What is the best drain auger and drain cleaning machine? You may think that the answer is pretty clear, that the best drain auger should clean any blockages inside a drain pipe in the most efficient and quickest way. And you are right, but there are other factors influencing on the effectiveness of a cleaning process. In particular, the power tools are more preferable in terms of control and feeding accuracy achieved in automatic modes. The innovative design of modern drain augers eliminates kinks and tangling of cables which are commonly made from reinforced high-grade steel. Besides, the cables should be compatible with multiple cutting attachments for dealing with clogs and debris of different nature. And with all its power and efficiency, a cutting-edge model should be light enough and have a small footprint for an easy storage.

Best Drain Augers | Comparison table

1. Ridgid 55808 PowerClear Drain Cleaning Machine

This 120V electric-corded cleaner has from ¾” up to 1 1/2” diameter drain capacity. It comes with 30’ inner core cable with an auto feed technology to supply 18 ft/min, and a two-piece guide hose to maintain the working area clean.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE  

2. Mophorn 75 Ft x 1/2 Inch Portable Electric Drain Auger with a cleaning kit

Equipped with 370W motor this electric drain auger reaches up to 700 RPM, and can be activated with an air foot switch. It features 1”- 4” I.D. drain line capacity. It comes with 75 ft x ½ inch steel corrosion-resistant cable with four cutting attachments different for use.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE  

3. Mophorn 100Ft x 3/8 Inch Drain cleaning machine with a cleaning kit

A 370 W motor of this drain auger pipe cleaner can reach the speed of 1700 RPM. It is suitable for 3/4"-4" pipes. It comes with 100 ft x 3/8-inch intensified solid cable, 4 shapes of cutters, an opened cable case, and a foldable handle.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE  

4. Mophorn 3/4"-4" Sectional Pipe Drain Cleaning Machine

This 400W electric-corded unit comes with a pure copper wire motor in a durable steel housing. It is applicable for 3/4''-4'' pipes and drives up to 100 ft of manganese steel cable of 3/8'' or 5/8'' diameter with a forward/reverse switch. It also includes 6 cutters for different use and a key.

CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE  

Types of drain auger systems: Drain auger vs drain cleaning machine vs drain snake

Manual drain snakes and augers

This type is commonly used to handle simple blockages in sinks, tubs or toilets around the house. A manual drain snake is typically light and compact to be carried easily from one location to another. It is run down into a clogged pipe. By means of manual turning of its crank a cutting attachment screws into a clog to remove it. It happens that, plenty of efforts have to be exerted to clear away any obstruction. Thus, the manual drain augers facilitate the life of a plumber or just any person struggling with debris in a drain pipe.

Such tools are equipped with a spring drum. An auger cable is feeding into a drain through the drum. Some units can be connected to an electric drill thus increasing the torque needed to get rid of tougher blockages. For instance, the GIDDS-813340 41408 from Ridgid is a manual tool which can be electrically driven when additional power is needed. Overall, manual drain snakes and augers are very similar in operation; however, the latter would be preferable in terms of convenience and simplicity in use.

Electric drain augers

The design of such unit reminds a traditional manual drain auger except its electric or battery-powered drive. Electric drain augers are commonly used for various applications with a power outlet within the reach for corded options, and an appropriate battery available for cordless units.

The modern electric models are mainly designed for dealing with ¾ - 4-inch diameter drains, with a cable length more than 100 ft, thus they can cover more demands and serve for residential and commercial-grade purposes. The MOPHORN 100FT X 3/8INCH DRAIN CLEANER is a bright example of a powerful electric model designed for average and heavy-duty applications.

I would like to mention one more comprehensive type of electric drain augers which combines the power of electric motor and pump. And here I refer to hydro-jetting machines which are used for clearing out big sewages. Thus, this type can be used only by professionals. A high pressure is generated with the help of a pump and motor, after that a pressurized water stream (up to 4,000 PSI) is fed into a pipe. The pressure is so high, that any blockage might be smashed to pieces. Which is why, hydro-jetting is used only for complicated obstructions in large diameter pipes. Otherwise, such pressure jet could incur damage, especially to thin-walled or collapsed pipes.

