Hydrostar Drain Snake, best plumbing snake for the money
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- My take on the Hydrostar Drain Monster power snake I picked up from Harbor Freight.
All opinions are my own.
50ft 1/2inch cable
Good for 2"-4" pipe
I paid $328 for this machine I said the wrong price in the video.
I just had a plumber clear my line with this model. I paid him $300, I should have just bought this machine and did it myself. Thanks for the video - now I know.
Got same unit and tears through roots if you use the coil fitting! I know had mine 4 years and use it for roots once a year! Sometimes twice a year, and have never used the other ones It pulls the roots and they wrap around bulb! Go slow and I haven't had a problem! Just got done using it before I typed this! Been Awesome in my house!
Oh, And I went out the whole 50 feet.
what about going around bends?
Can you buy stronger attachments for roots? Or for anything for that matter?
@@DavidLee-vp3nr the Cable is ' Flexible '.
Confirmed on my pipe. The bulb fitting had a bunch of roots wrapped around it.
No need to loosen tensioner to stay stationary. Just put your shifter in-between F and R.
Awesome. This is a perfect demo that most people will highly benefit from. Great job.
Nice video! I have two of these machines (both second handed). When I bought them I found previous owner had destroyed the cable by badly kinking them. So I had to buy brand new cables (cables come with it's own set of cleaning tips) from Harbor Freight and I never kinked my cables over several years of use. The tip is always go in with small cleaning tip first and then follow up with larger tip to clean up. And yes you can clean roots with these, just use small tip first to prevent your cable getting caught up and badly kinking. I pulled up huge chunks of roots from my sewer drain which was causing blockage.
Most people are clueless how to use a drain cleaner properly, then curse the machine. It's almost comical.
I have had one for years saved me all kinds of money worth every penny, nice Video.
Nice video. Bought one and i am thoroughly impressed. I did have to buy an extra cable because my pipe is 75' feet to main sewer line. I do have to add that there is a neutral setting on feed mechanism. Forward is down, neutral is center and reverse is up. Makes it helpful when you hit a root or tough clog.
Exactly the question I had. Cheers!
Thank you for the neutral advice. 😃 😊
Did you buy the extra 50ft 1/2" cable that HF sells? If so did it fit in the drum? I really want to get this auger but I need at least 80ft of cable (and don't want to do 3/8" cable).
@@kevinroy740 I did buy the extra, but it wouldn't fit into the drum correctly. I ended up with a mess. But it did get the job done. If possible I'd recommend putting a clean out access point on your main sewer line so the original cable will work.
Yes best part about HF snake is that it's easily extendable. At 100 foot, it's still able to turn the cable. I put a sturdy hose clamp over where the cable joins so that screw that holds cable together can't work loose. I would hate to lose an entire 50 foot cable in the drain! I am tempted to go to 150 foot with one more cable, but maybe it might not be able to operate effectively. Will try it and see. LOL
This video was a life saver!!! I just bought one of these couple of days ago. The book was very detailed. However, you tube is my best friend! I found your video and your demonstration correlates with the book!!! Now everything makes total sense!!! Thank you for this great Video!!!
Great straightforward job. The manual did not explain how the feed mechanism works. I got it now after watching your video. Gracias!!
Video just helped me troubleshoot a small issue I had with mine. MAINTENANCE OF CABLE: extend it all the way out, RINSE THOROUGHLY (you do NOT want caked on sewage on this this), spray down with WD40.
Disculpe.twngo un problema.a nosale.el cable.esta travado
Great video, I appreciate you going over the forward and reverse lever on the front of the machine. Thank you.
Thanks, I have been debating with myself, on the simplicity of using this snake, I don't use it to often, but everybody else uses it, and it certainly works, glad I bought it, Thanks for your video. James
Drama sale kit
I am a professional drain cleaner ,,, it’s not what I would buy for my drain clean business, but it is sufficient,, it’s got the 3/8ths cable that we use for floor drains kitchen sinks and other 2” lines
There are Basically 3 categories of drain cleaning machines. Drills ,,,Then this one,, then main lines... this is the middle size.... my 3/8ths cable machines are $700-$1200 machines...but I use all day every day//.. if I on;y was using for myself.... I would buy this..
Thanks Robert! Very good to know.
Would you recomend a plumber first starting out with a machine like this? I use one at my parents house to clean roots out of their main sewer drain and it does a good job. Thanks in advance.
I believe this machine runs a 1/2" diameter cable not 3/8".
@@brucehashbarger4956 you are correct
This would make a good apprentice tool.
