Harbor Freight Pacific Hydrostar Drain Cleaner Overview (Wait Until You See What We Pulled OUT!)
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- Опубликовано: 17 янв 2021
- The Harbor Freight Electric Drain Cleaner/ Auger Review and Do-It-Yourself Video.
#grasshopperlawncareservices #harborfreight
Clogged drain, plumbing, roots, do it yourself, dirty job
So I've only used this pressure washer one time. ruclips.net/user/postUgkxfQauTxLT0JLSvqkq10rD79TU4k0Vz8zP The one time I used it, it worked great. I recently had new siding installed but kept the old gutters and small areas surrounding my house that weren't replaced so they looked horrible and dirty because of the new siding. I needed to get it cleaned asap. When I used the pressure washer, man it just melted all the dirt and grime that was on those areas of my house. I used that krud kutter soap and it was over after that. Easy to assemble, feels durable, very simple to use. Also, I purchased a used one to save money and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it. I want to get more use out of it so I think I'll be washing the cars and update this comment as time goes on.
Thanks!
If you sleeve it through a pvc pipe, then guide it by holding said pipe, it won't kink on you.
Hi guys I'm a 70 some senior lady & I love this machine , please don't gide it with your hands if the cable loops itself all of a sudden , it can brake your arm , just put it as close as possible to the clean out & let it go in SLOWLY by itself .
Sometimes you have to use your hands to get a feel for what the cable is doing. If the cable starts to get tension then you let off of the pedal. That's how you prevent from being wrapped up by the cable. When I started plumbing I got wrapped up a bunch of times but never got any serious injuries because I let of the pedal as soon as it started doing it
I agree, its as if you are working with a Milwaukee, or some other very potent drill, and all of a sudden the wood beneath you goes loose from the clamps, it can act as a boomerang, or projectile.
Thank you Nellie I'm looking for one right now. I'm in big trouble with my drains.
Maintaining control of the cable with your hands is what keeps it from binding up. It's far more dangerous to let it run free. Even the instructions tell you not to operate it without guiding the cable with your hands.
Thanks Ms. Nellie
I just ordered the model without the power feed. My septic tank has not been draining well since last June. I could get NO one to come work on it - called 6 different companies. Thanks to RUclips videos like this, I gambled and bought one of these machines. I ran it down the outgoing pipe 5 times using different heads. It did bind a little on the 1st two trips...I did not get a big root ball clog, but did get some of those "flushable" wipes, which should NOT be flushed. I also installed a filter on the outgoing pipe, and installed a riser on my tank so I could get in there without 4 hours of digging out red clay. Good job, and thanks for the video!
Best of luck on the project!
Wowzer...I wasn't sure what all was going to come out of that drain! 🤔 Good video...thanks!
Once you've finished clearing your drain and removing the debris from the cable, you'll want to dry then oil (mineral or vegetable oil) the cable with a micro fiber cloth as you're retracting it back into the spool. Oiling the cable will prevent it from getting rusty when stored.
Does veggie oil work too?
@@LivingInWild I've used it. Just a light coat helps prevent rust.
Thanks for keeping camera rolling, this is a good example of how it most likely will go. Peace!
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video. Very good explanation! I've been cleaning yard drains all day. Once again thank you!
Best of luck on your project. Thanks for watching.
Nice PUN intended @ 0:13...You're #1 in the #2 Business!
Thankyou for beautifull sharing friend🙏💕
awesome thorough video Grasshopper
Much thanks!
Thank you for providing the video!
Hope it helped.
Wow. Fantastic machine.I like the way you worked the machine like a pro. what a huge clog. thanks.
Thanks for watching!
I’m so ready to buy that.
When the cable twist like that, you should turn your switch to reverse, with the machine in forward, to untwist it. Great video
Ty!
No you should just stop it and try to pull back , leave the machine in neutral and go back and fourth on the one spot to try to clear the blockage
Also too since the machine is rotating clock wise you should be on the opposite side of the machine but overall great video!
Great video.
Thanks for sharing.
New subscriber here from Philadelphia PA
Thanks for watching!
This is really helpful thank you
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching
I am sold, I am buying this machine. Lovely video, educational, thanks
Thank you! Think about subscribing and good luck with your project.
