Do you want to buy a Ridgid drain snake but want to choose the best model? It takes a lot of time to compare products yourself. We researched the best Ridgid drain cleaning machines so you can feel confident in your purchase.
We cover the best drain snakes by the Ridgid brand and describe what makes each one unique. This way you can spend your time resolving the clogged drain in your plumbing system.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
- What are the best Ridgid drain snakes?
- What are the different types of Ridgid drain snakes?
- How to use a Ridgid plumbing snake
- What do you look for in the best Ridgid plumbing snake?
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  | Our Top Pick | RIDGID 35473 K-45AF Sink Machine with C-1 5/16 Inch Inner Core Cable and AUTOFEED Control, Sink Drain Cleaner Machine and Bulb Drain Auger
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| View on Amazon |
Best Budget  | Best Budget | Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin with AUTOFEED, Maxcore Drain Cleaner Cable, and Bulb Drain Auger to Remove Drain Clogs
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| View on Amazon |
Best High-End  | Best High-End | RIDGID 58920 K-50 Sectional Machine, Sectional Drain Cleaning Machine
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| View on Amazon |
Best Portable  | Best Portable | Ridgid 36003 K-45AF-5 Auto-Feed Drain Cleaning Machine with C-1IC 5/16 In. Inner Core Cable, C-6 3/8 In. Cable, Inner Drum, Tool Set, & Carrying Case, 115V
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| View on Amazon |
Best Drum Machine  | Best Drum Machine | RIDGID 52363 K-400 Drain Cleaner
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| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On December 16, 2024
Our #1 Rated Pick: RIDGID 35473 K-45AF Sink Machine with C-1 5/16 Inch Inner Core Cable and AUTOFEED Control, Sink Drain Cleaner Machine and Bulb Drain Auger
Cord – 25’ 5/16” inner core cable with inner drum
Power – 114v and 600 rpm
Th Ridgid K-45 AF is perfect for cleaning small drains, such as the toilet, sink drain, and shower drain (however you can replace the cable with a thicker cable if necessary). The portable machine drain snake has a durable drum that won’t corrode, and it is easy to use thanks to the auto-feed system and two-piece “twist lock” canister.
Our Top 5 Ridgid Drain Snakes
- RIDGID 35473 K-45AF Sink Machine with C-1 5/16 Inch Inner Core Cable and AUTOFEED Control, Sink Drain Cleaner Machine and Bulb Drain Auger (Our Top Pick)
- Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin with AUTOFEED, Maxcore Drain Cleaner Cable, and Bulb Drain Auger to Remove Drain Clogs (Best Budget)
- RIDGID 58920 K-50 Sectional Machine, Sectional Drain Cleaning Machine (Best High-End)
- Ridgid 36003 K-45AF-5 Auto-Feed Drain Cleaning Machine with C-1IC 5/16 In. Inner Core Cable, C-6 3/8 In. Cable, Inner Drum, Tool Set, & Carrying Case, 115V (Best Portable)
- RIDGID 52363 K-400 Drain Cleaner (Best Drum Machine)
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What Are The Best Ridgid Drain Snakes?
The best Ridgid drain snakes provide you with the appropriate tools to resolve numerous different types of blockages anywhere in your pipes, even deep in the sewer line, without damaging the pipe material. It will also be easy for you to use and come with detailed manuals and resources to help you when you have a question.
Ridgid creates high-quality products made to last backed by a generous warranty. In fact, “RIDGID covers its products with a lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship for the life of the tool”.
You can’t go wrong with a Ridgid product. However, picking the right drain snake will ensure you get the most return out of your investment and enjoy using it.
What Are The Different Types of Ridgid Drain Snakes?
Handheld drain snakes work well for hair clogs and other simple obstructions in a small drain line.
Drum drain cleaning machines and sectional drain cleaning machines are larger but offer more capabilities and can accommodate larger drains and stubborn clogs deeper in your pipes.
Handheld Drain Snake
A handheld drain snake gives you the opportunity to easily travel with it and use it in tight areas that can’t accommodate a large machine.
Most electric plumbing snake tools include a cord, meaning you’ll need to work near a power source, but some cordless models use a rechargeable battery. Or, you can always use a manual crank.
