The sectional cable machine offers several key advantages in comparison to a drum-style drain cleaner. While the drum machines work well in certain applications, the versatility of the sectional machine is exceptional. First, the sectional cable machine allows for 500 RPM cable rotation, twice that of most drum machines. A major benefit of this is that the higher RPM offers better cleaning power for tough stoppages, such as roots. A second important advantage the sectional has versus the drum style involves the cable usage. The sectional cables, typically sold in 8 ft. increments, are more economical in that one section of cable can be replaced at a time. A damaged or worn section can simply be removed and replaced at a job site and can continue. A damaged continuous cable used in a drum machine will often interrupt the completion of a job until the entire cable can be replaced. The sectional machine is definitely more economical and less time consuming with respect to cable replacement and usage.

A third benefit of the sectional cable drain cleaners comes from a completely adjustable clutch feature you will find on a professional quality machine. The clutch protects the cable from overload when a tough stoppage is encountered. A fourth, and sometimes overlooked benefit, is that a drum-type machine has a fixed capacity of cable length typically 100 feet or less. The sectional machine can clean to distances in excess of 200 feet.

Other aspects of the sectional machine which are desirable are its light weight, ease of transportation, and a fold-down handle for easy use in restricted areas such as crawl spaces.