6 Best Drain Snakes of 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

There is nothing more frustrating than a slow drain or a clogged shower. It is inconvenient, time-consuming, and potentially expensive if you need to call in a plumber. Not only that, but a jammed kitchen sink can be embarrassing during a dinner party, and a clogged toilet is a definite party foul.

Before you call in the belt-needing big guns with their augers and hydro-jetters, you should give a drain snake a try. These handy little tools are great at pulling out the junk that is causing your plumbing to back up. The only trouble with this plan is a lot of the options out there are junk and don’t work.

Not to worry, though, we have come to the rescue with the six best drain snakes on the market. Our reviews will cover the effectiveness, usability, bendability, and much more. Plus, there are some additional tips, as well, to keep your plumbing draining working as it should.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		FlexiSnake	Effective Multiple length options Safe for your plumbing	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Vastar	Durable Comes in a three pack Effective	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		TACKLIFE	Effective Power switch Drill compatible	CHECK PRICE
		RIDGID	Effective Vinyl guard Corrosion-resistant cable	CHECK PRICE
		General Pipe Cleaners	Drive knob crank Full-size thumb screw chuck Effective	CHECK PRICE

The 6 Best Drain Snakes

1. FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake – Best Overall

Our first pick is the FlexiSnake DWPSK5A Drain Weasel Sink Snake. This option comes in either 18, 24, or 30-inch cables with the 360-degree rotating handle. You also get five stem refills with this option, and it can tackle big and stubborn clogs.

The FlexiSnake uses more than a hundred micro hooks to grab hair, gunk, etc., and will not get caught on your pipes or drains. It is also safe for your plumbing system and will not cause any damage. The durable plastic will stand the test of time, as well.

The flexible and ultra-thin cable will fit through most grates and around all drain curves. You will not have to disassemble your kitchen or bathroom drains. The stem and handle have a secure connection for inserting, rotating, and pulling out any gunk that is stopping up your drains.

The FlexiSnake is easy to assemble, has an ergonomic handle, plus is made in the USA. It weighs 2.4 ounces and is usable on most drains and grates. Overall, this is our favorite choice for a drain snake.

2. Vastar Drain Snake Hair Remover Cleaning Tool – Best Value

For a more affordable option, the Vastar Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Cleaning Tool is a great choice for the money. This model is made of durable plastic and comes in three-pack with 19.6-inch auger and ¼-inch diameter stems. The flexible, barbed plastic easily bends around curves and fits through almost all grates. Plus, it will not scratch or harm your plumbing or porcelain.

The ABS plastic easily removes hair, food, garbage, etc. It is great for sinks, tubs, toilets, and weighs 2.64 ounces. You will be able to use the attached top handle to maneuver the stem into the drain and remove any clogs.

Although this is a flexible option, it is strong enough that it won’t break off and cause an even bigger clog. The only drawback to this snake, however, is that it is a one-and-done product which is why it comes in a three-pack. If you have the occasional slow or clogged drain, the Vastar Drain Snake is the best drain snake for the money.

3. TACKLIFE Drum Auger Drain Snake – Premium Choice

If you have more stubborn clogs that are reoccurring, you may want to spend a little more money on a drain snake. If that is the case, the TACKLIFE Drum Auger Drain Snake is a great choice for you. This is a 25-foot auger that has a 3-inch diameter cable that will fit through ¾-inch drains.

The stem of the auger is a flexible yet durable steel that will easily make its way around bends and curves in your plumbing system. It also has a power switch if you need a little extra torque. What’s more, you can attach the drain snake to a compatible drill that will give it up to 500 RPMs of power.

This is an easy to use option made of durable ABS plastic with an ergonomic handle. The retractable coil has a spring head that will easily grab any hair, gunk, food particles, or any other debris that is clogging up your drains.

The TACKLIFE also has a foldable handle, and it will not harm your pipes. Weighing 6.17 pounds, the one drawback that you should note is due to the size of this option, you will typically have to remove and disassemble your grates to utilize this tool.

4. RIDGID 59787 Toilet Auger Snake

The RIDGID 59787 K-3 Toilet Auger Snake is a 3-foot option made with the standard coil and bulb head to eliminate clogs, chew up food, hair, and much more. Made in the USA, the flexible wand is durable plus corrosion-resistant.

The RIDGID has a crank handle with an ergonomic design. Unfortunately, the handle is not as durable and tends to break off easily at the base. On the other hand, you will find this option to be easy to maneuver around curves, not to mention, it has a vinyl guard to protect porcelain and pipes.

This snake has a ½-inch compression wrapped inner and weighs 4.1 pounds. The only other drawback to note is that this model is recommended for toilets versus sinks, showers, or other drains.