Drum Drain Snake
A drum drain snake contains the entire cord within the machine’s drum and offers automatic feed capabilities. The solitary unit makes the device easier to transport and move, but they are heavy since you must carry the heavy cord to every job.
Sectional Drain Snake
Sectional drain snakes give you the option to customize the cord length to the specific job, ensuring the device isn’t heavier than necessary. Start with a short cable. If you need more length, you can attach additional length to the current cable.
How To Use a Ridgid Plumbing Snake?
When it comes to operation, there are two main types of methods to consider depending on the device itself – manual and machine.
Manual snakes contain a crank that the user cranks when the snake reaches the drain clog. Machine snakes rotate using a power source. Machine snakes may power using handheld technology or a button on the device itself.
Ridgid drain snake tips
- Always wear proper protective gear!
- Read instructions before operating a drain cleaning machine.
- Use the right cable for the job.
Ridgid drain snake attachments
- Exploratory (primary)
- Straight auger
- Bulb auger
- Drop head auger
- Follow-up
- Funnel auger
- Spade cutter
- 3 blade cutter
- 4 blade cutter
- Hook auger
- Spiral saw tooth cutter
- Saw tooth cutter
- Spiral bar cutter
- Shark tooth
- H cutter
- Grease Blockages
- Grease cutter
- Grease C cutter
- Finishing Tools
- Flue brush
- Expanding finishing cutters
- Miscellaneous Tools
- Chain knocker
- Retrieving auger
Ridgid drain snake replacement cables
Drum Machine Cable Options: (Table 1)
| K-400 | K-3800 | K-6200 | |
| Cable type | Integral wound | Integral wound – solid core – hollow core | Heavy duty inner core, inner core, hollow core |
| Diameter | ⅜” and ½” | ⅜” and ½” | ⅝” and ¾” |
| Length | 50’ – 75’ – 100’ | 50’ – 75’ -90’ – 100’ | 25’ – 50’ – 75’ – 100’ |
Sectional Cable Options: (Table 2)
| K-50 | K-60SP | K-5208, K-1500, K-1500SP & K-1500G | |
| Cable type | Tight wound – all-purpose wound – heavy-duty wound | Tight wound – all-purpose wound – heavy-duty wound – plastic core | All-Purpose Wound – Plastic Core – Extra Heavy-Duty Wound – Heavy-Duty Wound – Extra Flexibility |
| Diameter | ⅝” | ⅝” and ⅞” | ⅞” and 1.25” |
| Length | 7.5’ – 10’ | 7.5’ – 10’ – 15’ | 15’ |
Use the following guide to determine the best type of cable for the particular job:
- Tight Wound Cable – rigid, hollow core cable.
- All Purpose Wound – flexible cable with enough rigidity to clean properly
- Heavy-Duty Wound – open wind especially good for long tasks
- Extra Heavy-Duty Wound – open wind designed for thick (4″ to 10″) pipes
- Plastic Core – standard, multi-purpose wind
- Extra Flexibility – extra flexible cable with limited rigidity used for 3″ to 6″ lines and 4″ traps
What Do You Look For In Choosing a Ridgid Drain Snake Machine?
Cord Type and Size
Use the right cord for the job:
- ¼” cable – ¾” – 1.5” lines
- 5/16” cable – ¾” – 1” lines
- ⅜” cable – 1.25” – 2” lines
- ⅝” cable – 1.25” – 4” lines
Power
Tough jobs require as much power as possible. However, you can’t create so much power that it causes damage.
Power is measured in rotations per minute (RPM) where a higher RPM means a more powerful device whether the device is powered manually or mechanically.
Most machines let you adjust the power as necessary up to its maximum capabilities.
User Friendliness
Does the product you want provide you with the features that suit your needs? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the product portable?
- Does the product produce enough power?
- What safety features are included?
- Can you adjust the cord or change it out completely?
- Is the product easy to understand?
