9 Best Rated Drain Cleaning Machines – In-Depth Reviews

E veryone has dealt with clogged sinks at least once in their life, so everyone knows how annoying it can be and how difficult it is to find a solution that deals with the problem. While “magic” liquids and the old-style plunger often turn out useless and calling a professional plumber is quite expensive, you are left with one thing to do: get a drain cleaning machine. With one of these at hand, you can forget about clogged sinks, toilets, sewer lines, or any other pipe that might collect dirt and debris.

What’s more important is that you don’t have to be a professional to get the job done because it’s very simple to use and the results are immediate. Although they are labeled as “electric” you must know that you must position the cable manually into the drain, which will require some handiness. Keep reading and learn more about these machines and their particularities so you will know what to choose next time you have to deal with clogged pipes.

Top 9 Drain Cleaning Machines Compared

Photo	Product Name	Motor Power	RPM	Pipe Size	Cable Length	Heads	Price
Best Overall	1. Speedway COBRA PRODUCTS GIDDS-211332	3/4 HP	N/A	4″ to 10″	3/4″ x 100′	4 Cutters	Check Price
Our Choice	2. RIDGID 71722 K-40AF	1/8 HP	320	3/4″ to 1-1/2″	5/16″ x 35′	1 Auger	Check Price
Best for Roots	3. Steel Dragon Tools K50	1/6 HP	400	3/4″ to 4″	5/8″ x 64.5′	4 Cutters, 4 Augers	Check Price
	4. RIDGID 52363 K-400	380W	165	1-1/2″ to 3″	3/8″ x 100′	2 Cutters, 1 Auger	Check Price
Best for the Money	5. VEVOR 50 Feet	370W	1,750	3/4″to 4″	1/2″ x 50′	4 Cutters, 1 Auger	Check Price
	6. Hydrostar 50 ft.	1/3 HP	N/A	1″ to 4″	1/2″ x 50′	3 Cutters, 1 Auger	Check Price
	7. VEVOR 40 Feet	250W	1,750	1″ to 4″	1/2″ x 40′	5 Cutters, 1 Auger	Check Price
	8. Mophorn 400 RPM	500W	400	3/4″to 4″	1/3″ x 8.2′ 2/3″ x 66′	4 Cutters, 4 Augers	Check Price
Best for Portable Jobs	9. Steel Dragon Tools 62A	N/A	600	3/4″to 2″	5/16″ x 35′	1 Auger	Check Price

1. Speedway COBRA PRODUCTS GIDDS-211332

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Although it’s powerful enough to handle the toughest commercial tasks, this machine can be successful used in residential applications because it’s very simple to maneuver. It’s heavy, at 215 pounds, but luckily, it comes with a wheeled caddy for effortless transportation even on stairs.

Ready for heavy jobs

A ¾ HP motor powers this impressive drain cleaner and it works in two directions, forward and reverse, making it easier to penetrate and remove clogs. It’s fitted with 4 cutters, including a spade and a C cutter, that enable it to cut through and collect clogs of roots, hair, food residues, dirt, or other debris. It works with a pneumatic foot switch so you can have your hands free to guide the cable through the pipes.

Since it’s so powerful, it works on large pipes from 4” to 10”, so no dirt stopper will be too hard to remove. Also, the cable reaches 100 feet, the longest we have seen, meaning it can handle the entire pipe system in a house. The cable is stored on the large drum so it will always stay out of the way and it will immediately retract once you push the Reverse button.

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2. RIDGID 71722 K-40AF

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The machine is powered by a 1/8 HP induction motor that delivers 320 RPM. It operates quietly and delivers enough power to clean even the toughest blockages. Compared to other similar models, it is a versatile machine built for both vertical and horizontal use, so it’s great for use on wall pipes. The drum is a 2-piece model with a Twist-Lock that prevents corrosion and keeps the 35’ long cable in place.

The drain cleaner clears blockages in small secondary drain lines from ¾” to 1-1/2” in diameters such as those found in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. It is fitted with a bulb auger and has a two-way Autofeed to reduce the mess created at the worksite. It lacks cutters, having to rely only on the attached auger. The machine comes with plenty of accessories, including a 4-foot guide hose, a mounting bracket, and cleaning gloves. What’s worth mentioning is the lifetime warranty that ensures endless uses with great results.

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3. Steel Dragon Tools K50

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Intended to handle clogs in pipes measuring between ¾” and 4”, this will turn out to be of great help declogging sinks, showers, toilets, or floor drains. It’s powered by a 1/6 HP motor with 400 RPM so it won’t have trouble removing hair or grease from pipes. The leading cable starts with a bulb auger but there are 3 other augers and 4 cutters included in the package: retrieving, funnel, and straight augers, a C-cutter, a spiral cutter, a 4-blade cutter, and a helpful grease cutter. Therefore, no task is too difficult for this drain cleaner, not even roots, especially with the cable measuring 64.5 feet.

Even though it’s robust enough to handle commercial plumbing tasks, it’s not very heavy, weighing only 63.9 pounds, and it’s easy to carry around thanks to the heavy-duty handle and the three-leg frame that keeps it standing. The motor is reversible, each function being easily accessible on the switch panel. The item comes with 12-month protection against manufacturing defects.