Excellent video! Thank you for your kindness and time! Kindness always makes a difference.
Video starts at 2:01. Speed up to 1.5 speed to get a quick overview then watch normally again.
Great demo, truly helpful. I must have a big bathtub clog as water not draining after bath.
Very helpful video!! As a CPA I read all the directions on everything I buy, with the other 2 people in the country that do also, but this answered convincingly why there are 2 reverses on the machine. Also confirmed my purchase decision. Thanks!!! Put some socks on though ... ;-)
I'm definitely going to buy it. I'm tired of renting one for $45 every time the pipe got plug
honestly worth the price
Thank you! Our cable was fully retracted and Dad couldn’t figure out how to get it out! This helped and away he went!
glad the video helped.
It really did! Thank you so much!
To Mandarin: How are the instructions?
@@eddyvideostar for the machine itself in the pamphlet, not so great! In these videos-terrific!
I purchased all (3) drain cleaning machines from HF when I started my sewer and drain cleaning business (4) years ago. Now own all General Pipe Cleaners drain cleaning equipments. But I still use my HF drain cleaning machines on certain jobs, it’s a great machine 💩
I’m doing the same, was going to get the Spartan but 1200 for the one I want is a bit steep. A friend gave me the gorlitz machine for main-lines. I plan on using this guy for 2” and the hand held HF for lavs/tubs with traps.
My man. Doing the exact same thing. Hope your doing well! Bless!
DO you recommend this machine ?
7:07 thank you for including this part in the tutorial. awesome job. 👏👏👏
Thanks, very helpful. Bought this machine, lost instructions and winged it. Bent cable. This helped a lot.
Thanks Dude! We owe you a beer!
great video, I purchased one and just saved half the cost of the machine today.
Thanks for the video it was just what I needed I got one but didn't know how to use it this was very helpful
Very informative. Simple instructions.
Nice !...now I know how to operation this snake drain machine....thanks
thanks for the video. I bought one but haven't had to use it YET.
Great video man and thanks for sharing it! 👍
Did a great job explaining it it looks like a good with me it reminds me of the general accept it's in blue
Great Video - explained nicely - hope you could have added two things 1. Those different fittings provided - just to know it is secured and not coming out - for first time user they might be thinking that way -2. Whats the use of the lever when you tighten then it goes forward nicely but when loose it just spin - any particular use of that. Overall great video thanks
You can use the machine without the power feed, by manually pulling the cable out. This is useful if the power feed has a bearing crack. You need to be proficient in the use of the machine to use it safely. You can and will get hurt if you are not instructed. If the clog isn't very hard to get through you won't have issues. Once that cable binds up and you don't know what to do, your going to take a cable to the face, or break some bones.
Thanks for this... even 2 years later.
Grate video
You cut all the bs
Thank you
Hope you load more video
Very beneficial! Thank you
great vid. about to buy this puppy and needed to confirm the feeding mechanism. thanks.
Awesome video. I just picked one up and I needed to adjusted a few things but not 1 good video except yours. It was really helpful 👍🏽
Glad I could help
Thanks for this information i should start doing the job on my home great job explaining Thank you.
Awesome video! Thanks a bunch.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. very helpful.
I have one of these or aversion of one of these on the way its manual feed but that's okay. I have to call a plumber to snake my main sewer line once maybe twice a year. With my purchase of @250 it has already paid for itself...
saving money by doing it yourself is ok with me.
What do you do if you left it in reverse too long and binded it up in the drum?
Thanks for the video. Wish I watched it before I used it. Lol
I may have ti try this machine for kitchen sinks if i can use a 3/8 cable
Yes i agree and this model is not designed for main sewer lines...its only for interior drains...for very light clogs...it wont do roots and it wont do heavy clogs...so,to me its useless ..just adding input regarding the product...motor is too small and the cutters too cheap and the cable too thin...but its great for toilet ot sink drains
As I thought and why RIGID sells
Great video! Do u ever spray anything like wd40 in the drum?
yes
Would you say after having this model for a while is it still a good
investment and worth buying? I need to clean out my main 4" drain pipe. I was considering
this model. Your advice would be helpful as looking to buy right away.
Also, is there a neutral position on the auto-feed lever? Thanks.
yes there is a motion where the cable just rotates and will not move .
I have used this machine 13 times since purchase and have had zero problems, though I have taken proper care of it after each use.
@@greenplumbinghvac4801 I bought one today. I am not opening the box until I know for sure the main drain is still clogged as Harbor Freight said a re-stock fee if I open the box. I have a feeling I will need it however so thanks for the info. Any advice using it welcome...do's and don'ts etc....Thanks.