Gas-powered drain cleaning machines

It is a class of heavy-duty professional drain cleaning machines. They are designed for large-scale field work and for remote areas with no power supply available or in case of impracticability of its use. For instance, application of power generators is considered to be quite expensive and inconvenient solution for transportation and handling. However, gas-powered models are widely used by public utilities to maintain big urban sewage networks. And in spite of their heavy weight, the wheeled design contributes to an enhanced mobility.

Drum-type & Sectional cable augers

In addition, all modern drain augers can be divided into two types in regards to their design and operating peculiarities: drum and sectional models.

Drum-type augers are similar to manual counterparts in the design, apart from an integrated motor, naturally. In general, these are more sophisticated machines which facilitate and speed up unclogging process in comparison with hand equipment. The majority of drum-type models feature an auto-feeding of a drain cable. They require less preparation time before operation as a cable is already integrated inside a unit.

The Mophorn 75 Ft x 1/2 Inch Drain Cleaner Machine features an opened drum-type design which also allows accurate control of the remaining cable length in the drum and easy cleaning. But despite the above-mentioned benefits, these units are heavier and bigger, even than sectional-type counterparts, consequently may cause some problems with transportation and handling.

Sectional cable augers feature a detachable spring (consists of several sections coupled together). Thanks to this peculiarity, clearing of drain blockages can be carried out at great distances from the place of equipment arrangement. Besides, you may figure out in advance an approximate length of a cable required to fulfill a certain job. Thus, the weight of a device will be considerably lower, in comparison with a hefty packed-full drum model.

Besides, if a section is somehow damaged, it can be always replaced by a new one locally. And the MOPHORN 3/4"-4" SECTIONAL PIPE DRAIN CLEANING MACHINE owns all above-mentioned benefits.

Other features to be considered when looking for a drain auger | Buyers’ Guide

Cable length and thickness

This parameter defines the field of application of your tool. Different models are offered with a cable from 9 ft. up to 150 ft. In particular, a 25 ft. cable will be enough to handle average household issues. On the contrary, you may need longer cable up to 100 ft. for bigger houses or some light commercial applications.

Also, you should take into consideration pipe diameter, to provide sufficient space for a cable while running it down a line, excluding any risk of inner wall damage. You should get a drain auger with approximately 3/4-inch wide cable to unclog domestic downspouts; while more powerful drain cleaning machines feature thicker cables more than 4-inch in diameter.

Cutting heads

These attachments are developed to improve the efficiency of a cleaning process, as well as to enlarge a range of applications of the equipment.

Cutting heads can be universal (for general applications) and specific (used to tackle particular blockages). Universal tips usually come in a coiled design to face the majority of drain clogging problems of an average homeowner. The heads with sharp blades or toothed edges are commonly attached to more powerful drain auger models for commercial-grade applications.

It is also important to note that specifications of a particular cutter could be unsuitable for some special cases due to pipeline design peculiarities (like bends, traps, tees, etc.)

Auto feeding

Nowadays, the majority of the advanced power drain augers come with an auto feeding function. It lets you to run a cable in a line and retrieve it back without physical contact; that is, there is no need to touch the cable. Overall, this feature allows keeping a working area clean, and contributes to safety, and efficiency.

Top-8 Electric Drain Augers, Drain Cleaning Machines & Manual Drain Snakes

Ridgid 55808 PowerClear Drain Cleaning Machine | Best Corded Electric for 3/4" - 1 1/2" pipes

Since 1923 when Ridgid introduced its patented pipe wrench, all drain cleaning products from this manufacturer have been associated with reliability, efficiency and high quality standards.

This electric-corded drain cleaner allows handle blockages in 3/4" - 1 1/2" diameter pipes, thus providing versatility in use. Its auto-feed technology makes a cleaning process faster. Besides, it keeps your hands and the working area clean while feeding and retracting the 30 ft. cable. The latter comes in an inner core design featuring higher strength and resistance to kinks and tangles. The transparent cover of the unit allows you to monitor remaining length of the cable. More than that, this drain auger comes with a detachable guiding hose which consists of two pieces for general and hard-to-reach applications keeping your hands and working area free from debris.