I liked it too. Better than those humungous machines where you get there pieces of frigid cable and you put them together as you go, and you need a key, and it goes on and on, and it's very dirty when you pull back on the cable because it's so heavy and forcefull that if you have a nice wall paper or painted room, the cable is bound to splatter or hit your wall, and dirty it. So make sure you tell your plumber to be careful because you don't want someone who is sloppy or who doesn't care about your property, regardless of its condition. I've learned at 63, doing a lot of stuff on my own and hiring others.
Thankyou, well done
Holy Toledo that's some clump of roots! Thanks for the nice video. I was on the fence about buying one of these machines, since my primary use is in clearing roots from several runs of 4-inch plastic pipe which carry downspout water away from our house. While I have been renting the General Mini-Rooter from Home Depot for a number of years, it's annoying having to pay $75 or so each time, plus schlep the machine back and forth, and play Beat-the-Clock to try to stay within the 4-hour lowest-cost rental window. I think the cable on the Mini-Rooter is more rugged than on the HF model, but clearly with careful and judicious use as you demonstrated, the HF unit is up to the task. I see a sale coming up on the HF unit this weekend so I plan to break down and pull the trigger. In past use, when hitting roots, it can take several back-and-forth operations with the cable to break through; once the cable starts to twist even slightly, I hit the reverse lever (not the switch!), back the cable out, then advance again very slowly.
I wish you the best with this dirty job. Sounds like you have some excellent experience! I’m happy with the purchase so far.
I use my reverse lever. That switch is only for emergency few seconds usage. It can cause damage to the line which will kink even worse! 😔 The manual clearly states it also.
Hot dang you ripped the root placenta right outa that main! I just got a HF drain monster model 68284. Used it yesterday to open blocked main line. Works very well. Little learning curve but not bad. Good video thanks!
Ty!
Thank you very much for this video. I'm going to get one of these right away. I'm handy around my house and not afraid to get dirty. I paid the plumber twice now to clean out my drains and it cost me a lot of money. I'm using copper sulphate now to kill the roots in my sewer main but I need to rod out that main once or twice a year to keep it in tip top condition and this will allow me to do that in a most cost effective way. I will do it every summer. That way I can take this thing out in my driveway and wash off the cables with Dawn dishwashing liquid and dry them off. Then I will coat them with Mobil1 oil when I put them back in the spool. A good once a year project I think.
Happy it helped you out.
For the price, even if you jag up the cable , it $50 bucks for a replacement. It was a deal
For my situation.
That is amazing
Just bought one of this thanks for showing how to use it. Better off thanks for showing what the attachments are for.
Best of luck with your project!
Wow! They listened and added wheels
did you snag the neighbors lawn: LOL i was going tomorrow to buy one my basement has never flooded until yesterday so i want to thank you for showing how well it works,cheaper to buy one then have a plumber come out. great job thanks for showing your video.
Good Day........Bob
Best of luck!
Great job! I have HF machine but I never pulled up root ball as big as yours! The most high end unit they have at HF is basically same as cheaper unit minus the wheel and attachment in the front. For cheaper unit without wheels you can just use a fold up luggage carrier to haul it around. Works great. I got my HF hydrostar used, and the previous owner basically killed the cable. It was so kinked up it's impossible to use and had to buy replacement cable from HF. I wonder how it got kinked up so badly - I never had issue with my cable getting kinked.
Bc the cable is 1/2" and binds very easily when retracting back into drum
💥GREAT INFORMATION 💥
Thank you and thanks for watching.
Once the roots are clear you can prevent roots by flushing some liquid salt down the toilet once a month. Do it at night before you go to bed so it can sit in the line overnight and have longer contact with any roots that have intruded into the lines.
I bought the manual model, where you push/pull the cable by hand. The main problem is that the cable does not rewind in the drum properly - it tends to get struck. regardless of how carefully I try to rewind it. If the cable kinks and bends, it is finished. It can be a dangerous tool too - one has to be very careful when using it - it could tear a finger off in a heartbeat. This machine is ok if you seldom use it; if used frequently, consider an upgrade.
I never had issue with problem pushing in cable back in the drum. But I have "new" cable (bought 2nd hand machine - original cable was utterly kinked up and unusable) and I take very good care of it. It looks like there is gap between the drum core and back of the drum which could get the cable stuck in there if you are not careful. I also have ridgid k400. No doubt K400 (75 foot) is better machine, but HF hydrostar is also fine and can reach further than rigidd with 50 foot extension.
That's what I wish I had. Only small stuff.