@@uptownphotography take your time with it and dont force the cable
@@greenplumbinghvac4801 Yes this "neutral position" is the key advantage of more expensive model over cheaper HF hydrostar. I had to make a custom attachment so that I can fix cable in one position when I hit an obstacle. Otherwise it'sn not workable for cheaper version.
Finaly a good video lol thx
Thank you so much for this. Super helpful! Any idea whether or not you can open the drum to untangle the cable? I saw some videos where people commented that might be an issue.
Drum cannot be opened. I made the mistake of trying to push the obstruction out of the way rather than letting it cut through. Totally screwed my cable. Had to replace it. Lesson learned.
Can u make a video on cleaning and maintenance
Besides from actually removing solids, and gunk from the unit, properly greasing or preventing your cable from rusting is key to longevity.
I bought this machine to clean out my clogged kitchen sink drain. I have removed the pipe from the drain to the wall. The wall is the back of the second floor of the condo so I have to think the pipe takes an immediate 90 degree turn down from where I see it begin under the sink. I watched several videos to learn how to operate the machine. When I insert the cable into the pipe into the pipe into the wall, it goes in to where the pipe should probably turn down and won't make the turn. It just stops and if I keep the cable pushing out it starts to bend etc. How can I manipulate the cable to make that turn?
Good review thank you
I got mine yesterday at $299.99. I used The third one and the top part lost on the pipe. I have tension got into snake box twice. It’s hard to get it released.
Has it ever tangled up when it’s almost at the end of capacity? Is it good for the sewer drains?
They say it is good for 2" to 4" drains haven't had a problem with it yet.
Mine did once but if you go slow it is not hard to untangle.
How does it do on 90 degree turns?
I personally never had a problem if I ever feel resistance, I take my time and ease it through.
Interesting...!
Is it still going strong after 6 years,any problems???
still runs great
@@greenplumbinghvac4801 Wow that's really impressive for an off brand,I was gonna by a Ridgid but now I'm not so sure,thanks a lot...
" "*.*" ..>> " I appreciate this demo ! , .. I paid more than You did $$ for this machine ! quite a bit more "*> .. ! ! ~ .. but I didn't mind because I am in a B I N D ! " .. So ! ~ ? ...> Your assistance and this machine are going to save me from a dangerous situation health wise ! ! .. thanks have a great DaayyYY ! ! "*" "*> .. ! ! "
Has anyone tried to add another 50' section of 63269, Drain Cleaner Replacement Cable And Cutter Set to see if the machine can do up to 100'? I don't think 50' will go far enough for what I need.
Yes. Seen another video for this same machine. The poor fellow has 150’ to end of his drive with multiple trees in the yard the main line goes through. You can buy additional 50’ lengths
@@Chuklz70 , yes, that's what I ended up doing.
Can't store all 100' in the machine because the coupler won't fit thru the drive gearing, so I just coiled it into a bucket.
Used it several times with great success.
Can this do a 4 inch line and how many feet of line does this have can you add on? Thank you
can do 4" It comes with a 50ft cable
Poor man's augar. Their cable kinks alot - then the cable is ruined.
Well, it depends how you run the machine. I tried to tacke a very tough tree root blockage in my sewer line using HF hydrostar. After few hours of trying back and forth, I gave up and rented a Home Depot pro quality machine to do the job. But I didn't kink my HF hydrostar snake either. Just go slow and back out at first sign of trouble.
@@coldspring22 Some ppl are just mechanically *uninclined*
Good video. Cables on those are pure garbage, like a rope.
Mine wobbles since day one very bad and the drum comes loose and falls out of the bearing. Customer service offers no support or solutions for anything of the sort
Tooo tight!!!!
I bought it because I have roots in the drain. Any suggestions?
This unit is not designed for roots but that doesn't mean you can't give it a try.I suggest you call a licensed professional and have them remove the roots with specialized cables or with root killing chemicals.
use the spiral tool, go slow, and pull out a little at a time. With some care, you probably can put better tools on that cable, but remember, if it stalls it will twist up and kink. Drain cleaning is a skill, but you can learn it and save a bundle!
I suggest the professionals for the 1st go through and watch, ask questions, and learn all you can. Then use your own machine to maintain it
@@ashtabula4wd "if it stalls it will twist up and kink. Drain cleaning is a skill, but you can learn it and save a bundle!." I just learned this the hard way. I had a really bad kink/twist/whatever_you_want_to_call_it inside the drum. It was bear to undue. The cable was bent pretty bad in several places and was basically ruined. But, experience is the best teacher. I think I'm a better DIY drainer now. Word of caution, the is a lot of built up energy in a kinked cable...BE CAREFUL!
