Drain Cleaning Equipment Market

Market Overview

The global drain cleaning equipment market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.25% during the forecast period (2023–2031). The increasing expansion of urban areas has led to a heightened need for adequate sanitation and drainage systems, which is, in turn, driving the global drain-cleaning equipment market. Drain cleaning equipment offers numerous advantages over manual cleaning, which, in turn, fosters market expansion. Moreover, governments and local authorities persistently engage in deploying and enhancing their drainage cleaning equipment to enhance infrastructure and sanitation, which is expected to create opportunities for market expansion.

Drain cleaning equipment comprises various tools and devices employed to extract obstructions, clogs, or other blockages from drainage and piping systems. These tools are critical for restoring and maintaining the correct operation of pipes and drains in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Some common types of drain cleaning equipment include plungers, drain rods, hydro-jetting equipment, and pipe inspection cameras, among others.

The type of plumbing system and the obstruction's nature and severity determine which drain cleaning equipment is utilized. It is critical to employ the proper equipment and methods to prevent pipelines from being damaged or the issue from worsening. Sinks, tubs, showers, sewer laterals, branch lines, trap arms, mainline, and commercial drains are all areas where drain cleaning equipment is utilized.

Market Dynamics

Drain Cleaning Equipment Market Drivers

Growing Urbanization 

Urbanization frequently increases construction activities, including establishing residential, commercial, and industrial structures. According to World Bank data, approximately 56% of the global population, or 4.4 billion people, live in urban areas. The urban population is anticipated to expand at an annual rate of over 2% until 2050, when nearly one-seventh of the world's population will reside in cities.

The expansion and enhancement of municipal infrastructure are essential in response to the growth of urban regions, as they need to accommodate the rising population. This encompasses the development of sewage and drainage infrastructure. Drain cleaning equipment is vital for the routine upkeep and effective removal of obstructions within these systems, mitigating the risk of inundation and other associated complications. Thus, the surging urbanization is boosting market expansion.

Advantages of Drain Cleaning Equipment 

When compared to manual techniques, drain cleaning equipment is typically faster. Motorized tools can efficiently unclog and clean pipelines, minimizing downtime and disruption. Automated equipment can often reach and remove debris from drains more efficiently than hand tools, ensuring a comprehensive cleaning. Blockages and clogs can be targeted with greater accuracy using drain cleaning equipment. This level of accuracy facilitates the resolution of particular concerns while minimizing unwanted disturbance to the entire drainage system.

Additionally, the utilization of drain cleaning equipment reduces the physical burden experienced by those carrying out the duty. Manual cleaning frequently entails laborious and repetitive tasks that have the potential to cause fatigue and physical harm. In severe cases, manual cleaning can also lead to death. For instance, according to government data, a total of 339 individuals have lost their lives while cleaning sewers and septic tanks in India over the past five years. Therefore, the benefits of using drain cleaning equipment are anticipated to drive the global market.

Drain Cleaning Equipment Market Restraint

High Initial Costs

The initial investment outlay necessary for acquiring drain cleaning equipment, particularly sophisticated and specialized equipment, can be significant. This could discourage smaller enterprises or individuals from making investments in such equipment. In addition, the considerable expenses related to the maintenance and repair of drain cleaning equipment may serve as a disincentive for certain purchasers. Business enterprises could exhibit reluctance when allocating funds toward acquiring equipment with substantial and continuous financial obligations. Thus, such factors restrict the market expansion.

Drain Cleaning Equipment Market Opportunities

Favorable Government Support

Governments and municipal authorities continuously deploy and upgrade their drainage cleaning equipment to improve infrastructure and sanitation. For instance, in June 2023, the New Town Kolkata Municipal Development authorities unveiled three robotic devices specifically engineered to clean the streets and drainage holes within the city. This program represents pioneering action in the state, highlighting a notable progression in waste management technologies nationwide.

Additionally, in June 2023, the Kochi corporate authorities recently used suction-cum-jetting machines and robotic excavators as an alternative to the traditional manual methods for cleaning drains and canals in the city. This decision was made due to the inefficiency of the previous methods, which had been used for several decades. Suction-cum-jetting devices are commonly employed for drain cleaning, whereas robotic excavators are utilized for the desilting of canals. Such initiatives are expected to create opportunities for market expansion.

Regional Analysis

North America Dominates the Global Market

Based on region, the global drain cleaning equipment market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America is the most significant global drain cleaning equipment market shareholder and is estimated to expand substantially during the forecast period. North America encompasses highly urbanized landscapes that rank globally among the most developed and densely populated areas. In the United States (U.S.) and Canada, around 80% of the populace is estimated to reside in urban areas. Moreover, the authorities are spending more money on upgrading the drainage system due to the aging of the current infrastructure and the growing need for maintenance or replacement. For instance, DEP has allocated a significant sum of USD 27 million towards enhancing the drainage infrastructure along Ninth Street, situated in the Gowanus district of New York City. Therefore, the upgrade of the drainage system will require drain cleaning equipment, which is anticipated to drive regional market growth.

