Best Electric Drain Snakes and Augers Review

Last Updated on September 26, 2022 by acechapman

Dealing with a clogged drain is a nightmare for every homeowner, and hiring a plumber can be costly, time-consuming, and many times unnecessary. The best electric drain snakes and augers make things easier. These electric-powered machines can remove residue and clogs fast and conveniently.

The compact and versatile design of these electrical snakes makes them extremely practical to use so you can get rid of all plumbing problems in no time. In this article, we’ll review some of the best electric drain snakes and augers on the market. We’ll also help you pick the right one for your needs.

Electric Drain Snakes And Augers: Review

1. TACKLIFE Cordless Drain Clog Remover

Featuring a strong motor with 560 RPM, this electric drain snake will help you remove all the clogs from your drains and pipes. It can be used to remove clogs from the kitchen, bathroom, bathtubs, utility sinks, shower drains, and downspouts. 

The flexible shaft has an automatic telescopic function, which makes the job easier, even in the most demanding situations. It can be used to unclog drains that have a diameter of ¾ inches to 3 inches, so it’s one of the most versatile drain snakes on the market. 

A sturdy 25-foot cable will allow you to reach clogs wherever they are. The cable is made of steel, so it doesn’t rust or break even when you’re dealing with stubborn blockages. Because it’s flexible, the cable can bend to reach clogs in “S” and “L”-shaped pipes with no issues. The snake weighs 10.8 pounds and can be easily moved around. 

Looking for a power source is never a problem because this drain snake is battery-powered. It features a Lithium-ion 20 Volt 2.0Ah battery which stays charged for a long time. Since it’s battery-operated, it’s more portable than corded models and can be easily moved around. The shaft and battery are replaceable. 

Working in dark areas is no longer a problem because this drain snake comes with a built-in LED light so you can see all the details while you’re working. You should be careful while releasing the shaft because over-releasing it can cause knots.  

Pros:

• Battery-operated drain snake that can be used to unclog various pipes and drains.
• A flexible shaft that can reach all pipes.
• 25-foot steel cable.
• The battery stays charged for a long time.
• Built-in LED light

Cons:

• Over-releasing the shaft can cause knots.

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2. Ridgid 55808 PowerClear Drain Cleaning Machine

Using this drain snake, you’ll be able to unclog and clean all the drains without touching anything thanks to the auto-feed feature. It keeps your hands dry and away from the cable for fast and easy advancing and retrieval. You don’t have to touch any part of the cable while unclogging your drains for more comfort and convenience. 

The 30-foot cable is made of durable material, so it doesn’t break easily. Moreover, the transparent cover allows you to see how much cable is left while you’re working. 

Reaching all the spots will be easy thanks to this drain snake as it features a two-piece guide hose. One piece can be used for close applications while the extended piece can be used for hard-to-reach areas. 

This electric drain snake is corded so you won’t have to worry about charging your battery. Just plug it into a power source, and it will work properly. It weighs 12 pounds and comes with a handle so you can easily carry it from one place to another. 

If you’ve never tried to unclog a drain on your own, this model will work for you. It’s easy to set up and use. During the retrieval of the cable, some knots might form if you’re not careful. It’s slightly more expensive than other models on the market.

Pros:

• Automatic feeding and retrieving system. 
• Transparent cover to show how much cable is left.
• A durable 30-foot cable that doesn’t break easily.
• Suitable for beginners because it’s easy to set up.

Cons

• Some knots might form while retrieving the cable. 
• A corded model that needs a power source to work.

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3. Ryobi Foot Drain Auger for Sinks or Toilets

The 25-foot cable of this drain snake can reach down the drain of your kitchen sink, bathroom basin, bathtub, and shower. This model is battery-powered, so you don’t have to worry about finding a power source to power your drain snake. It’s also safer to use around wet objects.

Featuring two driving modes, the self-feed mechanism will push the cable forward quickly so it can reach the blockage. You don’t have to touch anything or pull the cable manually. 

Once it reaches the blockage, it activates the cable clamp mode that keeps it locked in place. The auto-feed and reverse will help through minor clogs while you can enable the locking mechanism for more challenging jobs. 