Features

  • Power source: Electric corded
  • Drain capacity (in): 3/4 - 1 1/2
  • Weight (lbs): 12
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 13.25 x 9 x 11.5
Pros: Cons:
  • Powerful
  • Guiding hose
  • Auto-feed function
  • Rugged cable
  • Versatile
  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • User-friendly
  • No additional head attachments

The Ridgid 55808 is a reliable tool suitable for different drains around the house granting comfort and easiness of its operation to any user.

Ridgid 55808 PowerClear Drain Cleaning Machine: Check the current price

Mophorn 75 Ft x 1/2 Inch Drain Cleaner Machine | Best commercial

This rugged unit is made from high-grade steel and features anti-corrosion properties for a long service life. It is suitable for 1-4-inch diameter pipes thus ensuring its applicability for multiple domestic and public applications. This auger comes with a long 75ft x 1/2” cable of an increased strength and flexibility to pass through various bends of a pipeline without any damage. The package includes 4 different shapes of cutters which can be attached to the cable thus ensuring its capability to cope with the most challenging blockages obstructing a pipe. An on-board tool compartment is used for their storage.

This model features enough versatility and high-performance in a portable design, with a convenient handle for an easy carrying. Its air activated foot GFCI switch allows a quick activation of a drain cable and ensures user’s protection against electrical shock.

Features

  • Power source: Electric corded
  • Drain capacity (in): 1 - 4
  • Weight (lbs): 82
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 17 x 13 x 20
Pros: Cons:
  • Durable
  • Long high-strength cable
  • 4 shapes of cutters are included
  • Wide range of applications
  • Easy starting of a drain cable
  • Portable
  • Heavy
  • Expensive

This is one of the most versatile option which can be used both for residential- and commercial-grade applications, featuring sufficient capacity to cover multiple drain cleaning tasks.

Mophorn 75 Ft x 1/2 Inch Drain Cleaner Machine: Check the current price

Mophorn 100Ft x ⅜ Inch Drain Cleaner Machine | Best powerful

This unit is equipped with 370W motor which generates the speed up to 1700 RPM thus increasing efficiency of a cleaning process. It comes with a 100 ft x 3/8-inch steel inner core cable which is designed to resist different bending loads. The direction of the cable can be changed with the help of an on-board switch. The air foot switch activates the cable when needed. The cable drum is not covered to provide easy cleaning and monitoring of a remaining length in a case. The cable is compatible with four cutting heads included in the package.

This unit has a foldable handle contributing to portability and easy storage by saving plenty of space.

Features

  • Power source: Electric corded
  • Drain capacity (in): 3/4 - 4
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 26 x 25 x 20
Pros: Cons:
  • Powerful motor
  • Auto forward/backward direction
  • Long intensified cable
  • Four cutting heads are included
  • Rugged design
  • Easy storage
  • Expensive
  • More suitable for commercial applications

It’s an awesome machine which demonstrates a lot of power and capacity to handle heavy-duty drain cleaning, with no need in plumber’s services any more.

Mophorn 100Ft x ⅜ Inch Drain Cleaner Machine: Check the current price

Mophorn 3/4"-4" Sectional Pipe Drain Cleaning Machine 400PRM | Best heavy-duty

This heavy-duty sewage drain cleaning machine comes with a copper wire motor which delivers higher speed and contributes to longer operation of the tool. It is designed to clean ¾”-4” diameter pipes and feed up to 100 ft of a durable and corrosion resistant cable. The machine is compatible with 3/8” and 5/8” diameter cables. This feature allows using this model for domestic drains, tubs and toilets, as well as for some public areas and bigger diameter sewages. Its versatility is also proven by 6 cutting heads and 1 key delivered in the package.

The housing of this drain cleaning machine is made of a high-grade metal to enhance an overall durability of the unit and its components. The direction of a cable can be changed with the help of an integrated forward/reverse switch.

