Home Drain Tool Buying Guide

Not every slow drain requires aggressive chemicals or professional equipment. Start with the type of clog.

Sink or tub stopper tools

Hair and debris close to the drain opening may be reachable with simple manual tools.

Plungers

Different plunger designs suit different fixtures. Use a tool appropriate for the drain.

Hand-operated drain snakes

A basic hand snake can sometimes reach clogs beyond the drain opening. Use it carefully to avoid damaging fixtures or piping.

Powered equipment

Professional drain machines can cause injury or pipe damage when used improperly. Owning a more powerful tool doesn't make a repair safer.

Chemical drain cleaners

Don't mix drain-cleaning chemicals, and be especially careful when another person may later work on the drain.

Know when to stop

Recurring clogs, multiple affected fixtures, or sewage backup can point to a larger plumbing problem.