Whisk Away Clogged Drains With a Flick of the Wrist With the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel

flexisnake drain weasel in its packaging
Little Lifesavers: The FlexiSnake Drain WeaselHearst Owned


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More often than not, some of our favorite buys are small, how-didn't-I-know-about-this products that solve an everyday problem. That's what we're highlighting in our Little Lifesavers series: cheap, simple purchases that you'll use on the daily. Hit "Add to Cart" and thank us later!

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

The Problem: The universal problem of anywhere with indoor plumbing: clogged pipes. Not to mention the often hefty price tags that come with calling in a professional.

The Solution: The FlexiSnake Drain Weasel, an extremely affordable, do-it-yourself alternative for unclogging your pipes.

Who among us hasn't had to deal with clogged shower or sink drains from time to time? No, seriously, who? Raise your hand — because you must know some magic solution that's eluded the rest of us. Those of us without that secret spell can find ourselves saddled with showers that turn into baths, thanks to backed-up tub drains, sinks where that post-shave pond of cast-off cream and facial hair simply refuses to sink, and worst of all, the shame and expense of having to call in a professional with a massive metal drain snake to dig out whatever has been causing all the aforementioned traffic.

Well, while I can't offer that alluded to mystical spell that makes drains never clog, what I can offer is a magic wand that makes those clogs disappear with no pro-intervention necessary: the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel.

Photo credit: Michael Natale
Photo credit: Michael Natale

Like anyone, I’ve had to tackle hair-clogged drains my whole life, but since adding my significant other to the mix, as well as a dog who constantly needs to be (reluctantly) bathed, and a cat who, though averse to water, nevertheless likes to hang out in the dry sink or tub at times, clogged drains have become a constant. And that’s to say nothing of the homes of older relatives I check in on, which often have far older, less reliable plumbing.

So rather than consistently call in plumbers to unclog their pipes at a cost, or cultivate the kind of relationship with our super where he starts saying “Again?” in a disappointed, fatherly tone, I went on a weasel hunt and came home with a winner.

Now, the Drain Weasel doesn’t look very fancy. Indeed, it’s a no-frills, simple design, in a color that can only be described as “Fisher-Price plastic” and whose package sports a feisty, unnamed weasel-in-a-whirlwind mascot at the top and instructions that have real infomercial energy. It’s the kind of cheap product most shoppers would pass by in favor of something far more stylish and eye-catching. But anybody who’s spent a fair amount of time in a hardware store can tell you, it’s those little cheap-looking tools that can outperform the fancy ones every time.

Incredibly easy-to-use, the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel requires virtually no technical know-how ahead of time to start clearing your pipes. It's comprised of two different pieces: the reusable spinner handle, and the 18-inch disposable hair-clog wands. Attach the wand to the handle, lock it in place, and slide the wand down the troubled drain until you reach the obstruction.

Then, just like the unnamed weasel-in-a-whirlwind mascot suggests, crank the handle to whirl the wand around in the drain — its micro-hook tip is able to snag the obstructing offenders as it spins. Try not to be repulsed by the nest of your own hair that's been holding up all the drain traffic when you pull out the wand and remove the clog, then detach the wand and toss it into the trash. It's as simple as that.

Admittedly, with some severe clogs, it may take more than one try to truly alleviate the drain issue, but every time I've tried it, in every type of drain I've tried it on (kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and shower), it's been a one-and-done drain relief experience.

Though “one-and-done” does point to what may be a sticking point for some consumers: the single-use nature of the wands. I will concede that tossing away plastic wand after plastic wand is definitely not the most sustainable option, but I also would point out that FlexiSnake appears to have addressed those concerns with their reusable Drain Millipede. Although I haven't had any personal experience with this particular tool, user reviews indicate that it performs well, if not entirely up to the quality of the Drain Weasel.

The Bottom Line: I'm all in on the Drain Weasel. Truly, it's tackled some shockingly tangled clumps of hair with ease these past few weeks, including an obstruction so bracingly baffling that I consciously chose not to photograph it for this piece (because nobody should have to see that).

It’s dramatically cut down my need for external aid when it comes to drain issues, even in those aforementioned older homes that have commanded a lot of outside assistance from professionals over the years. It’s simple, affordable, efficient, and ever-reliable. When the biggest complaint I could personally muster about the FlexiSnake Drain Weasel is “I wish the unnamed weasel-in-a-whirlwind mascot had a name” (and trust me, I looked), it’s a sign that the Drain Weasel does its job brilliantly every time.

SHOP FLEXISNAKE DRAIN WEASEL

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