This drain has feet that keep it stable for more efficient maneuvering. It also prevents the machine from scuffing your floor while you’re dealing with clogs. You don’t need an external drill to use this auger, just switch the button and it will be good to go. It weighs 7.2 pounds, so it’s incredibly portable.

Some people might struggle a little before they know how to use it right. It can be quite intense, especially when used with old pipes that can get easily broken.

Pros:

• Battery-powered drain snake.
• Self-feeding mechanism to target easy clogs.
• The locking mechanism is suitable for tougher jobs.
• Feet for more stability.
• A lightweight machine that can be easily carried around.

Cons:

• The instructions are a bit confusing.
• Can be too intense for older pipes that might easily get broken. 

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4. Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin Maxcore Drain Cleaner Cable

This versatile electric drain snake can tackle drain clogs as well as stoppages in the toilet pipe effectively. It’s multifunctional and powerful enough to help remove stubborn clogs that can break the pipes and cause the water to overflow. You can use it manually or attach it to a drill machine that gives it more power and torque.

It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want to save some cash because it’s affordable and practical to use. Thanks to the 500 RPM motor, all clogs will be easily taken care of without having to hire a professional plumber once you attach them to a drill. 

Thanks to the self-feeding mechanism, the cable will self-feed into and out of the drain with no issues. This means that you can operate the snake and remove the blockages without having to touch anything for maximum convenience. It’s ideal for ½ up to 1 ½-inch line so it can be used to clean the toilet pipe without damaging the coating. 

All you have to do is to pull the trigger and turn the handle to the right or the left to select the suitable speed. Adding more power will help you remove more stubborn clogs. The Maxcore cable measures 25 feet long and is ¼ inch in diameter. 

When used at top speeds, you might deal with some accidental spraying. The cable is prone to kink.

Pros:

• Affordable drain snake that can be used manually or powered.
• Self-feeding mechanism to keep your hands clean.
• Can clean drains and toilet pipes.
• Various speeds by turning the handle.

Cons:

• Might spray a little at high speeds.
• The cable is prone to kink. 

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5. Mophorn 50 Ft x 3/8 Inch Drain Cleaner Machine

For tougher jobs and stubborn clogs, this robust drain snake won’t disappoint you. It’s made of sturdy steel and features a red and black coating that protects it from rusting. It features a 50-foot cable that is highly resistant to corrosion, tangling, knots, tangling, breakage, and kinking. 

The cable is 3/8-inch in diameter and can be manipulated at multiple 90-degree angles to remove the clogs from your lines. This means that you can control your cable without risking any damage to the pipes because it bends easily. 

Using this drain auger is easy thanks to the sealed foot switch. The air-activated switch quickly starts the machine and protects the user from potential electric hazards. It features four different types of heads to tackle various obstacles so you can keep your pipes clog-free. 

These heads will remove the clogs and scrape the insides of your pipes to keep them clean. You’ll receive 2 boring bulb cutters, 1 c-cutter, 1 spade cutter, and 4 arrow cutters. 

Although this unit weighs 66 pounds, the weight is quite reasonable given the power of the machine. It features a handle for easy handling and can be set up on the floor where you can control it with no issues. The bottom has 2 covered feet to protect your floor while you’re using the drain snake. You’ll also receive a pair of gloves to keep your hands dry and clean while using cleaning your drains.

This is an expensive unit that might not be suitable for beginners. Nevertheless, it’s one of the best options available if you have stubborn clogs that you want to get rid of. The feed system is manual and not automatic, so you might struggle a little to learn how to use this drain snake efficiently.

Pros:

• Durable drain snake made of steel.
• 50-foot cable that can be easily bent without breaking.
• Covered feet to protect your floors.
• Air-sealed foot-activated switch to protect the user.

Cons:

• Expensive unit.
• The manual feed system might be more difficult to control.

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Types of Drain Augers

Even if you’re not a big fan of DIYs, you’ve probably found yourself in a situation where you had to use a plumbing snake tool. Augers and snakes are more potent at removing nasty clogs compared to using drain cleaning liquids. 

There are currently three types of augers on the market. Each one of them comes with a list of pros and cons.

Manual Augers

These plumbing snakes are usually made of plastic. The snake is inserted into the drain and is twisted to free or break the clog. Using a manual auger can be straining, especially when you’re dealing with a big clog, and it might not remove all the residue successfully. However, lots of people choose these tools because they’re quite affordable. 