Great video! Just bought one of these for a root problem we were told about on our new house. Can you please elaborate a little on using a root killer everything 3 months to keep the problem under control? Thanks in advance!
I use: Roebic FRK-1LB Foaming Root Killer, Clears Pipes and Stops New Growth, Safe for All Plumbing, 1 Pound White. You can get it on Amazon for around $15.00
I have the manual feed model, im wondering if I can upgrade to the auto feed without having to replace the machine. Also when the cables balls up like that, just use reverse for a few seconds and it straightens back out.
I love when you pull the snake back and you have what was causing the clog on the end of it don’t like when will the snake out and there’s nothing on it customer wants to know what caused it everything wash away after you cleared it good job
Thank you. Thanks for watching.
nice review, nice job.
I've been having problems with my clean out too and can't afford to keep calling a plumber. This is going to be my Sunday morning tomorrow 😶
Best of luck!
@@grasshopperlawncareservice3269 I've got flow 😎, thanks for the info 👍👍
Very happy to hear it!
Attack any clog in reverse PERIOD. This will prevent binding. U are correct about using the auto feed to bring back cable.
I had the exact same unit from harbor freight I found it's too easy to get kinked up and then you have to fix it which doesn't usually go back to normal. And then I tried to sleeved piano wire they sell as a drain snake it works amazingly but it's only 25 ft but it never gets kinked up. Then they came out with the flex shaft by rigid with the chains on the end that come in 50 ft length witch I find us the best I really snake besides a hydrometer. that's your best bet so that you don't get the kink plus it's not as heavy as darn blue drum on the wheels and you don't have to have electricity just a cordless power drill.
Great info! Thanks for sharing.
Didn't see that coming
I usually add a flow of water from a hose to keep the flow of debris going downstream...
Great idea!
That auger is Efed up good
Great job. First time house owner so was afraid and Paid 500 dollar to clear house main line to city main line.
We never find out that what was issue or what kind of Clog was there as all pushed out.
Plumber checked with camera that all seems to be clear at but mentioned it could happen again as pipe could be rusted or have holes in bottom which we didn’t see from camera.
Does holes on the bottom of pipe could cause blockage ?
I did that a few times also and finally said the heck with it. But I understand the hesitation.
Roots can grow in through the holes. That was my issue. I now use a root killer every three months trying to persuade them to go elsewhere. Only time will tell.
Me too, and I've learned not to leave the plumber alone because they can stick stuff down the drain and say it's ready, when in fact you'll be calling them again later in the year.
@@vanessaweemsss5740 I never do anything like that Vanessa; I treat and give my customers very good service, quality and value!
Edward H. “Integrity Plumbing, Septic and Drain“ in Clinton, CT
So I had my septic tank pumped a year ago and we have a clog now, I can only manage to get the snake down the toilet. Should I have one of theses drains bc I haven't seen one and the only thing we have is a sump pump? Thanks for video
You should. Could be in the basement, it could be outside. It depends on your location. Most are built with a clean out trap thou. Good luck!
You should remove the toilet to use this device
Great video. I have one of these too. Had a problem today tho I noticed that part of my cable is slightly bent and whenever i got to that point of the cable it kept kinking up. I’ve been successful with this machine several times but now I felt as though I shouldn’t continue since it just didn’t seem to be able to work through that part. I’m not sure if I even hit the clog or if it really is the slightly bent cable. Ever experience this? I’ve had the machine for a few years now. I think I’ll go to harbor freight and see how much they charge to replace the cable.
I’m also looking at a back up cable. I believe it’s around 60$ before coupon. Thanks for watching.
Cut the kinked section out and use a splice to reconnect it. That's what we do in the plumbing industry to save money and it works very well
Much thanks
@@grasshopperlawncareservice3269 you're welcome friend
@@precisionplumbing9516 I have a 4 inch clean out plug access near the street that goes straight down about 6 feet or so to the sewer line from the house. How do I get the snake cable to make the 90 degree turn back toward the house? Trial and error?
When the cable binds like that just throw the motor in reverse. That’s why the reverse switch is there. 👍
Listen to this man ☝️. Lol I was saying it out loud! As soon as it happened I'm like "stop u r gonna kink ur snake! Spin reverse" Lol
He explained that since the beginning.
yo wtf was that damn you real cleared that out wow
Right? She was a biggen!
HF! It's the god damned Montauk monster!
