Appreciation post: Guy at the hardware store saved me $80 on a drain snake

Gavin Ross · 2026-05-02T21:10:02.749185+00:00

Was about to buy this big electric drain snake for a clogged kitchen pipe, but the old worker there stopped me. He said try a 25 foot manual one first and pour boiling water down after. Worked like a charm and my sink drains fast now. Anyone else get talked out of spending too much on a tool you didn't really need?

sandra6932mo ago

Happened to me last year, @chen.luna - a guy at an auto parts store talked me out of a $200 diagnostic tool and just showed me how to check my battery terminals with a volt meter instead. Saved my whole weekend.

6

chen.luna4mo ago

Oh, that's the best feeling. Nothing beats an honest worker who saves you money instead of trying to upsell you.

3

saraho484mo ago

80 bucks for a drain snake is a steal compared to what my shop charges for a plumber's visit. @chen.luna is right, that kind of honesty is worth more than any tool discount.

2