5. General Pipe Cleaners Spin Thru Drain Auger

Our number five pick is the General Pipe Cleaners R-25SM Spin Thru Drain Auger. This option has a ¼-inch diameter cable that is 25-feet in length and comes in either a one or five sets. It has a spring top that is designed to catch hair and other debris in your drains.

One thing to note, however, is that the General Pipe snake is meant for drains that are 1¼ to 2 inches only. On another note, it has a plastic “T” handle, plus a drive knob crank wheel and full-size thumb screw chuck to control the cable. Although these features make it easier to use, the “T” handle is not durable.

Another great feature of this product is that the cable comes directly from the drum, so it does not touch any of your porcelain surfaces. It weighs 3.9 pounds which makes it easy to handle. On the other hand, you should be advised that if the entire 25-feet of cable is extended, you will need to take the drum apart to wind it back up.

6. Brushtech B313C Flexible Drain Brush

Our final paycheck is the Brushtech B313C Flexible Drain Brush. This is a 48-inch cable with a drain brush on the end. The brush itself is 1¼ inches in diameter while the coil is ¼-inch wide. While the stem itself is flexible, there is no sturdy handle on this model to help force it down the drain.

The Brushtech is more effective at cleaning the sides of your plumbing than it is at removing clogs and blocks. Also, you should know that the cable is not as durable and get kinks in it quickly. Apart from that, the brush end comes apart easily and can cause a bigger clog than you originally had.

On a brighter note, this option will not harm your drains, pipes, or porcelain. That being said, it is not a durable option, and you will most likely need to take apart your drain grate to use this model. Weighing 6.4 ounces, this is our least favorite option for a drain snake.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Sink Snake for the Job

Shopping Tips

Whether you have a persistent clog or a slow drain, a drain snake can be a great asset to have in your arsenal of home tools. They can come in handy to eliminate blockages when they crop up at the most inconvenient times.

That being said, it can be difficult to know which drain snake is going to be the best for you and your plumbing system. Take a look below at some of the factors you should consider:

• Length: If you have an older home or consistent clogs, chances are you’re going to have issues deeper in your piping system. If that is the case, you want to choose an option that has a longer length cable so it will be able to reach the obstruction.
• Durability and Flexibility: These two things run hand in hand when it comes to a drain snake. You want to make sure that you have a durable handle or crank, plus a durable yet flexible cable. It is important to be sure that the stem is not going to break off in your pipes, yet you will need to be able to get around the curves and bends, as well.
• Diameter: Diameter is another factor you should consider. This is especially true if you do not want to go through the hassle of disassembling your drain grates. Some clog removers are wider than others, well some are not going to be able to fit through the small grates that come standard with your showers, sinks, and tubs.
• Damage: Finally, you want to consider the material and the construction of the tool. You do not want your drain snake to damage the inside of your plumbing or nick and scratch your porcelain sinks, tubs, or toilets.

Keeping Your Drains Clear

Although a drain snake is a handy tool to have, keeping your drains, showers, sinks, and tubs clear of clogs in the first place is usually the better alternative. To that end, take a look at some of these tips on keeping your plumbing free of obstructions.

• Oil and Grease: Oil and grease are not water-soluble, therefore, should never be poured down the drain.
• Food: Food is another common obstruction in your plumbing system. You should always make sure that you are scraping leftover particles of food into the garbage before the dish is placed in the sink or dishwasher.
• Hair: Hair is the most common cause of a shower or tub clog. Although it can be more difficult to keep this issue at bay, a drain screen or a drain hair catcher is the best way to combat this problem. It will stop excess soap scum and other debris from getting washed into your pipes.
• Hard Water: Hard water is a popular problem that causes a mineral buildup in your plumbing system. If you have found the scaly white residue around your bathroom and kitchen fixtures, this means you have hard water. Over time, the line scale in your pipes will cause slow drains and blocks. If this is the case, you may want to consider a water-softening system that you can have installed in your home.
• TP: When it comes to your toilet, the only things that should be flushed are toilet paper, waste, and water. Other items such as sanitary products, napkins, and other debris should be placed in the trash and not in your toilet.

Conclusion

If you have a stubborn clog that you need some help with, we recommend going with the FlexiSnake DWPSK5A Drain Weasel Sink Snake. This is an effective and easy-to-use tool that will rid you of any obstruction you may have. On the other hand, if you need a more affordable option, go with the Vastar Drain Snake Hair Drain Clog Remover Cleaning Tool. Although this is a disposable option, it is great for eliminating those surprise blocks.

We hope that you have enjoyed the reviews above. Clogs and blocks in your plumbing system can be inconvenient, and potentially costly if they are not taken care of right away. To that end, we hope that we have provided you with the information you need to choose the right tool for you and your home.