Affordable Drain Tools Every Homeowner Should Have on Hand
- colossusplumbing
- Aug 19
- 6 min read
Clogged drains are one of the most common problems homeowners face, and they can strike at the worst times. While calling a plumber is sometimes the only solution, there are many affordable drain tools you can keep at home to tackle smaller issues yourself. Investing just a little in the right tools can save time, money, and headaches down the road.
Here are some of the best budget-friendly drain tools every homeowner in Roy should consider keeping around.
1. Plungers: The First Line of Defense
Why it works: A plunger uses simple physics to solve a big problem. By creating suction and pressure, it pushes and pulls water through the drain, dislodging stuck blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets.
Cup plungers are best for flat surfaces like sinks and tubs.
Flange plungers are designed for toilets, with a tapered end that creates a stronger seal.
How to use it: Place the plunger cup fully over the drain opening and make sure there’s enough water in the sink, tub, or toilet to cover the cup. Push down firmly, then pull up without breaking the seal. Repeat this plunging motion several times to build pressure and suction until the clog loosens and water starts draining freely.
MR.SIGA Toilet Plunger with Holder
Why we recommend this flange plunger: The tapered end makes a strong seal in toilets, giving more power with each plunge. It also comes with a holder to keep things clean and out of sight.
Mini Sink Plunger
Why we recommend this cup plunger: The short handle fits under faucets and tight vanity spaces, and the flat rim makes a strong seal on sinks, tubs, and showers. Not for toilets.
Pro tip for Roy homeowners: Always make sure there’s enough water in the bowl or sink to cover the cup... it helps create better suction.
2. Drain Snakes (Hand Crank or Drill Powered)
What it does: A drain snake feeds into your pipes to break up clogs or pull debris back out. They come in manual crank models or versions that attach to a drill for more power.
Best for: Hair clogs, grease buildup, and debris deeper than a plunger can reach.
Size to buy: A 25-foot snake is usually enough for sinks, tubs, and most household drains.
How to use it: Insert the tip of the snake slowly into the drain opening until you feel resistance. That resistance is usually the clog. Turn the handle clockwise to break through or latch onto the blockage. Once you feel it loosen or grab, carefully pull the snake back out, bringing the clog with it. Run hot water afterward to flush out any remaining debris.
Important note: Many hand snakes advertise that they can be attached to a drill for extra power. While that might sound convenient, we strongly recommend against it. Using a drill makes it very easy to damage your pipes, twist the cable into a knot, or even snap the snake inside the drain. Always stick to the manual hand-crank method to keep things safe.
Why we recommend this hand auger: It’s a reliable, affordable tool that reaches clogs too deep for a plunger to handle. The crank design gives you control to break through or pull out tough blockages, making it perfect for sinks, tubs, and shower drains. Plus, it’s compact enough for homeowners to store easily without taking up much space.
Homeowner tip: Wear gloves when using a snake... it can get messy. After use, clean and dry it to prevent rust.
3. Zip-It or Plastic Hair Removal Strips
What it does: These are thin, flexible plastic strips with tiny barbs that pull out hair and gunk.
Why it’s great: Extremely cheap (usually under $10 for a multi-pack) and disposable.
Best for: Bathroom sinks and shower drains, where hair and soap scum are the main culprits.
How to use it: Insert the Zip-It strip straight down into the drain opening until it reaches the clog. The flexible design lets it slide past curves and trap debris like hair and soap scum along the way. Once it is fully inserted, pull it back out slowly. You’ll notice the teeth on the strip bringing the clog up with it. Wipe the strip clean with a paper towel and repeat if necessary until the drain is clear.
Why we recommend this: Cheap, quick, and effective for pulling hair and gunk from bathroom drains without chemicals. You'll be shocked how much you can pull out!
4. Wet/Dry Vacuum
What it does: A shop vacuum can suck clogs directly out of a drain or help dislodge them with strong suction. It can be surprisingly effective, but this method is not for the faint of heart. If you are not confident in what you are doing, it is very easy to damage equipment, create a huge mess, or even make the clog worse. In most cases, needing a shop vac for a clog is a good sign that it is time to call in a professional plumber who has the right tools and training.
Why it’s great: Works where plungers fail and can also be used for cleanup after a mess.
Best for: Floor drains, sinks, or toilets when other methods are not working.
How to use it: Set your wet/dry vacuum to liquid mode and make sure the canister is empty. Create as tight of a seal as possible over the drain opening. A rubber adapter, plunger head, or even a damp cloth can help. Turn the vacuum on to suck out standing water and debris. If the clog is further down, you can also try switching to blow mode to push air through the line and dislodge the blockage. Alternate between suction and blowing if needed.
Pro tip: Wet/dry vacs can be surprisingly effective, but the key is getting a good seal. Keep a bucket or towels handy in case water splashes back. Always sanitize the hose afterward since drains can contain bacteria.
Why we recommend this: A wet/dry vac is versatile and powerful, making it useful for more than just unclogging drains. It’s also handy for cleaning up around the house, garage, or workshop. Since most homeowners already own one or have a preferred brand, we won’t recommend a specific model here. (That said, we’re big fans of the Milwaukee Packout shop vacs... they’ve been rock solid for us!)
5. Drain Covers & Hair Catchers
What it does: These sit over or inside your drain to catch hair, soap scum, and debris before it goes down the pipe and causes a clog. Best fix is a preventative maintenance fix!
Why it’s great: Super affordable, easy to install, and reusable. Most just pop out for quick cleaning.
Best for: Showers, tubs, and bathroom sinks where hair is the main culprit for clogs.
How to use it: Just place it in the drain and let it do its job. When it fills up, toss the collected hair into the trash and set it back in place.
Why we recommend this: A simple way to stop clogs before they even start. Saves you time, money, and the headache of dealing with backed-up drains.
Final Thoughts About Affordable Drain Tools: Safety First in Drain Maintenance
While it might be tempting to reach for quick-fix chemical cleaners like Drano, we strongly advise against it. These harsh products can corrode your pipes, damage seals, and even pose serious health hazards if they splash back or release toxic fumes. The short-term convenience often leads to long-term problems and expensive repairs.
Another important point is safety when working on your drains. Pipes can carry more than just water; they often harbor harmful bacteria, mold, and waste that can spread illness. Always use gloves and eye protection when handling plumbing repairs. If you feel uneasy or unsure, it is best to call in a professional. The peace of mind and protection for your health are worth it.
At Colossus Plumbing, we are here to help Roy homeowners keep their drains clear, safe, and long-lasting. Whether you need expert drain cleaning, advice on maintenance, or just want to avoid the mess altogether, we have got your back.
Call Colossus Plumbing today for fast, reliable drain service in Roy and surrounding areas. Do not wait until a small clog becomes a big problem.
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