albeit the cable can get you if caution is not taken. Also, a jetting job is a fantastic option that drives additional revenue and helps ensure customer satisfaction.

[@UrMomGoes2College]

I wonder if you could use this machine and offer the customer to have the inside of their pipes descaled for an upcharge since you're not jetting the pipes 🤔

[@mynappyaphro]

My company has had these (both the 102 and the 204) for about a year. These are great for most lines here in Michigan. But we've found is that they can break fairly easily, or can even get caught in a line if there is a crack in it that you weren't aware of. They also aren't fans of going through traps. Just remember to ALWAYS keep your drill set to forward, and take your time

[@tiagospa]

I've had mine for over a year. It's meant to be used with a camera so you can see exactly what it's doing. They go through p traps very easily. Maybe you didn't set the chain knockers correctly? I did break the cable on the 204 once because I left it in my van overnight and it froze and I went to use and didn't realize it was frozen and the cable snapped inside. Lesson learned.

[@BeeBombard]

I’ve used this machine quite a bit. My opinion is is to be careful because if you have clay or cast iron drains. This knocker head can break the drain pipe if there are weak spots. If the drain isn’t backed up. I’d do a camera inspection first before cleaning the inside of the pipes. Prior plan just in case.

[@chetk4624]

This is a brilliant upgrade to a drain cleaner. Nothing spinning except the head so there's a lot less chance of a knot in the line ripping back at you and no electrical connection to shock you. Thanks Roger for showing it.

[@josephbernard7705]

Yes yours is nicer than mine... I got mine from a teacher of mine at the trade school I attended. It was also a rigid. Brand new it was a $400 machine, it wasn't used much by my teacher and I helped him move his shop so he told me it was a fire sale on anything I found in the back room. Man practically gave this thing to me for $100. I've used it twice at my own house, drain service rates in my area I figure I've paid for it by now lol.

[@mikedavis4401]

Your videos are great, you explain things in a very simple straightforward way that the average person can understand, thanks again for teaching us all how to use the equipment properly, Mike Davis Power Plumbing company Portland Oregon

[@andrewengland971]

I use Spartan 300 and 100 machines. But the rigid sure does look user friendly.

[@markchickenbutt8740]

We been looking into them and want to get one but not giving up our spartan. Some of the cast iron drain I need the spiral of the cable to push around bends. Also I’ve had to many apprentices and licensed plumbers too, jam the Spartan in too fast for roots. I can get that out but this machine even in reverse I could see not releasing. Probably a nice addition but definitely wouldn’t replace a good spartan

[@barronboykin7673]

Smart Man.. Spartan is the Best! 1065 is the Beast of all drain cleaners

[@shanehane4995]

I used a (Real chain noker )years and years ago ,same thing without the case, boss just bought them. It was a 100' cable with a sleeve and we had to use it to chew up a pipelining job that went bad from the cleaning people Dumping water into the system and turning our round pipe into a Crescent roll. I told the boss I'd turn the backflow off tonight for the building, but he said he talked to them and they agreed no water. We were paid to remove it with 2 of these. We had them on some cheap corded drills. I probably put 10 years of work on my elbows in 2 weeks of night work. But they work really good for what they're intended for, removing scale or knocking the flake clean on the cast iron pipe.

[@IAmCivuhL]

Definitely need one these

[@speedlite9164]

Sadly that thing won’t say RIDGID and beep every time you turn it on.

[@markchickenbutt8740]

😂🤣That voice is in my head every time I pull out my pipe wrenches or tripod!

[@nflores5433]

Everytime you clear the drain haha "RIDGID"

[@kenbrown2808]

someday, some manufacturer will build one of those with a permanent marking system so it is visible at a glance how much has been pushed into the pipe. - and when you're a foot away from the working head.

[@tiagospa]

Not necessarily since this tool was designed to be used with the Ridgid sewer cameras which tell you exactly how many feet down or up you are.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@tiagospa sounds like a high tech solution to a low tech problem. remember that HE solved it with a sharpie.