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4. RIDGID 52363 K-400

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As you probably know, cleaning drain pipes can be a very difficult and complicated task, especially if you need to do this manually. With this device, things are simplified as its 75-foot integral wound (IW) solid core cable works perfectly with drain lines that measure from 1- 1⁄2-inch to 3-inch. Several attachments are available, including a bulb auger and two types of cutters. Additionally, you can purchase other cutters and augers and even a 100-feet cable if you want to extend its array of use.

It is powered by a 380 watts motor that spins at 165 rpm, sending the auger to the core of the problem. However, note that the auto-feeder is not included, and you have to manually pull and feed the cable. Don’t assume the machine will be hard to carry or maneuver because it comes with a transportation caddy with large wheels so it can be easily taken to the worksite. What’s truly impressive is the lifetime warranty that comes with all RIDGID drain cleaners.

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5. VEVOR 50 Feet

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This model was engineered with a motor capacity of 1,750 RPM, being one of the most powerful machines intended for heavy-duty drainage cleaning. It’s easily portable, a great perk for plumbers who need to take it to several places. Moreover, the handle is foldable to save space and make it fit to transport in a car. The drum holds the 50’ long cable that can be released and pulled by hand since it lacks an auto-feed function. For hands-free convenience, the motor is controlled using a footswitch, making it easier to maneuver the cable at the same time. To prevent any electrical incidents, the machine was improved with a ground fault circuit interrupter.

It suits 3/4″ to 4″ pipelines and has multiple cleaning accessories starting with a boring bulb auger and 4 different cutters: 2 arrows, a spade, and a C-cutter. They all sit conveniently inside the toolbox positioned on the frame, so you can always have them at hand. A pair of gloves is also added to the package.

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6. Hydrostar 50 ft.

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This machine is an electric model that works great with pipes from 1” to 4”. It comes with a 1⁄2” x 50 ft. cable that clears clogs easily without any effort. Due to its 50 ft. wire core cable, kitchen and bathroom drains are not a problem anymore. The Hydrostar machine stands out from the crowd with a durable steel frame and a cable that resists tangling and breakage and prevents splatter. It’s safe to use due to the ground-fault circuit interrupter that eliminates the risk of an electric shock.

It includes three of the most common cutters, namely a spade, an arrow, and a C-cutter, and a bulb auger to help it deal with obstructions in pipelines. Though, it doesn’t work on root blockages as it’s not powerful enough. It doesn’t come with an auto-feeder, meaning the cable must be inserted and retracted manually as the drum spins.

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7. VEVOR 40 Feet

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For light home applications, this drain snake is a great pick due to the compact design and the convenient frame. It doesn’t have wheels, so it’s less appropriate for distance carrying unless you are a strong individual. The drum holds the 50-feel cable that is operated through a footswitch that makes it more practical, given you will need your hands to pull and retract the cable. Don’t worry about electrical incidents as it includes a ground fault circuit that prevents any risk.

The motor powering it spins at a high velocity, reaching 1,750 RPM. It’s great for use on pipelines from 1” to 4” in diameter, so it can easily handle most of the drains in the kitchen and bathroom. It is fitted with 5 cutters and a bulb auger that conveniently sit in the on-frame toolbox.

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8. Mophorn 400 RPM

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Not only that it is lighter than most products in the field, but it is also more powerful, reliable, and much safer than other similar machines. It is powered by a 500W motor that delivers 400 RPM and it can fit pipes measuring between ¾” and 4”. In regards to the construction of the machine, it is made of aluminum alloy with plastic side covers. It is most appropriate for kitchen sinks, slop sinks as well as lavatory sinks.

Two cables are provided, a 66′ x 2/3” cable and an 8.2′ x 1/3” cable, both made of manganese for extended use. Plus, it is equipped with 4 cutters and 4 augers to make sure it will handle many types of obstructions. The drum is reversible, meaning it also retracts the cable, but an auto-feed option is not included so you must do it manually.

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9. Steel Dragon Tools 62A

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Unlike the machines mentioned above, this is a handheld cleaning unit which means that it’s suitable for portable jobs and small applications in confined spaces. It’s the ultimate tool to have around in emergencies and it can successfully remove obstructions in the kitchen and bathroom sinks and drains.

It includes a drum that releases and pulls the cable automatically with the push of a button, using a high-capacity motor with a whopping 600 RPM. The attached bulb auger fits lines measuring from ¾” to 2” and since the speed is adjustable, it can easily slide through curved pipes. However, the cable is not very long, measuring only 35’, but it should be enough for basic jobs.

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Buying a Drain Cleaner – Criteria to Consider

If you often deal with clogged drainage systems and you can’t seem to find a solution, perhaps it’s time to invest in a good drain cleaning snake. For this, you need to know which are the essential aspects to have in mind. With so many models for sale, it’s hard to tell them apart if you are not a professional plumber. Even if you are, you need to know which are the aspects that differentiate them, so you can get the one that best fits your requirements. Therefore, to help you decide what model suits your needs, here are several factors you need to look for in a drain cleaning tool.

