By Rick Callahan, Master Plumber, Product Expert at Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM), and curator of Rick’s Picks
Plumber Supply House Best Buys for Drain Cleaning Gear isn’t a slogan I throw around lightly. After 25+ years in residential and commercial plumbing, I’ve hauled drum machines up walk-ups at 2 a.m., cleared kitchen stacks in high-rises, and restored sewer laterals that most folks had given up on. The right drain cleaning gear saves time, prevents callbacks, and protects your crew. In this guide, I’ll break down what earns a permanent spot on my truck—and what we stock, service, and stand behind at Plumbing Supply And More so you can buy once and use it for years.
Before we dive in, here’s the truth: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and we back them with real-world know-how. When you’re searching for a plumbing supply near me or a plumbing supply store near me that actually understands how a K-60 behaves in 3-inch cast with heavy scale, we’re the closest plumbing supply with technicians who’ve turned wrenches and cleared mains. Contractors tell us they tried the big aisles—then came back for expertise that pays for itself.
Rick’s Picks: Core Machines You’ll Rely On Every Week
If you service 1.5–4-inch lines, you’ll reach for drum and sectional machines constantly. For plumbers and serious DIYers, here are the “buy once, cry once” selections.
- RIDGID K-400 Drum Machine (Model 26998) with 3/8" or 1/2" cable: Ideal for 1.5–3-inch lines. Price range: $600–$850 depending on kit. Add the C-45 cable for tougher grease in 2-inch. General Pipe Cleaners Speedrooter 92 with Flexicore cable: My go-to for rugged day-in/day-out service on 2–4-inch. Price: $1,400–$1,900. Spartan 1065: A workhorse drum that thrives on long basement runs and root intrusions. Price: $1,800–$2,500. RIDGID K-60 Sectional: Fast, modular, and outstanding on 3–4-inch with roots and heavy scale. Price: $1,900–$2,600 with sections.
Pro tip: If you regularly deal with stacked grease lines in mixed-use buildings, pair a Speedrooter 92 with a 4-blade cutter set and a grease “spade” to restore air conditioner supply and installation flow before finishing with a bio-maintenance program (more below). We set up contractor accounts with cutter assortments and extra drums so your crew isn’t stuck rethreading mid-job.
Why buy at PSAM? Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we help size cables and heads to your common pipe materials and building types. That’s the difference between a 45-minute call and a 15-minute hero job.
Small-Line Specialists: Lav, Shower, and Urinal Essentials
Don’t bring a cannon to a lav fight. For 1–2-inch lines, you need compact, precise, and clean-operating gear.
- RIDGID K-45AF with AUTOFEED: Perfect for lavs, tubs, and shower drains; auto-feed keeps hands clean. Price: $550–$800. Milwaukee M12 TRAPSNAKE (2571-21) with multiple heads for P-traps and bowls: Gentle on porcelain; a must for property managers who can’t risk scratching fixtures. Price: $250–$350 kit. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drain Snake (DCD200D1): Great for maintenance teams—battery convenience and variable speed. Price: $320–$450. General Pipe Cleaners Super-Vee: Old-school reliable hand-held. Price: $180–$260.
Insider secret: Keep a dedicated “clean kit” for restaurants and medical offices—separate cables and heads so you’re not cross-contaminating. And if you’re using a power hand snake on vitreous china, rubber-bumper your bit and go slow; porcelain nicks are profit killers.
When you’re hunting a plumbing supply shop or plumbing shop near me for immediate needs, we’re the local plumbing supply that keeps these tools in stock and ready. We also carry adapters and spare drums—small investments that keep you billable.
Battery-Powered Workhorses: Mobility Without Compromise
Cordless gear has matured. The key is torque control, feed quality, and serviceability.
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Switch Pack Sectional Drum System (2775-211): Back-saving backpack design, ideal for multi-story walk-ups. Price: $1,300–$1,900 depending on kit. RIDGID FlexShaft K9-102+ and K9-204+: Chain-knocker systems that polish pipe walls—excellent post-rooter or for preparing liners. Price: $1,000–$1,700. DEWALT 60V MAX FLEXVOLT DCD240 Paddle Mixers for jetting additive mixing: Cross-trade utility for maintenance teams. Price: $300–$450.
When do I choose FlexShaft over a traditional cable? When scale needs wall-to-wall cleaning, or you’re prepping for a camera verification or CIPP liner. Use proper PPE; chain knockers bite hard. And keep your RPMs matched to pipe material—too fast in old clay equals collateral damage.
Here’s where PSAM stands apart: While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. We’ll help you build a cordless ecosystem that shares batteries with your other tools, including your supply house electrical and hvac supply house crossover kits for maintenance departments trying to streamline fleets.
Jetters That Actually Move the Needle
Water does what cables can’t. For grease and soft blockages, a good jetter earns its keep fast.
