What is a Picote

Picote refers to a range of specialist heavy-duty mechanical machines and tools developed specifically for internal drain and sewer cleaning, descaling, root cutting, and pipe rehabilitation. Manufactured by Picote Solutions, these machines are widely used when traditional high-pressure water jetting is either ineffective or insufficient, especially in complex, hardened or aged drainage systems.

Using high-speed rotating tools driven by flexible shafts, Picote systems are designed for professional drainage contractors who need precision, power and adaptability when dealing with tough or deteriorated pipework, especially in domestic and commercial properties.

When Picote machines are used

Picote technology is used in situations where blockages, obstructions or damage cannot be resolved with standard methods. Typical applications include:

  • Removal of hard scale, rust or concrete deposits

  • Cutting and clearing tree roots from pipes

  • Reinstating lateral connections after lining

  • Cleaning pitch fibre pipes prior to rehabilitation

  • Descaling cast iron and vitrified clay pipes

  • Removing collapsed liners or failed patches

  • Preparing pipes for lining or coating

Unlike water jetting, which uses pressurised water to dislodge debris, Picote machines rely on mechanical force to cut, scrape or polish pipe interiors, often producing a cleaner and more precise result in confined or fragile systems.

How Picote machines work

Picote machines are powered by electric motors and operate a flexible shaft that spins at high speed. At the end of the shaft, interchangeable tools can be fitted depending on the cleaning or cutting task. The tools rotate at speeds of up to 2,000–3,000 revolutions per minute, offering controlled yet powerful cutting action.

The basic process involves:

  1. Tool selection
    The correct head is chosen based on the material to be removed. Options include carbide-tipped chains, smart cutters, grinding panels, and drill heads.

  2. Insertion into pipe
    The flexible shaft, encased in a protective outer layer, is fed into the pipe from an access point such as a manhole or rodding eye.

  3. Controlled cleaning or cutting
    The operator carefully advances the tool under continuous rotation, removing debris or obstructions as it progresses through the pipe.

  4. Visual inspection
    Work is often guided by live-feed CCTV cameras to ensure accuracy and assess the condition of the cleaned pipe.

Because the machines are electrically driven, they are suitable for indoor use and in environments where water cannot be used freely.

Key features of Picote systems

Picote machines offer a range of features that make them effective for heavy-duty drain cleaning:

  • High-speed rotation with torque control

  • Flexible shaft lengths to reach up to 30 metres or more

  • Compact and portable designs for use in tight spaces or inside buildings

  • Compatibility with CCTV systems for live inspection

  • Modular tools for different pipe materials and diameters

  • Options for dry or wet operation depending on the situation

This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of pipe diameters, usually between 32 mm and 300 mm, depending on the tool set.

Common Picote tools and accessories

A variety of specialist heads and attachments are available to suit different cleaning needs:

  • Smart Cutter™
    A multi-purpose tool for removing light obstructions and fine-tuning liner edges.

  • Twister and Twister Mini
    High-performance grinding tools used to remove hard scale or reinstate connections.

  • Cyclone chains
    Reinforced chains with embedded cutting heads for descaling and rust removal.

  • Special drill heads
    For cutting through failed liners, concrete or hard blockages.

  • Brush Coating Systems
    For applying epoxy coatings inside cleaned pipes to extend service life.

Each tool is designed for a specific function and pipe type, maximising efficiency while minimising the risk of pipe damage.

Advantages of using Picote systems

There are several benefits to using Picote machinery for drain and sewer works:

  • Effective where jetting fails
    Especially useful for hardened scale or fibrous roots that resist water-based methods.

  • Safe for older or fragile pipes
    Mechanical action can be more controlled and less aggressive than high-pressure water.

  • Indoor use is possible
    Electric operation with minimal water usage allows safe use inside properties.

  • Versatile and adaptable
    Can be configured for pipes of various sizes, materials and conditions.

  • Supports trenchless rehabilitation
    Ideal for preparing pipes before lining or coating, ensuring a strong bond and long-lasting repair.

These advantages make Picote systems a go-to solution for complex or specialist drain cleaning tasks.

Limitations and considerations

While Picote machines are powerful tools, they do require:

  • Proper training to operate safely and effectively

  • Suitable power sources, usually 110V or 230V depending on the model

  • Sufficient access points for shaft insertion

  • Careful monitoring to avoid damage in severely corroded pipes

In some situations, a combination of Picote mechanical cleaning followed by jetting or vacuum extraction may be necessary to fully clear debris.

Industry adoption and use cases

Picote machines have become a staple in the toolbox of professional drainage contractors, civil engineers and maintenance teams. Use cases include:

  • Pre-lining pipe cleaning in residential sewer rehabilitation

  • Cleaning hotel or commercial kitchen drainage lines with heavy scale

  • Reopening blocked lateral connections after cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining

  • Industrial pipe maintenance in manufacturing or food production facilities

  • Reinstatement works following damage from previous unlicensed repairs

They are used across domestic, commercial and industrial sectors due to their adaptability and proven results.

Conclusion

Picote refers to a family of advanced mechanical drain cleaning systems designed for tasks where conventional methods fall short. These machines are highly effective in removing hard deposits, obstructions and scale from inside drainage pipes, making them essential for high-precision cleaning, pipe preparation and no-dig rehabilitation.

As infrastructure ages and the demand for non-invasive solutions grows, Picote systems continue to provide reliable, efficient and professional-grade tools for maintaining and restoring drainage networks in the most demanding environments.