Mechanical Augers

These models still depend on manual operation but usually have a mechanized component that makes them easier to use. They’re more potent than purely manual plumbing snakes.

Electric Augers

Just like the manual models, these snakes are inserted into the strain to remove clogs. Nevertheless, they don’t depend on the physical power of the user. 

Electric augers are usually powered by a battery or a power source that activates a motor to give them more power. This provides more torque to dislodge stubborn clogs and reduces the time needed to finish the job.

How to Choose the Best Electric Drain Snake?

Ignoring a clog can cause a lot of damage to your flooring and accordingly affect the foundation of your house. Finding the best electric drain snakes and augers will help you protect your home without spending hundreds of dollars on hiring a professional plumber. Here are some features to help you pick the right drain snake.

Type of Drain Snakes

Drain snakes come in several types that target various problems. A toilet auger is used to dislodge a clog in the toilet without affecting the porcelain or the coating. It’s more efficient than a plunger but is still a must-have because a clogged toilet can cause a lot of damage.

Top drain snakes are versatile yet small cleaning tools that can be used to unclog various drains in the house. Moreover, they can be used to remove a clog from the washing machine or any other pipe to make sure that there are no plumbing issues. Most household owners use top snakes to remove clogs from the kitchen or the bathroom, and they usually have a cable that measures 25 feet. 

Medium drain snakes are used to remove clogs when the top snake has failed. These machines feature motors that give them more power and torque so they can easily dislodge a clog. A medium drain snake will also have multiple drain heads, wheels, and a handle for easy transportation. The cable can measure anything between 50 to 100 feet. 

Professional plumbers typically use a large or heavy drain snake. It can be used in industrial settings because it can remove clogs from the main lines. 

Power Source

Although manual drain snakes are more portable and easier to use, their success depends on the power of the user. This is where electric and battery-powered snakes come in handy. They will have more torque to dislodge clogs where the manual snakes fail.

You should think about the availability of a power source to use the electric drain snakes and augers successfully. A battery-powered model is more portable and easier to use. However, you’ll have to keep the battery recharged and might need to replace it later. 

Length of the Cable

Getting a snake with a long cable will help you move the stoppage easily. Most drain snakes will have a cable that measures 25 feet. However, if you live on the second floor, you should make sure that your cable is at least 50 feet.

Diameter of the Cable

You need to make sure that the diameter of the cable is less than the diameter of the pipe to avoid damage. Pick a cable that is at least ½ or 1 inch smaller in diameter than the pipe you’re trying to clean. This will guarantee that the cable will be able to move the clog without scratching the pipe, which can lead to further damage in the future. 

Auger Mechanism

Not all drain snakes work in the same way. Each auger has a different mechanism to apply a different kind of pressure to remove the clog. This depends on the location and the type of clog.

For example, if the auger is designed to remove clogs from the toilet, the mechanism should be narrow enough to navigate the toilet’s pipes. Cable augers can either pull the clog out or break it into pieces to clear the blockage. 

Head Type

Drain snakes feature several heads to handle different problems in the house. A screw or coil head is used to pull a clog out. If your pipe or drain is clogged because of a piece of cloth or tissue paper, this is the head to pick.

Fixed heads can’t be removed. These are sturdy enough to push through the clog and move it further down the drain where it can be passed to the main pipes, which will have a bigger diameter.

A cutting head is used to remove the clog by cutting it into pieces. When the clog is shredded, it moves quickly so it can go down the drain, thus eliminating the problem. A side cutter blade will also remove the stoppage by cutting the edges of the pipe.

Wrapping Up

Unclogging a drain using electric drain snakes is easy once you know what you’re doing. The sooner you tackle the clog, the better because it will be easier to handle and remove. 

We chose the TACKLIFE Cordless Drain Clog Remover as our top choice because it’s easy to handle and suitable for homeowners and DIYers. The 25-foot cable is long enough to tackle all clogs in your drains and pipes so you can protect your home from serious plumbing issues. It also features a built-in light that allows you to work in the dark. 

If you’re looking for something different, you can check the other options on our list. There are several models available that will help you save some cash while keeping your piping system clean and clog-free.

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