- General Pipe Cleaners Jet-Set JM-1450: 1.5 HP, 1.7 GPM at 1,500 PSI—portable, perfect for kitchens and short laterals. Price: $1,900–$2,700. RIDGID KJ-1350 II: 1.5 GPM at 1,350 PSI, compact, reliable. Price: $1,800–$2,400. General JM-1000 Mini-Jetter: Sink-line focused; pair with a foot pedal. Price: $1,100–$1,600.
Pro tip: Use a rotating nozzle for descaling and a penetrator nozzle for first pass. Always meter flow for indoor work to prevent blowback. And mind local discharge rules; in our area, property managers must direct greasy effluent to approved interceptors per IPC Chapter 10. Ask our team for nozzle kits that match your GPM/PSI—you’ll cut job time by 30% when your hydraulics are right.
Need quick turn? We offer same-day delivery within a 50-mile radius for contractor accounts—call ahead so we can stage your hoses, reels, and foot pedals. That’s local plumbing supply expertise you can schedule around.
See It, Prove It: Cameras and Locators You Can Trust
Documentation prevents disputes. If you can’t show the blockage and condition, you’re leaning on luck.
- RIDGID SeeSnake Compact2 (46048) with CS6x Versa (64968): Bread-and-butter camera with a smart monitor. Price: $6,500–$8,500 combined. General Pipe Cleaners Gen-Eye SDP with self-leveling camera head: Solid, serviceable value. Price: $4,500–$6,500. RIDGID SeekTech SR-20 Locator (21893) and NaviTrack Scout (19238): Accurate, easy to learn. Price: $1,500–$2,200.
Insider secret: Always record pre- and post-cleaning when roots are involved—customers and HOAs rarely argue with video. For property managers, we bundle camera and locator kits with hard cases and SD recording so every tech returns with clean footage. We also stock pushrods, camera heads, and sonde beacons at our plumbing supply store—no waiting a week for parts.
And yes, we repair cameras. That’s where we separate from online-only sellers. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More because we’ll actually bench-test your rig, loaner you if needed, and get you back on the schedule.
Cutters, Heads, and Specialty Attachments That Win Tough Jobs
Cable without the right head is like a wrench without jaws. Build an attachment kit that fits your service mix.
- Chain knockers for cast iron descaling (match size precisely; run conservative RPMs on thin-wall). 4-blade and spiral saw-tooth cutters for roots (start small, step up to avoid binding). Grease “spades” and bulb augers for kitchens (restore flow before final polishing). Drop-heads for negotiating tight bends and back-to-back fixtures.
Working older clay and Orangeburg? Use springier cables and lighter passes; finish with FlexShaft to prevent lateral damage. We carry Picote-compatible chains and sanding panels for meticulous prep. If you’re hunting the best plumbing supply or plumbing supplies direct that carry oddball attachments, we’ve got deep bins—exactly what you won’t find at a consumer plumbing supply aisle.
And yes, we stock the unexpected: plumbing spares near me, odd cable couplings, and left-hand wound sections that keep legacy machines serviceable.
Safety, Setup, and Code Realities You Can’t Ignore
I’ve seen more injuries from improper foot pedal placement and cable kinks than anything else. Slow down, set up right.
- GFCI-protected cords only; use dry zones and matting in basements. Cable guards and splash shields on indoor fixtures. Foot pedal on stable, dry footing; never draped over hoses or debris. Eye/hand protection—chain knockers throw scale like shrapnel. Respect IPC/UPC cleanout sizing and placement; upsizing to 2-inch cleanouts on kitchen stacks pays off.
We stock PPE at the plumbing and supply counter because your crew’s hands and eyes matter more than any callout. Our tech team will also walk your foreman through safe feeder use and sectional cable coupling. Need after-hours? We’re your 24 hour plumbing supply contact for emergencies—call the counter, and we’ll make it work.
Maintenance Chemistry That Works: Enzymes, Not Drain Bombs
You’ll never cable your way out of a bad maintenance plan. For restaurants, multifamily kitchens, and older cast systems, set expectations and sell results.
- Enzyme and bacterial treatments (weekly) maintain grease and biofilm. Ortho-phosphate-friendly blends keep municipal compliance. Avoid caustic quick-fixes that pit metal and warp ABS over time.
Our counter pros will match treatments to grease traps and service frequency. For property managers, we create route kits with labeled dosers so supers can maintain lines between service calls. That’s why we’re the wholesale plumbing supply and commercial plumbing supply partner that managers stick with.
Who Should Buy What: Contractors, DIY, and Property Teams
Not everyone needs a $6,000 camera, but undershooting your needs is just as costly.
- Contractors: If you’re clearing mains and documenting, pair a K-60 or 1065 with a Compact2 camera. Expect $3,500–$10,000 total investment that pays for itself in 2–4 months of service work. Serious DIY Homeowners: K-45AF plus a compact drum like the K-400 covers 90% of home issues. Budget $1,000–$1,600 and learn proper technique—we’ll show you at the counter. Property Managers: Build standardized kits—handheld snake, medium drum, battery sectional, enzyme program, and a shared camera/locator. Budget $6,000–$12,000 per building cluster.