Main Aspects	Detailed Information	Best Model
Reliability	Although you are on a limited budget, make sure you opt for a machine that it’s of high- quality as you will want it to last for a long time. Quality and reliability go hand in hand. As such, focus more on important brands, feedback from customers as well as on awards or certifications received.	Speedway COBRA PRODUCTS GIDDS-211332, RIDGID 71722 K-40AF
Construction	You may find a quality machine at a reasonable price. But, is it the most durable on the market? Make sure you buy a machine that it’s durable enough to accommodate even the most complicated drain issues. Besides, you need to take into account the power and the machine’s motor. Powerful motor, strong power, and heavy-duty materials: that’s all you need. Also, it is not a bad idea to check several reviews and see what customers have to say about these aspects.	VEVOR 50 Feet, Steel Dragon Tools K50
Warranty	If something happens with the machine within the first year of purchase, you can take it back as its warranty should cover the repair or replacement depending on the manufacturer. With this in mind, we advise you to purchase a model with a long life warranty that covers both the parts and the labor of the product.	Steel Dragon Tools K50, RIDGID 52363 K-400 , RIDGID 71722 K-40AF

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How to Identify the Right Snake for Your Drainage System?

Given you will be using the drain cleaner on the drainage system, it’s best to know what type of pipes you are dealing with. Hence, before buying a drain snake, it’s always helpful to analyze the drainage system and inspect the problem in advance.

• What’s most important, you need to check the pipe diameter, to see which width your snake must cover. Some models are intended for narrow pipes only, while others can work on 10” pipes without any problem. Therefore, if you plan to use it on sink and shower drains, a 3/4″ to 1-1/2″ diameter should be just fine. If you want to work on floor drains or sewer lines, you will need something bigger than that.
• Next, you must analyze the type of clogging. If we are talking about tree roots, it’s needless to say that you will need a heavy-duty machine. But if you only have to deal with hair clogs or grease, any snake with at least an auger or a C-cutter will do the trick. Also, if you have tried draining gels or chemicals and they didn’t work, you may be dealing with a stubborn clog that will need a heavy-duty motor.
• The size of the snake is important because, usually, smaller items cost less but they might render useless in complicated situations. Plus, you can choose between freestanding and handheld models that can adapt to various drainage systems. Some models work both horizontally and vertically, meaning they are useful for tubs and toilets to the same extent they are for floor drains.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

All things considered, we can agree that nothing handles clogged pipes like a drain cleaning machine that is fast, powerful, and efficient. While some models are larger, others might show faster results and others might be simpler to maneuver. Therefore, it’s helpful to know which model is the most appropriate for a certain task, as depicted below.

Best Overall: Speedway COBRA PRODUCTS GIDDS-211332

You can say a drain cleaning machine is a top choice when it delivers great power that enables it to handle even the toughest commercial jobs. Speedway COBRA 211332 features an industry-leading motor that makes it appropriate for removing obstructions in pipes measuring up to 10” in diameter. Also, it has an extended cable reaching 100 feet so it manages to get deep down into the lines. Even though it’s very heavy, it can be effortlessly taken wherever needed because it comes with a convenient wheeled caddy.

Editor’s Choice: RIDGID 71722 K-40AF

RIDGID is among the most renowned manufacturers in the field, offering some of the best products designed for declogging common water pipes. It’s compact and simple to maneuver and features both vertical and horizontal applications, so it can be used anywhere around the house. A very strong motor powers it so it can deal with common clogs like hair or grease. The pneumatic foot switch is a welcomed addition, considering your hands will be busy guiding the cable through the lines.

Best Drain Cleaning Machine for the Money: VEVOR 50 Feet

A machine that comes with many accessories and has proven to be highly durable is a great addition, and it comes as no surprise that clients are very happy with how this VEVOR drain auger performs. The powerful motor reaches a whopping 1,750 RPM so it can effortlessly get through common household clogs. Although it doesn’t break the budget, it comes with all the important accessories that will enable it to get the job done, meaning you will have everything you need at hand.

Best Drain Cleaning Machine for Roots: Steel Dragon Tools K50

When roots get inside water pipes, things can get complicated, and not any drain cleaner can be up to the task. Steel Dragon Tools K50, however, is more than effective in removing stubborn roots that block water pipes due to the multiple augers and cutters that virtually crush and collect the tangles roots. The powerful engine can push and rotate the cable at an intense speed, thus aiding in penetrating the clogged portion. With the reverse function, it manages to capture and remove some of the obstruction, leaving the pipe root-free.

Best Drain Cleaning Machine for Portable Jobs: Steel Dragon Tools 62A

All models indeed come with wheels and a retractable cable to stay out of the way, but what if you need to perform a plunging in a tight and small area? In these cases, you need a handheld drain cleaner like the Steel Dragon Tools 62A. It’s compact so you can easily grab and twist it to reach the blockage and do your best to remove it. The powerful motor rotates 600 times per minute, thus enabling the bulb auger to penetrate even the toughest clogs. The snake cable length reaches 35 feet, enough to deal with sinks and showers.