[@tiagospa]

@@kenbrown2808 The camera is not s solution. The flexshaft was designed with the sole purpose to be used while there's a camera in the sewer line because a regular snake will damage the camera's cable. Flexshaft is the solution to having to pull the snake all the way out to run the camera and see how the cleaning is going. It is also the solution to incomplete drain cleaning because regular cables don't expand to the whole inside diameter of the line and they're incapable of removing every little bit of sludge/build up.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@tiagospa your argument would carry a lot more weight if he hadn't just demonstrated using it without a camera.

[@steveshot81]

@@tiagospa this was originally designed for liner reinstatement and Rigid bought out clog dog.Rigid doesn't make the chains or the cables.

[@ScullyPop]

What an awesome looking machine. I've had a shop vac by them - it's fifteen years old and still works fine.

[@tannerpalacios9466]

Once you get a picote you can tel me it’s better 😉😉😉 do love the 204 though!

[@steveshot81]

It doesn't work on all drain clogs and because it's a brass wound cable it's harder to push the cable further down the main versus a stadard drain cable.

[@MANUltimateX]

I’ve used this exact machine for over a year now. I like it is certain instances but it definitely has its limitations. When a blockage is too tough to push through, like a solid wad of flushable wipes or roots, the Flexshaft can’t get through because it cannot get enough forward momentum and because the head of the chain is flat instead of using a piece that can pierce. Otherwise it is great for simple blockages and for drain cleaning along with a Hyrdo jetter

[@traebagley]

Just so y’all know, per rigids manual (at least with the K9-102), they recommend not going higher than 75% of the max number on your clutch. Maybe it’s different with the 204, but that’s what the 102 recommends. We deal with a whole lot of galvanized and cast where I’m at. That 102 is the cats pajamas.

[@brian2100]

I didn’t buy the 102 do you recommend hat tool? How’s yours holding up.

[@Zeydarchist]

thank you for showing that you've cleaned it off at the end of the video- it was actually relieving to watch.

[@tharedpotatowwhale]

Its great for knocking down scale grease or bloom. Its a match made in heaven with my hyro jetter. I wouldnt say it replaces my drain snake however at higher RPMs i feel like it could break the pipe or get stuck. I mostly just use to prep pipe for trenchless lining.

[@mantastic4687]

This would of helped out today!!We had to use an old beat rigid drain cleaner and boy did it tie itself and whack me in the face twice and my gloves kept getting caught.

[@fernandosalgado3589]

You can tell when it’s gonna bind up you need to undo that tension. They use descalers before pipe lining then I seen them hydrojet. I think they’re better off pulling a new sewer line. Pipe bursting. If that line is brittle that chain is going to break it

[@barronboykin7673]

Yea youngN, you don't know what you are doing. Fresh cable and Roding gloves not cowhide.. Hang tough though!

[@mantastic4687]

@@barronboykin7673 now i do.😊in the plumbing world you only get better if you learned what you did wrong and crazy enough that's the hardest part.

[@mikefox5510]

I had a situation with heavy rust/ scale buildup . I took my spartan 1065, bolted a length of chain to the end and was able to clean up the pipe fairly well. It’s a slower rpm but still worked effectively. It might not work as well as the higher rpm system but it cost almost nothing to try.

[@pacremodel9745]

Been watching Chuck Barron using this with his camera. Really cool even though I don’t do drains any more, just repairs. I watched till the end just to see how to adjust the chains. Thanks Roger.

[@Allintn22]

It took me awhile to get one of these when they first came out everyone was getting them. It's great for knocking off scale build up hard grease deposits follow it up with a jetter wash out pipe is brand new

[@matekochkoch]

I hope my proctologist doesn't have one.

[@bradbeining3341]

Who do you think came up with this idea? Lol

[@bicmitchum1368]

They don't make em that big buddy

[@SovereignMax]

Roger, if you like this device i do too. Youre one of the few KZbinrs i can believe

[@jakebayer2348]

We use that to descale cast iron pipe to help keep it lasting a lot longer to help prevent blockages

[@davewells1642]

needed this for ac drain line.