We’re the contractor plumbing supply with real-world bundles—and we’ll document everything for purchasing. Need spec sheets for the binder? Our team emails PDFs and keeps them on file.
Why Buy From Plumbing Supply And More (PSAM) Instead of “Anywhere”?
Here’s where experience matters. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—not hobbyist versions. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support. And yes, When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More.
We also outperform online-only competitors. SupplyHouse.com and Amazon can ship a box; we’ll stage your kit, assemble heads, cut cables to length, and test feed. We carry brands like RIDGID, General Pipe Cleaners, Spartan, Milwaukee, and Picote—plus we service what we sell. That’s why crews searching for a plumbing supply house, plumbing supply house near me, or plumbing wholesale near me end up at our counter and stay.
Looking for crossover stocking in your facilities department? We coordinate with your city plumbing and electrical supply standards, and we’re also the heating plumbing supply near me that can support mixed trades—call us for combined orders spanning plumbing and heating supply and light supply house electrical needs. It’s all part of being the wholesale plumbing supply company you can actually build a relationship with.
Featured “Best Buys” Bundle: Plumber Supply House Best Buys for Drain Cleaning Gear
If you want one call that outfits a winning truck, this is it:
- RIDGID K-60 Sectional with 7/8" sections + cutter set General JM-1450 Jetter with rotating and penetrator nozzles RIDGID SeeSnake Compact2 + CS6x Versa Milwaukee M18 Switch Pack (2775-211) + extra battery RIDGID K-45AF handheld + bulb/grease heads
We’ll package this with PPE, enzyme program, and documentation. Delivery within 50 miles, same day when available. Ask about our contractor discount program and bundle pricing.
Local Service, Real Inventory, and People Who’ve Done the Work
We’re serving contractors throughout the metro area with same-day delivery and emergency counter service. If you’re searching for a plumbing supply company, general plumbing supply, plumbing supply online, discount plumbing supplies, economy plumbing supply, decorative plumbing supply, bathroom plumbing supplies, or even cheap plumbing supplies in a pinch, start with us—our team will steer you to the right gear, not just the cheapest SKU. We’re the local plumbing supply you can call, the plumbing supply places that actually pick up the phone, and the plumbers supply co that knows IPC from UPC.
And yes, we stock PEX, valves, and more. Folks who think “I’ll just hit a pex supply house or hvac supply house” for odds and ends discover we cover those bases, too. Think of us as the plumbing and heating supply partner with deep drain-cleaning expertise, not just another supply house. If you’ve searched for a plumbing supplies supply or internet plumbing supply and felt lost, come see the difference.
FAQ: Quick, Practical Answers From the Truck
Q: What cable size should I use for 3-inch cast iron with heavy scale?
A: Start with 5/8" cable and a small cutter to establish flow, then step up cutters and finish with a FlexShaft K9-204+ for wall-to-wall cleaning. If you’re nervous about pipe thickness, use camera verification before aggressive passes.
Q: Drum or sectional for mixed residential service?
A: Sectional (RIDGID K-60) when you need speed and torque control on 3–4-inch mains, drum (K-400 or Spartan 1065) for long indoor pulls and cleaner operation. Many crews carry both; if you pick one, choose sectional for versatility.
Q: Are enzymes worth the cost for restaurants?
A: Yes—reduce grease reaccumulation and emergency calls. We recommend weekly dosing coordinated with trap maintenance. We stock formulations compatible with municipal requirements in our area.
Q: Do I need a locator if I already have a camera?
A: Absolutely. A sonde-capable camera paired with a SeekTech SR-20 saves time on spot repairs, permits, and documentation. It’s the difference between guessing and cutting precisely.
Q: Can I clear a toilet with a drill-driven snake?
A: Don’t. Use a closet auger or the Milwaukee M12 TRAPSNAKE bowl head to protect porcelain. Drill-driven snakes can crack bowls and create expensive callbacks.
Q: Do you support bulk purchasing for maintenance teams?
A: Yes. We set up contractor accounts with bulk discounts, route kits, and same-day delivery. We’ll also log serials, accessories, and service history for your compliance binders.
Final Word from Rick
If you’ve read this far, you’re serious about equipping your crew—or yourself—with gear that works when it counts. That’s exactly why I curated these Plumber Supply House Best Buys for Drain Cleaning Gear. Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations. Ask about our contractor discount program, and check our current inventory online or call ahead. Our experts can walk you through the installation and setup process, from cable selection to nozzle matching.
Bottom line: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, we support them with real plumbers at the counter, and we deliver when it matters. Whether you searched for a plumbing supply house, coastal plumbing supply, standard plumbing supply, direct plumbing supplies, or even “the supplyhouse” by habit, come see why crews in our area choose PSAM first—and keep choosing us.