The Best Drain Snake | 2023

From clumps of hair solidified with soap residue to old food bits, there are a lot of things that can clog up a sink. Cleaning out the clogs is essential if you want the water to drain the way it should. How can you do this without calling in a professional? A drain snake is a great tool for getting out stubborn clogs and ensuring your sink or toilet works how it’s designed to.

What is a drain snake? Strangely enough, it’s a lot like it sounds. A drain snake is a long, sturdy and flexible wire that is designed to “snake” through a clog in a pipe. It removes blockages of food, hair and other nasty stuff caught in pipes and returns the drainage to normal levels. There are many different types of drain snakes, so knowing which one to get for your clog is key.

One of the most important elements to consider is whether you want to go manual or electric. A manual drain snake is people powered, where there is a crank that is turned by hand in order to move the cable into the pipe and pull it back out. In many home uses, the manual drain snake works well for simple blockages that can occur in household drains, such as those in a sink, tub or toilet. For major clogs, an electric drain snake does a better job as the cable is moved with electric power. This creates more strength to bust through even the most stubborn clogs. It’s also ideal for those who deal with clogs on a more frequent basis. However, keep in mind electric drain snakes tend to be more costly than manual ones.

• Drain snakes come in different standard lengths. Typically, a 25-foot cable is sufficient for most household pipes in sinks and tubs. These cables are typically a quarter of an inch thick. For those that live in multi-story homes, it may be a good idea to get a longer drain snake as there is more pipe to go through. A 50-foot cable is a good idea in this case.
• In terms of cable thickness, a quarter inch is a good size for most clogs and common drains found in most homes. However, for major blockages, such as those that can happen with washing machines, for example, you may need a thicker cable. In this case, opt for a half-inch cable which provides heft and strength. Thicker cables are also longer and usually go to about 75 feet.
• At the top of the drain snake cable is the “head”. This is the part that actually pushes out the clog, so it’s an important design feature. Cutting heads have sharp blades and points which are great for snipping up large clogs into small pieces so they can move down the pipe. Often, these types of heads are on heavy-duty drain snakes. Coiled or toothed heads are found on most common drain snakes. They are designed to catch on to the clog and pull it out of the drain. These types of heads are also great for retrieving items that may have been lost down the drain, such as small pieces of jewelry or toys.