[@232robert]

Hi guys I have used the K- 204 for a couple of years now at last count about 30 out of 40 jobs sucessfull. I find a right angle drill Milwaukee C18RAD-O works for me rather than a conventional cordless drill. I also use a insert bit holder in the drill all the time which saves having to tighten the chuck on the drive spindle each time I use the K209. Its a push on pull off deal and no chance the chuck binding on the spindle. The K209 has a roll pin connecting the cable to the bevel gear box. this will shear if you overload the cable to much. The pin is a weird diameter not metric. l had to enlarge a 2.5 mm for a tight fit.keep a couple of spares handy for on site repairs.

[@waynecurr9569]

I kinda like it . I'm just a little concerned about it slappin' around inside old cast iron .

[@dangda-ww7de]

the sewer machine slapping around even harder than this little thing.

[@jessecaldwell9780]

It would probably work best on cast iron cleaning all the scale off.

[@doxx2427]

It works best in cast iron actually

[@waynecurr9569]

@@doxx2427 I do like that the cable is inside .How's the maintenance on this ?

[@danieldawson222]

Right with ya there pal!

[@yaghoob2000]

Thanks a lot, i did learn a lot from this video. Great Job

[@alfonsoarmendariz1416]

We use a picote Mini miller or maxi miller it has heavy duty drill pedal activated with clutch work great on iron

[@kalimanchanoc3592]

I'm a new tech plumber trained old school 28 years ago .this type of concept started with nu flo.will never replace the machine.

[@cartiniw3685]

非常好的发明，非常伟大。相比以前的弹簧管，是一个极大突破。感谢发明家

[@RogerWakefield]

Please translate 😅

[@MrDmadness]

A cable break would slide right out of the sheath. That alone does it for me. I have the milwaukee m18 for small clogs, so far its boss. K 50 is boss for bad ones in small pipe and the 1500 does the rest. I like the idea of this but feel it's very light duty, more like water jets for maintenance in which case I'd prefer this cause you won't jet a break into a weak pipe and have water caused by your maitenence. For that purpose this would be a win.

[@albertochavez7231]

Great commercial for that machine, not a plumber but I want one now.

[@markcaldwell1245]

Well built machine and it seems really good for preventative maintenance. I can easily see this on PVC type products but Cast Iron and clay pipe would make me somewhat nervous.

[@sofjanmustopoh7232]

What do you think the old sewer snake does 🤣 Gently snaking thru old cast iron pipe or clay pipe .

[@davontahenry6904]

@@sofjanmustopoh7232 right

[@user-cd5mc8vs1t]

god that looks so cool. the one my shop has is about 4ft by 4ft and weighs too much for one person. the head also needed to be tighten every 10 minutes . this would help us out, anyone of our greenhorns would be able to manage it.

[@codykrehbiel5073]

Your the only person i have seen remove the drill from it and try to explain it

[@liquidrock2u]

Hi, Roger Wakefield here with FlexShaft!

[@masonlololol]

Hate those bushes you’re a wild man 😂

[@mr.brownplumbing]

Absolutely love this tool. GAME CHANGER. Love your videos sir! Im in fergusons once a week lol. I love that your sponsored by them.

[@tannorreynolds8004]

You gotta look into mytana snake machines. They are by far the best and highest quality machine. Extremely heavy duty and well built. Never had a drain that I couldn’t unclog. Unless it’s broken of course.

[@BlueCollarBoom]

I recommend turning the clutch down to 6 or 7 & the speed all the way up.

[@traebagley]

So does rigid 😂

[@BlueCollarBoom]

@@traebagley indeed

[@chrisreynolds2410]

I’m starting a drain cleaning company with absolutely no experience and using KZbin as a resource. I’m already getting calls and have 1 piece of equipment. I’m already getting calls but have not went to do any yet.

[@tehCoon420]

This Guy is literrally my fav KZbinr buuuuut i can only like and subscribe once 🤦‍♂️

[@droddy2hottie]

You ought to look into a company called Picote. They've been making tools like this for years and have all kinds of attachments. They're the standard used in the CIPP industry.