Best Ridgid Drain Snakes Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Our #1 Rated Pick: RIDGID 35473 K-45AF Sink Machine with C-1 5/16 Inch Inner Core Cable and AUTOFEED Control, Sink Drain Cleaner Machine and Bulb Drain Auger
Cord – 25’ 5/16” inner core cable with inner drum
Power – 114v and 600 rpm
Th Ridgid K-45 AF is perfect for cleaning small drains, such as the toilet, sink drain, and shower drain (however you can replace the cable with a thicker cable if necessary). The portable machine drain snake has a durable drum that won’t corrode, and it is easy to use thanks to the auto-feed system and two-piece “twist lock” canister.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Cable thickness can be adjusted
- Reverse switch
Cons
- Cable falls out when it reaches the end
- No case
- Shorter than other options – no way to extend length of the cord
Our #2 Rated Pick: Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin with AUTOFEED, Maxcore Drain Cleaner Cable, and Bulb Drain Auger to Remove Drain Clogs
Cord – 25’ ¼” Maxcore cable and bulb auger
Power – manual crank up to 500 rpm
When you want a basic option that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done, the Ridgid Gidds is the perfect model for any drain in your home between ½” and 1.5” in diameter. The cable self-feeds down the drain. When you retract the cable back into the drum, you won’t need to touch it at all. You can add a drill if you need more power.
Pros
- Cable keeper keeps cord securely inside the drum
- Fits most drains in your home
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Not suitable for your sewer line
- No adjustable heads
- Requires manual cranking
Our #3 Rated Pick: RIDGID 58920 K-50 Sectional Machine, Sectional Drain Cleaning Machine
Cord – na (not included)
Power – 120v ⅙ HP motor up to 400 rpm
When you need a versatile machine that will last throughout heavy use, you want the Ridgid K-50 sectional drain cleaning machine. You choose the cord you need so you can make it fit just about any drain as small as ½” and up to 4”. While lightweight compared to other sectional models, the product is not designed for regular portability.
Pros
- Versatility and customizable options
- Strong and durable
- Suitable for large drains
Cons
- Cable sold separately
- No automatical feeding capabilities
- Limited max 400 rpm
Our #4 Rated Pick: Ridgid 36003 K-45AF-5 Auto-Feed Drain Cleaning Machine with C-1IC 5/16 In. Inner Core Cable, C-6 3/8 In. Cable, Inner Drum, Tool Set, & Carrying Case, 115V
Cord – 25’ 5/16” cable and 35’ ⅜” cable
Power – 110v/120v up to 650 rpm
The K-45 AF is a multi-purpose drain cleaning tool with auto-feed technology. Includes two cables that secure in place with a screw to ensure they don’t fall out when you reach the end. It also includes an interchangeable head and a pair of gloves. Everything is conveniently contained in a carrying case for easy transport from one job site to another.
Pros
- AutoFeed Advances and Retrieves Cable at 22′ per Minute
- Portable model with a case and accessories included
- Powerful at up to 650 rpm
Cons
- 11 pounds can get heavy
- Not cordless
- Cables not marked for length
Our #5 Rated Pick: RIDGID 52363 K-400 Drain Cleaner
Cord – 75’ ⅜” Integral wound solid core cable
Power – 120v with a ⅓ hp motor that spins at 165 rpm
The Ridgid K-400 can reach into the deepest parts of your plumbing system with the 75’ cable. To keep the long cable under control, the device comes with a cable control system for safety and protection of the cable.
Pros
- Long 75’ cord with option to buy 100’ cord
- Cable control system (foot pedal)
- Durable cord and drum
Cons
- No autofeed feature (available on a different model)
- Not made to remove tree root obstructions or extra small drains
- Not ideal for travel
FAQs For Ridgid Drain Snakes
Where do you buy Ridgid drain snake parts?
You can conveniently buy Ridgid drain snake parts on the company website, along with plenty of resources to ensure you buy the right part. You can also find parts at third-party retailers, such as Amazon and Home Depot.
How do you use a Ridgid snake drain?
Feed the snake into the drain and power it. It’s best to remove tub drain stoppers for better access. In some cases, you can also first remove the crossbar drain using a tub drain removal tool. Always read the user manual first as different models operate differently from one to the next.
Where can you buy Ridgid drain snakes?
Find Ridgid drain snakes on Amazon to take advantage of Amazon’s fast delivery.
Do Ridgid Drain Snakes come with a warranty?
All Ridgid drain snakes come with a limited lifetime warranty if you experience a manufacturer’s error.
Looking for something else?
See this power where we review plumbing snakes based on the fixture they’re rated for:
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