Features

  • Power source: Electric corded
  • Drain capacity (in): 3/4 - 4
  • Weight (lbs): 44
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 19.2 x 18.5 x 18.5
Pros: Cons:
  • Durable motor
  • High strength cable
  • Wide application
  • Auto-feeding
  • Rugged design
  • Cleaning attachments are included
  • Suitable for deeper drains
  • Unstable design

This sectional cable drain cleaning machine has higher performance and strength than the traditional tools to work on tough drain blockages of any origin.

Mophorn 3/4"-4" Sectional Pipe Drain Cleaning Machine 400PRM: Check the current price

23 Ft. Handheld Electric Drain Cleaner, Corded Operated Snake Sink Clog Pipe Cleaner POPULO PEDC-23 | Best Electric Under $100

This corded model comes with 23 ft. x 5/16-inch cable which is suitable for household ¾-1-1/2-inch wide pipes. The inner core cable features upgraded strength and flexibility to easily penetrate different pipeline sections granting higher cleaning efficiency. Besides, the cable comes in a segmented design which allows an easy replacement. The tool features an auto-feed technology which controls forwarding and reversing motions of the cable within an adjustable speed range up to 560 RPM.

The POPULO PEDC-23 owns a number of friendly-user features like an integrated LED-light, rear drain port preventing water build-up inside a drum, ant two ergonomic handles, one of which can be adjusted for better convenience of a user.

Features

  • Power source: Electric cordless
  • Drain capacity (in): 3/4 – 1-1/2
  • Weight (lbs): 12.9
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 20 x 11.6 x 8.1
Pros: Cons:
  • Variable speed control
  • Auto-feed function
  • Segmented spring
  • On-board drain port
  • Ergonomic design
  • LED light
  • Affordable price
  • Lower drain capacity
  • Shorter cable

You can feel a total control over drain cleaning process thanks to an ergonomic design and user-friendly features of this unit.

23 Ft. Handheld Electric Drain Cleaner: Check the current price

Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin with AUTOFEED | Best Budget

This is a great residential-grade option among the extra powerful equipment aimed to professional applications from Ridgid. This versatile tool offers the opportunity to use it manually by rotating a crank and feeding a cable in and out of the drain. Also this model can be attached to use an electric drill (not included) with a variable speed control to reach up to 500 RPM for additional power.

The RIDGID GIDDS-813340 41408 is capable of cleaning up to 1-1/2-inch diameter pipes featuring a 25 ft. x ¼” length reinforced cable. Thus domestic drains in kitchen, tubs, and shower can be easily unclogged with the help of this unit. However, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend using it for toilets. This tool comes with an auto-feed function which can be activated by a simple pull of a trigger. This feature allows excluding the need to touch the cable with your hands.

Features

  • Power source: Electric mechanical
  • Drain capacity (in): 1-1/2
  • Weight (lbs): 4.8
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 8 x 12 x 8
Pros: Cons:
  • Compatible with power drill
  • Reinforced cable
  • Auto-feed technology
  • Lightweight
  • Reliable
  • Affordable price
  • Not suitable for toilets

This is a highly versatile light-duty tool which can be easily turned into an electrically driven unit to tackle tough drain clogs.

Ridgid GIDDS-813340 41408 Power Spin with AUTOFEED: Check the current price

Drainx Pro Steel Drum Auger Plumbing Snake | Best Cheap

This hand tool allows you coping with various drain pipe clogs around the house without calling a plumber. It features a sturdy steel drum housing with a handle and turning knob which grant special comfort during its use. The 25 ft. cable of this drain snake is suitable for 1-1/4" - 3" pipes. The compact and lightweight design of this model allows extended and effortless use. It is delivered with a carrying bag and working gloves as a pleasant bonus to the worthy purchase.

