The Best Drain Snakes

The Best Drain Snakes

We all know that clogged drains are the worst, especially when you have no idea what is down there. Kids are notorious for shoving toys down sinks and toilets, and anyone's hair can form icky clumps that snag debris almost as well as a spider web. So, aside from resigning yourself to hundreds of dollars in future plumbing bills, what can you do to unclog a drain? Psh, that's easy: get your own drain snake so you can take matters into your own hands. Drain snakes aren't all made equal, and you do not want to end up with one that just makes the problem worse, which is why you'd be doing yourself a favor by reading through our reviews of the best drain snakes out there today.

Tacklife Automatic Cordless Drain Auger

Call in the big guns

When you have a stubborn and hard-to-reach clog, you need this powerful drain snake.
Best Overall

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Sometimes, a drain wand just isn’t quite enough. For the occasions when a bit more sophistication is needed to get to those hard to reach and stubborn clogs, you’ll want the Tacklife Automatic Cordless Drain Auger.

This electric drain snake is truly powerful. The rechargeable battery is ready to go whenever you are and even if it dies, it is charged and ready to go within an hour. Also, the heavy-duty cable is a full 25 feet long and capable of getting through anything, including hair, food, old leaves, silt, and so much more. We appreciate the ease with which this snake can get through any shaped pipe, as well. Many snakes can’t be used for S-shaped pipes, but that is never an issue for the Tacklife Automatic Cordless Drain Auger.

Pros:

  • Use this snake for any job, especially since it fits every pipe type and shape
  • It works off battery power instead of manual force, which is convenient
  • Powers through any mess, including food and hair
  • The battery is rechargeable and charges quickly so you don’t need to stop for long when dealing with a clog
  • Uses a huge 25-foot cable, which means it can go further than most snakes

Cons:

  • Costs more than the average drain snake

Green Gobbler Hair Grabber Drain Tool

Super simple snaking

Easy on the wallet, you can slide this snake down your drain to clear the way.
Best Budget Buy

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Are you looking for a simple and affordable drain snake that can handle your average hairball on a budget? If so, the Green Gobbler Hair Grabber Drain Tool is your ticket.

This 22″ drain snake has specially designed hooks that are perfect for collecting hair and pulling it all out at once. We also love that this drain snake can be used multiple times since it is made of durable plastic. That adds even more value to the already low price. Because it isn’t too large, it is safe for any kind of drain – you never have to worry about it breaking your fixtures or scratching porcelain. You can even leave it right down your sink and shower drain to catch hair as it goes down for added clog prevention, as well.

Pros:

  • Prevent clogs by leaving this drain snake installed in your drains at all times
  • It easily fits down every drain in your home so you won’t need multiple snakes
  • Once you clear a drain, simply clean it and reuse it
  • Fits down every shape and type of drain so you never have to worry about it not being the right choice
  • It is super affordable and holds its value

Cons:

  • This snake does not work as well for food or silt as it does for hair

Breezz Plumbing Drain Snake Auger

Easy and fast unclogging

A multi-use drain snake that can handle any job, big or small.
Most Versatile

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We always prefer a product that can be used in multiple ways, and that’s exactly the case with this drain auger. The Breezz Plumbing Drain Snake Auger gives you two ways to torque it so you can choose the best way to get the job done.

If you simply need to remove some hair from the upper portion of a drain, use the handle to quickly crank it down and back up again. Meanwhile, if the clog is seriously stubborn or just too deep to unclog otherwise, just get your drill and use the included drill attachment to give it a powerful boost. Overall, it is very easy to use and provides a ton of power to blast through hair, food, silt, leaves, and more. You can even use it for central vacuums and downspouts. This drain snake offers a ton of possibilities and uses.

Pros:

  • Use it either manually or with a drill to suit your needs
  • Take it outside to clean gutters and downspouts, too
  • It is easy to use and works quickly
  • The cable is 25 feet long and made of durable steel so it lasts for years
  • Safe to use all over your home for any of your drain cleaning needs

Cons:

  • Because the tip is wide, you’ll need to remove drain covers for simple jobs, such as clearing hair, which can be tedious

DrainX Pro Steel Drum Auger Plumbing Snake

Everything you need to unclog

Sold as an all-inclusive page, this one touts an easy-to-use and durable drain snake for the tough jobs.
Best Kit

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If you are searching for an all-inclusive drain snake kit, this is the best choice for you. The DrainX Pro Steel Drum Auger Plumbing Snake is a powerful hand-cranking drain snake that removes even the most stubborn clogs.

This drain snake is easy to use. You simply use one hand to hold the handle while you turn the steel drum with your other hand. This forces the cable down the drain so you can remove the clog. It is a full 25′ long and 1/4″wide, so even the densest clog is no match for this snake. The included work gloves help you grip onto the handles easily and protect you from whatever yucky mess comes out when you finally dislodge it. Use it for drains in the kitchen, bathroom, and even outside.

Pros:

  • It is easy to use and takes very little effort
  • This snake includes work gloves and a convenient carry case for storage and cleanliness
  • Works well for any drain you need to unclog, which means you don’t need multiple products
  • The long cable can reach throughout your pipes to remove any blockages so you can avoid a hefty plumbing bill
  • It is super durable and will last for years while handling all of your maintenance needs

Cons:

  • It can scratch and damage the porcelain of your toilet if you aren’t careful

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a drain snake be used for besides clogged toilets and hairballs?

You may think that a drain snake is a useless tool that won’t be used for more than pulling hair out of your drains, but the truth is that it is a truly versatile product. Drain snakes can remove leaves and sticks from downspouts and gutters. They can also be super helpful for breaking up grease and old food down your kitchen sink pipes. In some cases, they can even be used for removing dust, dirt, and debris from central vacuums and dryer tubes.

Are drain snakes safe to use in bathroom fixtures?

Drain snakes are safe to use down sinks and tub drains because they usually only come into contact with metal; however, you need to be careful when using one for a clogged toilet. Toilets are made of porcelain, not metal, so they are more easily damaged than your other fixtures. You can still use a drain snake but you will want to follow the directions carefully and be as gentle as possible.