A drain snake isn’t something to run away from, like the reptile you may find in your yard. In fact, you and all homeowners should embrace this common plumbing tool used to slither into your plumbing system and break up clogs (within a certain reach).
There are a lot of choices, so we went through the reviews and product information to find the five best electric drain snakes.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
What are electric drain augers used for?
What are the different types of electric drain snakes?
How does an electric drain snake work?
What do you look for in the best electric drain snake/auger?
Clear your drain with this easy-to-use cordless drain opener kit with a 25’ cable and brushless bulb tip (35’ cord and brush tip available for extra cost).
The kit includes a case and battery charger for the 20v rechargeable battery designed to work with other power tools of the same frequency. Dewalt provides a 3-year warranty.
Electric drain augers are used to break up a drain clog so that you don’t end up paying the cost of FOG (fat, oil, and grease) and other items that can accumulate in your pipes.
The one-time initial investment of buying an electric auger can prevent expensive repair costs down the line. The cost of an electric auger varies greatly depending on the features and intended purpose of the particular item.
An auger works immediately, and it can perform more effectively than a chemical cleaner since augers can break up just about any clog it encounters, working far better than the best natural drain cleaners.
Additionally, an auger is safe on all types of pipes. However, you may scratch the inside of the pipes if you aren’t careful. Nonetheless, they are still safer for your residential plumbing system than most caustic drain cleaners.
Many people consider a drain auger synonymous with a drain snake. However, drain snakes tend to be smaller and more effective on nearby, mild to moderate clogs. Augers, on the other hand, reach more stubborn clogs deeper in the plumbing.
If a foreign object gets stuck in your drain, such as a toy, this may create a clog that an auger can’t handle. If you find yourself in this situation, learn how to remove anything from your bathroom sink drain with our simple DIY guide!
What Are The Different Types of Electric Drain Augers/Snakes?
Cordless and Corded
One main distinction you will run into when choosing between different types of augers is cordless vs. corded.
Corded devices require a nearby power source. While most interior drains have an electrical outlet near them, this can present a problem in certain situations. For example, if entering the auger into the sewer cleanout outside in your yard, you may not have access to an electrical outlet.
Cordless options provide you with the chance to work even when you can’t reach an outlet, and you don’t have to worry about a cord getting in the way. However, you can only work so long until the battery wears out, as opposed to a corded device that can work endlessly without interruption. You may need to buy a second battery for longer jobs.
Customizable
While most augers can take on basic tasks, some specialized tasks may benefit from or even require specialized attachments. You will want to review the best plumbing snakes fit for both the job and fixture you’re tackling.
Some products allow you to customize the tool with different accessories that allow you to change the type of tip or cord size, among other options. You may have to pay extra for additional attachments, but they can be worth it to make your tool multipurpose as a standard auger, toilet auger, and multiple other differentiated augers.
As-is devices limit you to the attachments provided with no option to buy a longer cord or different style tip.
How Does An Electric Drain Snake Work?
An electric drain snake works by maneuvering through your residential plumbing system to reach the clog and break it up.
You feed the drain snake into the drain nearest to the clog. Most electric augers work on all parts of your plumbing, including your toilet and garbage disposal. If you suspect a sewer line clog, you may best gain access through a basement floor drain or the cleanout outside.
Once you feed the snake into the drain, continue feeding it until it reaches the obstruction. At this point, you will power the device. Once powered, the device will rotate, breaking up the clog.
In many cases, you will be able to hear air flow once you create a drain opening, indicating that you have completed your task.
If you struggle to break up the clog, you can increase power by using the different settings available. Some devices even allow you to rotate counterclockwise to increase effectiveness.
Gaining a visual perspective will make your snaking much more efficient, as well as help you avoid causing further damage with your electric auger.
What Do You Look For In The Best Electric Drain Snake/Auger?
Power
Electricity powers your electric auger, causing the pointed end to rotate. The speed that the end rotates is measured in rotations per minute (rpm). High-powered augers can break up the toughest clogs in commercial settings but may not be necessary for small, residential clogs.