[@AlexRodriguez-rx7fu]

A portable chain knocker nice

[@YoureWhalecum]

Roger flexing his Drain cleaner, nice

[@GrumpyoldPlumber]

This would be nice to have. Way easier than deadlifting my Spartan 1065 into the side of my van. Just last week the cable snapped right in my face, sent me flying over the back of my bucket.

[@Joshwilder1]

8 out of 10 drains that I do I pull back roots here in Ohio. I wonder how good those cutting chains would work on root cluster's.

[@tiagospa]

They're not good at punching through roots. I open up the blockage first with my regular snake and then I use the k9 204 withe the SeeSnake to knock out roots that I can't get with the regular snake.

[@joshuakneisley4301]

Same here in WV too alot roots. In mainlines.

[@Mixwell1983]

I just got a $250 electric harbor freight drum cleaner and a $60 replacement/extension cable so I have 100ft 1/2 cable snake for $300. My sewer main was backed up and rather than rent one I decided to invest in one. Worked like a champ!

[@nflores5433]

How's the transition/feel of having to use one hand on the drill instead of a foot on a pedal, not having two hands on the cable?

[@doxx2427]

I have one but in the Zip Zip brand. I'm not here to troll RIDGID but Zip Zip has a couple of advantages over RIDGID. But these flex shaft is the way to go.... get one you won't be disappointed

[@MrMbp4life]

I use the picote drain cleaning system. Same concept more and better technology

[@UrMomGoes2College]

It's midsummer 2023, And now this tool has been out for a little while I was curious for those of you that bought one back then What do you think of it now? Are you still happy with the flex shaft? Do you feel you got your money's worth out of it so far?? Do you use it often or normally on drain clog calls...as in, on a clogged drain or sewer call, is it the first tool you pull off the truck or do you pull the old trusty drain auger that was built in the 70's? Any problems or issues that a prospective buyer like myself might need to know would be greatly appreciated! (BTW: This would be used in commercial/residential occupancies by an experienced small business plumber in town) Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[@WilliamDeanPlumbing]

Mine broke three times within three jobs, all while running on low power as described. The repair guy that picks it up from me says they bust left and right. Mostly the K9-102

[@fortvalor]

What program are you using to make these videos. They are great! Very pro background and entire package really.

[@RogerWakefield]

We use Adobe Premiere to Edit

[@ontheflylens]

Equipping all your trucks with the flexshaft Roger?

[@rdudeb5058]

I'm still iffy about the flex shift but I haven't used 1 yet. I would have to test it on a good stoppage to come pair it to blades from a snake. But good video I was hoping you'll use a camera to show us.

[@brian2100]

Works good for soft poop 3

[@ejazshaheen1256]

Doesn't the chain damage the pipe when it hits the pipe inside, specially if the pipe is old.

[@reidjensen569]

Very informative video, thanks for sharing! One question, with a chain knocker do damage to a clay sewer pipe?

[@brian2100]

How do these work on soft poop stoppages

[@scorpio6587]

Very cool tool

[@mrdeafa25]

Can I clean 1 1/4" and 4" with the same machine just by changing the bushing and the chain knocker?

[@2000740]

If you want to save money, buy chain knockers for your sectional machine. It does just as good a job and it's easier to push out 100+ feet. If you're proficient with rodding you can even attach a sectional cable to a drill for faster spinning and cleaning.

[@brian2100]

Theses work great on soft poop stoppages

[@iliketakingshowers]

Congrats on the sponsor bub 👍

[@markallen9389]

Isn’t that a sewer lateral you cleaned and not a main? Main sewers are typically the municipalities drain the the customer’s lateral connects to?

[@cryptoindeed5909]

The biggest k9 is the k9-306 which works for 3-6 inch diameter pipes

[@lilturk726]

Next time you use it would you be willing to run a camera afterwards? It'd be nice to see just how well those pipes were cleaned

[@tiagospa]

This is designed to be used with the camera right behind the chain knockers. I use it all the time and it makes the inside of the pipes look like they're brand new.