Features

  • Power source: Hand driven
  • Drain capacity (in): 1-1/4 - 3
  • Weight (lbs): 3.9
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 11 x 7.1 x 7.1
Pros: Cons:
  • Durable design
  • High drain capacity for a hand driven model
  • Simple use
  • Affordable price
  • Lower capacity
  • Not suitable for toilets

The Drainx 25-Ft drain snake is an awesome tool for beginners and experienced users which allows handle different pipe blockages at a budget-friendly price.

Drainx Pro Steel Drum Auger Plumbing Snake: Check the current price

Best-Selling Drain Augers, Drain Cleaning Machines and Plumbing snakes | Comparative Table

Most Popular

 

Other Popular

 

TACKLIFE Drain Auger, Automatic Cordless Drain Clog Remover | Best battery-powered drain auger under $100

The vast range of indoor and outdoor power tools from this U.S. brand is popular among DIY amateurs for high quality and user-friendliness at reasonable prices.

This li-ion 20V battery-powered drain auger can generate up to 560 RPM and adjust the speed rate according to your needs. This unit is suitable for ¾”-3”-inch diameter pipes. Its 25ft. flexible spring has a segmented design to pass through different bends and elbows of a pipeline. A segmented design allows replacing worn-out shaft quickly and easily.

The 2.0Ah battery has enough capacity for extended operations of a unit. Also, it considerably contributes to portability and safety of a tool, as its mobility is not restricted by the length of a power cable or by risk of its damage causing an electric shock. The convenience of its use is significantly improved by an integrated LED light.

Features

  • Power source: Electric cordless
  • Drain capacity (in): 3/4 - 3
  • Weight (lbs): 10.6
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) (in): 17.4 x 9.8 x 7.5
Pros: Cons:
  • Variable speed control
  • Forward/reverse switch
  • Segmented spring
  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • LED
  • Affordable price
  • Lower drain capacity in comparison with its corded counterparts
  • No head attachments included

The HGDDC1A would be useful for multiple household issues in its portable cordless design at a reasonable price.

What is a drain auger?

A sewage network requires preventive maintenance and servicing, as any other system. And drain pipe cleaning is one of the most frequent jobs. Bends and turns of a drain line in your shower, tub, toilet, or kitchen sink might be clogged gradually, for instance, due to an improper use of the system. If water runs slow down the drain, different chemical and mechanical methods are used for its cleaning. However, in case of severe blockages, when traditional methods do not work, a drain auger would be required. This device may come in different designs and capacity to handle each particular problem. Besides, from economical point of view, even some powered models would cost you less than plumber’s services. And they give you possibility to tackle drain clogging issues immediately. Would it be interesting for you? If so, let’s deal with specifics!

How to use a drain auger?

As seen above, manual and powered drain augers have similar principle of operation to a drain snake, apart from simplicity of their use. So, if you have a manual tool then you have to control entire drain cleaning process. An electric unit will feed a cable down to a drain pipe automatically.

Before starting work with your tool, it is necessary to wear protective gloves, and to inspect auger cable for integrity (for manually operated models). After that you can proceed with pipe cleaning.

You should forward the end of a cable with a cutting head to a drain or a toilet by rotating a crank or by means of an auto feed function (depending on a model). The cable must be deepened as much as possible to encounter an obstruction inside a pipe. The spring of modern drain augers are flexible to pass through bends and elbows of pipelines with no hassle, minimizing the risk of a failure. However, you should always check if diameter and head design of a cable are suitable for a piping you are going to clean.

Once blockage is found, the cable will hook it or wind it on (depending on a head design) and returns back. Manual drain snakes or augers should be pulled out without rotation. Right after removal of debris when water flow is not obstructed any more, you should open a hot water tap to flush the drain.

Other interesting articles about drain augers

How to unclog a toilet without a plunger - Reviewed

Here’s how to unclog a toilet without a plunger, including using bath salts, dish soap, and other at-home remedies.
https://www.reviewed.com/bath/features/how-unclog-toilet-without-plunger

Tips and advices on YouTube

How To Unclog a Drain Using a Cobra Drum Auger


How to Use a Drum Auger | Clogged Drain?


Cobra 3/8" X 25 ft. Drain Pipe Auger - Review Demonstration

Add comment