The Top 5 Drain Snakes for Plumbers

When plumbing work is involved, having the right tools makes all the difference. One essential tool that every good plumber should have is a quality drain snake. These nifty devices navigate clogged pipes to help unblock drains when nothing else can. To be perfectly honest, there aren’t a lot of technological differences from snake to snake, so if you’re in the market for a new one, the main things to focus on are quality, durability, and value.

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• 1. Cobra Plumbing 20500 Drain Auger
• 2. Ridgid 59802 K-6 Toilet Auger
• 3. General Pipe Cleaner Super-Vee
• 4. Milwaukee M12 Drain Cleaner
• 5. FlexiSnake Drain Weasel
• 6. Tradify Job Management Software

1. Cobra Plumbing 20500 Drain Auger (50 ft / 15.2 m)

The Cobra is one of the most popular drain snakes in the plumbing community. This 50ft snake is easy to use and lasts a lifetime.

Pros

• Easy to use and manoeuvre, even in tight spaces.
• Durable construction means you won’t be shedding this snake anytime soon.

Cons

• Completely manual, so operation requires some effort.

• Tangles easily, according to some reviews.

2. Ridgid 59802 K-6 Toilet Auger (6 ft / 1.8 m)

If you’re looking for a specialised toilet snake, then the Ridgid Toilet Auger should be your go-to. It’s tough, kink-resistant, and has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to handle.

Pros

• Specially designed for clearing toilet clogs.
• The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable, anti-slip grip.

Cons

• Not as versatile as the other snakes on our list.
• Its 6ft cable may not be long enough to get the job done in some cases.

3. General Pipe Cleaner Super-Vee (25 ft / 7.6 m)

The Super-Vee is a top-end drain snake that pretty much does it all. While it looks small and compact, this snake is one of the longest on our list, measuring in at 25 feet. With a variable-speed motor and lightweight design, this snake will get you through most clogs and blockages with ease.

Pros

• The variable speed motor does most of the work for you.
• Compact design makes it ideal for navigating through small openings.

Cons

• The cable can sometimes be challenging to retract fully.
• The plastic handle may not be as durable as metal alternatives.

4. Milwaukee M12 Drain Cleaner (35 ft / 10.6 m)

If you’re a plumber who loves Milwaukee products, then this drain cleaner is the logical choice. Compatible with Milwaukee batteries and lighter than any other drain cleaner on the market, this cleaner gets top marks for ease of use.

Pros

• Lightweight and mobile.
• Anti-kink, anti-tangle cable.
• Built-in LED light for better visibility in low light.

Cons

• You may have to replace or recharge batteries quite frequently.
• The smaller cable diameter may not be suitable for larger pipe sizes.

5. FlexiSnake Drain Weasel (18 in / 45 cm)

The FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is the most hi-tech on our list. With microhooks designed to grab and remove hair and other clogged debris, if no other snake can do it, this probably will. 

Pros

• Microhooks for effective blockage removal.
• Disposable parts for added hygiene.

Cons

• May not have the grunt to remove more solid blockages - works best on hair.
• The disposable parts do make this an unsustainable tool.

6. Unclog your business admin 

Something as simple as a plumbing snake can save you hours of work and make a once tiresome task extremely easy. Good job management software like Tradify does the exact same thing for your business processes. 

Tradify is the app that helps you manage all aspects of your business, like sending quotes, estimates, and invoices, scheduling jobs, or taking payments — it can even help you to create your own website in minutes. 

Start your 14-day free trial.