[@ericjones1287]

Nice save on the missing set screw at end of video

[@louigimariobroful]

If you cleaning a main drain through a lawn vent riser with a trap, how do you get the cable go back toward the house?

[@davidvwhayward]

Only 65 feet long. And the flex can be a little problematic if you have dense roots or more bends in the pipe than allowed between clean out. its Just like pushing a camera head. It is nice however that you can run a camera right behind it to target some specific areas for minor roots and build up. Not my primary grab. But a good follow up for sludge (if you don't have a sectional or jetter,) or removing some roots to buy the customer some time while you schedule a repair.

[@Sara-L]

We know he's a master plumber, because he's wearing gloves. Most other commercial cleaners won't even put on gloves while unclogging main sewer lines.

[@governmeharderdaddy596]

Shows what you know , plumbers do not wear gloves because they get caught in the cable and could break their hands.

[@MikeTrieu]

@@governmeharderdaddy596 What's there to catch? Only the tip rotates. Everything else is covered by a sleeve that remains stationary. Maybe you're just using inherently dangerous equipment?

[@brucesaxton3625]

Thanks!

[@RogerWakefield]

No problem!

[@mariusweber4990]

Really cool presentation!

[@davedoyle9623]

Hi Roger and fellow viewers . Do you have any recommendations on the best cordless drill to use with the Ridgid K-9-204? It is said in ther Ridgid manual to use a drill with the highest RPM possible. From what I see on the internet most of the major brands including Milwaukee only go up to 2100 RPM. Any help appreciated.

[@RogerWakefield]

I don’t use it very often but I’ve used my DeWalt cordless drill and haven’t had any problems so far

[@DrainMedic]

You want to set clutch at 3 no more then 4. Cable breaks easy. First cable i broke was set at 6

[@SteffenReichel]

How do you clean the inside of the box, if it once get dirty?

[@TheFucere]

these are pretty nifty but I don't see it with extreme root cutting power like the Electric Eel sectional, or a good hydro jetter with a double nozzle root ranger, what kind of attachments do they make for biting through tough root blockage?

[@armedprophet3321]

Wonder how long the cellular core pvc pipes will hold up after a few beatings from this machine.

[@jaretttapia1844]

we just got one of these i like it

[@nflores5433]

How's the transition/feel of one hand on the cable and the other on the trigger vs foot on pedal with two hands on cable?

[@_Niksta_]

How is this for main lines with roots?

[@Shadowwolf-19908]

for plumbers is ok for me to clean the u pipe under the sink with just a sponge and soppy water ?

[@dustinrockshardcore]

K9, the big dog

[@pinnacleservices6671]

Thank you for another great video. What is the model drill you are using?

[@PARKERBROTHERSPLUMBING]

For sale 60' and 30' flex shaft with t connectors

[@guitar1301]

Cool concept, but would be concerned about chain breaking old cast iron , or terracotta pipe.

[@Sara-L]

As a spinning chain, sure it's knocking around, but most of the force is directed parallel to the interior surface of the pipe. If you're mindful of what you're doing, you shouldn't have breakage unless the pipe was breaking already.

[@Will_DiGiorgio]

What's your opinion on water jet machines? I've had several situations where a sewer machine would only put a hole in the clog and it would seal itself, and the water jet would bust the clog completely...

[@gusbalcazar4927]

Ridgid appreciates you promoting their product but not as much as Dewalt

[@vmao4868]

Will the chain knocker damage clay pipes? Thank you.

[@brian2100]

Does your plumbers use the 204

[@jimwainwright5725]

say how does it work on roots

[@ronlawsonjr_carnivoretrip]

Might have been asked already but how is it for roots? Are there different chains/heads for it? Thanks Roger!

[@josezepeda8809]

It is awesome for roots and descaling jobs and those solid grease stuffed pipes its definitely a game changer but a bit of a learning curve in the beginning but awesome!!

[@rightontarget4727]

I'll admit it thats a fine drain cleaner you got, that would save my arms alot of grief, its ridgid so its a leading brand but how durable is the snake head?