My man can I borrow your machine ??
I'm all for sharing but not this here machine
What is the standard length of the snake it comes with ?
50 foot
Do you know how to coil back this drain snake cable ? ( my drain snake machine same model you had now )
ua-cam.com/video/LXGPRshj6lk/v-deo.html
Its identical specs as the cheaper version ....is the powervfeed necssary ?....incant see spending $150 more for unneeded faetures....and i need 100 ft where can i get 50 ft more cable ?
If this product does not meet the requirements for your problem then get one that does. This is a simple review of the product and its features.
I just watched this video, which is great and hits all the important points....... and have to share that I have a 25 year old power snake from HF that still works, but doesn't have the power feed. Trust my experience....... power feed is the way to go. My old one doesn't have it, and it's a real pain to yank on the cable when it gets a bit used and older AND....... rusted up. I lubricate the snake, but residual moisture takes its toll. And this last issue tonight, with the cable sticking in place on the retrieve, reminded me why I need a power feed. Just sayin' is all.....
And you may not realize it, but that GFI can save your arse! You will be standing in moisture and the cheaper one doesn’t have that. Oh and if I recall correctly, the cheaper version uses a thinner snake coil which makes it lighter but easier to kink and damage
>
at the same place ya get the machine, which is Horbor Freight Tools . . but Rotsa Ruck if ya think you're gonna stuff 100 foot of cable into that 50 foot Drum! I doubt it'd make it past the cable-to-cable connector
That cable is to soft.if you use a big tip the snake will curl.
I purchased this same machine. The cable is 50 feet long and I've come to realize that I need it to be longer. I went back to the place where I bought it and was told that the drum can only hold a 50 foot cable. I purchased a second 50 foot cable that can easily be attached to the cable already in the machine. I just tried this yesterday and it was extremely difficult to control the second 50 foot cable sticking out of the machine. There were 2 of us and we were able to run the cable into the sewer line but it was hard and a little dangerous. Do you have any suggestions on how to better control the second cable?
Try to force the cable in by hand first before hooking up to the machine. I know this may seem hard and may not be possible but I would not recommend trying to wrestle a 50ft snake while it is hooked up to the machine. If you can, find a cleanout or location closer to the blockage.
Why don't you try inserting the first Cable in the pipe all the way and then hook it up to the cable that's on the machine this way you're not fighting 50 ft to lose cable it's all in the machine
how did you attach the second 50ft cable to the other 50ft cable, I have the same problem i have 50feet and need 50 more feet
Also where can I purchase 50 more feet of drain snake at?
. The manual says up to 75 foot of 1/2 inch table or a hundred foot of 3/8 cable, by the appropriate size wire for the drum you have problem solved
How much?
👍
Maybe show cleaning a drain
Lots of those already
You sound like chris Pratt!
Hey to all those who almost died with rubber glovers on🤷🏿♀️🤷♀️
@Charles Z 😆😆
I’m guilty of that mistake once. Once only...
I was about to say you got a hell of a deal. Because that thing is 500$ But then I saw this video is from when Trump was still pres.
Is this available in INDIA?
I Doubt but you could try online shipping
Has anybody here tried hauling this unit up the roof? If so, was it heavy?
The thing weighs slightly below a Hundred Pounds.
That looks like the 75 foot one
this one is 50FT
That's a copy. I can work with that 🤔
Will not retract
The problem with this machine is it wont do roots....most sewer drains in older homes in a normal treed atea need to be cleaned due to roots so it makes this item useless
Use copper sulphate.
I’m same issue. Once with the professional with the expensive tools to clear and check for damage. This machine is then a worthwhile investment to maintain your main line and keep the roots at bay
It DOES do Roots . . SMALL Roots. We had a professional give our 60-yr-old home the first Douche and then we run the HF machine once or twice a year, as Maintainence, to get Small Roots out before they become Big Roots. When ya look at the price of hiring a Rooter Pro, this HF machine has paid for itself within its first year-and-a-half.
You say this item is Useless but that is not correct: If anything, your Comment is Useless.
Tell that to my machine, which cleared light roots not once but TWICE. Blanket statements *SUCK*
well, there isn't anything you said that the manual can't tell me, you should get with the guy you said took 10 min to open the box, lmao
a piece of junk..
has been very successful for me
Only for you.
Thank you! 😊