It’s always wise to start low and build up power as necessary.
Length
One of the most important features is how long the auger can reach into your drain. Most electric snake drains reach at least 25 feet, but that might not provide enough reach for your specific clog, especially a sewer line clog or main line clog.
Warranty
When you invest in a snake drain, you expect it to last for years, especially if you don’t use the device very often (as opposed to a plumber).
A good warranty will ensure that you get a replacement device in the case that it breaks due to a manufacturer’s error.
Best Electric Drain Augers Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
Clear your drain with this easy-to-use cordless drain opener kit with a 25’ cable and brushless bulb tip (35’ cord and brush tip available for extra cost).
The kit includes a case and battery charger for the 20v rechargeable battery designed to work with other power tools of the same frequency. Dewalt provides a 3-year warranty.
This cost-effective 25” cordless drain auger fits into any drain between ¾” – 2” with 60 minutes of work time when fully charged (more powerful batteries available and sold separately) and top speeds of 560 rpm.
Autofeed and lock features allow you to control the cable while it’s inside your drain, and an LED light helps you see while you work.
Make drain cleaning easy with this high-end cordless drain snake kit that comes with a 35’ high-end cable that fits into any pipe between ¼” – 3” with rust guard plating to prevent corrosion.
This product comes with an 18-volt battery and charger so that you can get power whenever you need it up to 500 rpm. This is also the only snake drain kit that comes with a fully enclosed drum for safe and sanitary storage.
You also get a 5-year warranty on the tool itself and a 2-year warranty for both the battery and cable.
Reach 24’ into any drain, even ones not near a power source, with this cordless electric snake. The powerful battery charges in just 60 minutes and lasts longer than other models.
The flexible end breaks up just about any clog and reaches speeds of 560 rpm. Along with the tool itself, you also get a case, a battery charger, and gloves. Dobetter offers a 1-year warranty
This multi-purpose drain cleaning machine fits any drain between ¾” – 11/2” and comes with an attachment for near clogs as well as a 25’ cable for deeper clogs. The heavy-duty cable is made to last by preventing kinks and holding up to simple trauma.
You won’t have to worry about getting too messy, thanks to the auto-feed technology that eliminates the need for you to touch the dirty cable yourself. Furthermore, a clear cover allows you to see how much cable you have left as you work.
The device works on a standard 120v outlet and runs up to 450 RPM. When you’re done, use the simple drain plug to release excess water. This product also comes with a lifetime warranty.
You can order replacement parts if you damage a cable, but you can’t find different sizes.
Pros
Autofeed technology with clear cover
Easy to use and clean
Compact and portable
Cons
Not cordless
Reverse drive only for releasing jam
Limited 25’ reach
Final Thoughts On Electric Drain Snake/Augers
When boiling water and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar won’t open up a blocked drain, you need an electric plumber’s snake. Whether you prefer a high-end option or something more practical, you should find an auger suitable for your needs in our review of the best electric drain snake. You can also read this article that takes a more basic approach on products to unclog toilets.
An electric drain snake can cost anywhere from $50 – $250, depending on the options you want.
Do drain snakes really work?
An electric snake works well on a clogged drain as long as it can reach the clog.
What is the difference between a drain snake and an auger?
Many people use “auger” and “drain snake” interchangeably. However, drain snakes usually work best for nearby clogs and are powered by a handle, while electric augers reach deeper clogs and generate much more power.
How do you power auger a drain?
You power a plumbing auger by charging its rechargeable battery to its full capacity with the provided charger.
Are drain snakes bad for pipes?
Drain snakes will open up a backed drain without hurting any type of pipe, including PVC pipe, drain pipe, and sewer pipe, especially compared to a chemical drain cleaner.
How do electric drain snakes work?
Once you put the drain snake into your shower drain or sink, it maneuvers through your pipes until it reaches the blockage. At that point, you will power the device to break up the clog.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