Furthermore, access to clean water has been designated a key concern for the United States since the 1970s. The enactment of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act conferred upon the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its corresponding state agencies the authority to regulate actions that have detrimental effects on the country's water resources. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act was crucial in establishing a comprehensive national water strategy and formulating a national target to terminate the discharge of pollutants into navigable waterways. Therefore, it is anticipated that government initiatives to safeguard healthy waterways and efficient sewage systems will contribute to the expansion of the market.

Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at a significant pace. According to UNICEF, the urbanization of Asia's cities is occurring rapidly, leading to a projected increase in the urban population to approximately 55% of the region's total population by 2030. Additionally, the Asia-Pacific region encompasses around 60% of the global population, totaling around 4.3 billion individuals. This region is notable for being the residence of the most densely populated nations worldwide, namely China and India. Thus, rapid urbanization and an increasing population have increased the need for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The increasing number of buildings and facilities necessitates efficient drain cleaning solutions to mitigate and resolve plumbing problems, thereby driving market growth in this region.

In addition, this region's government initiatives and laws are favorable for the drain-cleaning equipment market. For instance, manual scavenging in India has been prohibited under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation (PEMSR) Act of 2013. Therefore, drain cleaning equipment is used to clean the drainage system. Moreover, the market is growing at a rapid rate in Asia-Pacific owing to the surging investment in the introduction of efficient methods for drain cleaning. For instance, Chennai-based startup Silonas manufactures robotic devices that effectively address the task of cleaning sewage pipes, thereby preventing the necessity for physical intervention. This startup won a big investment at Shark Tank in January 2023. The founders secured an investment of INR 90 lakh in exchange for a 3% equity stake from investors Anupam Mittal and Peyush Bansal. Such investments in advanced technology are further boosting market expansion.

Segmental Analysis

The global drain cleaning equipment market is segmented by product type, end-user, and distribution channel.

Based on product type, the global drain cleaning equipment market is divided into hand tools, sink machines, sectional machines, rodders, jetters, push rod cameras, locating equipment, flexible shaft machines, and drum/continuous cable machines.

Jetters employ high-pressure water to effectively eliminate dirt, grease, and many other blockages from pipes, thereby facilitating the preservation of optimal water flow. These devices are frequently utilized in several types of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial, where obstructed drains are a reoccurring concern. Various varieties of jetters exist, such as trailer-mounted jetters, truck-mounted jetters, and handheld jetters. In addition, jetters have proven to be highly efficient in removing various blockages, such as tree roots, oil, and silt accumulation. Proactive and efficient, they are regarded as a viable alternative for the maintenance of drains. Jetters are frequently employed by professional plumbers and drain cleaning businesses to resolve drain-related problems efficiently and promptly.

Based on end-users, the global drain cleaning equipment market is bifurcated into residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal. 

The utilization of drain cleaning equipment is of paramount importance in the preservation of optimal performance within industrial drainage systems. Industrial facilities frequently produce substantial waste and byproducts, resulting in the buildup of detritus, sediment, and other substances within the drainage conduits. The implementation of routine maintenance and cleaning procedures is necessary to mitigate the occurrence of obstructions, backups, and potential harm to the plumbing system.

Additionally, the use of drain cleaning equipment within industrial environments is imperative to uphold the dependability, security, and effectiveness of drainage systems, ultimately enhancing the facility's overall productivity. The implementation of routine inspections and cleaning procedures, in conjunction with the utilization of suitable equipment, serves to proactively mitigate potential problems and maintain the uninterrupted efficiency of industrial operations.

Based on distribution channels, the global drain cleaning equipment market is divided into online, retail, and distributor.

With online channels, the seller markets their drain cleaning equipment online. One primary benefit of online channels is their ability to access a broader and more heterogeneous market compared to conventional methods. Online channels can foster enhanced client relationships by providing more information, feedback mechanisms, support services, and loyalty programs. Moreover, the online channel offers huge discounts on their products, which makes it more economical to shop from these channels.

Recent Developments

• June 2023: Emerson's professional tools portfolio RIDGID introduced the K9-12 FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machine, the most recent model in the RIDGID FlexShaft line. As an alternative to repeatedly unclogging the same household drain lines, the K9-12 is suitable for residential service applications.
• March 2023: Homewerks Worldwide, LLC, an industry leader in innovation for plumbing, kitchen, and bathroom home improvement products, announced that it acquired the Cobra Drain Tools line from the renowned BrassCraft Manufacturing Co. In addition to bladders, cable drum machines, drain augers, drum augers, plungers, hair snakes, and bladders, the acquired product line also comprises power and manual drain cleaning equipment.