Best Ridgid Drain Snake Reviews

Last Updated On April 17, 2024

Updated on May 5, 2022

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Best Ridgid Drain Snake Reviews

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?

ImageProduct
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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
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Cable thickness can be adjusted
  • Reverse switch
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Cable thickness can be adjusted
  • Reverse switch
View on Amazon
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Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin with AUTOFEED, Maxcore Drain Cleaner Cable, and Bulb Drain Auger to Remove Drain Clogs
  • Cable keeper keeps cord securely inside the drum
  • Fits most drains in your home
  • Inexpensive
  • Cable keeper keeps cord securely inside the drum
  • Fits most drains in your home
  • Inexpensive
View on Amazon
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RIDGID 58920 K-50 Sectional Machine, Sectional Drain Cleaning Machine
  • Versatility and customizable options
  • Strong and durable
  • Suitable for large drains
  • Versatility and customizable options
  • Strong and durable
  • Suitable for large drains
View on Amazon
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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
  • AutoFeed Advances and Retrieves Cable at 22′ per Minute
  • Portable model with a case and accessories included
  • Powerful at up to 650 rpm
  • AutoFeed Advances and Retrieves Cable at 22′ per Minute
  • Portable model with a case and accessories included
  • Powerful at up to 650 rpm
View on Amazon
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RIDGID 52363 K-400 Drain Cleaner
  • Long 75’ cord with option to buy 100’ cord
  • Cable control system (foot pedal)
  • Durable cord and drum
  • Long 75’ cord with option to buy 100’ cord
  • Cable control system (foot pedal)
  • Durable cord and drum
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On April 17, 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

What's In This Guide?

      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-400K-3800K-6200
      Cable typeIntegral wound Integral wound – solid core – hollow coreHeavy duty inner core, inner core, hollow core
      Diameter⅜” 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-50K-60SPK-5208, K-1500, K-1500SP & K-1500G
      Cable typeTight wound – all-purpose wound – heavy-duty wound Tight wound – all-purpose wound – heavy-duty wound – plastic coreAll-Purpose Wound – Plastic Core – Extra Heavy-Duty Wound – Heavy-Duty Wound – Extra Flexibility
      Diameter⅝”  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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      We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.

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