How do you remove metal mushroom style cap from outdoor vent/ clean out access in yard. Screw is frozen. I sprayef rust loosener. Turn clockwise or counter clockwise?
They can rust shut or get pretty corroded. Spray some penetrating oil. Unfortunately, if they haven't been used in a while!it can be tough. Does it have nut on the top that you can get a wrench on?
Righty tighty…lefty loosy
You turn the screw or the nut counterclockwise to loosen or remove it
Yeah that's a mess to clean up there on the cable nice job
Ty!
When you pulled those roots out...
Me: holy shit!
You: well, that's somethin
Lol, Thanks for watching!
Whatever that was, you should’ve given it a name.!😂
Yes, if you don't keep your lines clean, they will oxidize inside the machine, or it will smell bad, or even break off due to the oxidation process which weakens the line. Thanks for the video. That was very helpful. I have a clogged sink, and pvc line going to my laundry sink in the basement. The basement sink flows but not the kitchen sink. What do you think could be the issue? Thanks for your video it was extremely helpful and well narrated.
Ty, good luck with your project!
Thanks for the video brother. Whenever I have a significant rain, my basement shower will flood the basement. I wonder if it's because I may have a clog like this??
It sounds like something is causing a backup.
More than likely sir
Please add machine and head you use and all other stuff. My pipe is 100 feet approximately, and tree roots often (each 2-3 years) block the conduit.
I buy a Vevor Drain Cleaner Machine 100 Ft X 1 ∕ 2 inch (Model RC-9001) for 510.00 CAD. Don't know if it's me, I read and respect all inside the manual, but the “cable” always becomes twisted and eventually the machine no longer moves forward or backwards.
I had to take it apart to put the cable back in place, and it took a very long time. And I didn't adjust anything, because the machine still continues to twist the "cable".
I have nothing against plumber, I'm not miser neither, but just have no money a lot.
Thanks to share and have a nice day!
For 100’ I think you really need a cable larger than 1/2”
I think you have right. Maybe 3/4" or 1" but must be expensive (for 1")
Thanks for reply.
Can you add more cable to it? Thank
Yes, for around $60. You can and another 50 foot section. Or replace the current section you have it it kinks too bad.
Thanks for watching!
What are the realistic benefits of this model versus the manual one like it for 100$ less????
Self-feed and reverse
Wow what is it, hair and roots 👀
Mainly roots!
riddle: drain is on the floor or in the wall?
Floor at my place.
I win
Hi, You should always use water in the drain if there is none standing already. It lubes the pipe and flush stuff as it breaks it up. Looks like you may be doing another sewer run in the near future. Thats another do it yourself project. Usually the line is only 2 ft down till u get to the street, then drops to connect to sewer. Ya did good though. 👍👍
wire cable is how many foot ?
25, but you can add another 25.
That cable is good for the garbage. You can't let the cable twist or you destroy the cable. Never let to much cable out so this doesn't happen. If your roots aren't too heavy then you
Can do it with this machine and a lot of luck. This machine is only meant for sink lines. The other thing is if you don't use the machine all the time the cable will stay coiled and make it very hard to use. What you can do is pull the cable out and make a 3 foot round coile leave it connected inside the drum. Take tape and hang the cable to the Handel.
.
Have your sewer replaced , roots are like grass , they will grow back . Or keep a supply of fresh cables not all bent up.
So are you still cleaning the main line yourself?
Haven’t had to. Put root killer in every six months and I have been good.
@@grasshopperlawncareservice3269 if you use the foaming one it works even better
I have same one...its nowhere as good as a 3000$ electric eel but it can do ok ...but will not cut through roots very well like a commercial style auger....just got my sewer line flowing again ..although .im sure i just poked a hole with this light duty machine ...i couldnt get the larger cutter through the roots....these machines are not designed for roots..even says not gor roots in manual.as this guy says...but you could get lucky dealing with very light roots.
The mouse grew faster than it could make it to the sewer system.
I see two little paws…🦮
You really twisted that shit up
If roots are in there wouldn't it be a broken pipe?
Not necessarily. They will come in searching for water in all the joints.
Even through cast iron pipes?
@@waynevarrelman9363 Yes, it's crazy how they can squeeze in. Don't get me wrong, it's always possible to have a break, especially with the old piping. However, I did have it scoped, and (fingers crossed) no break yet.
I have the cheaper one, if ya got the extra cash its worth buying the one in this video
That’s called a Kohler Clog Cod😀
DID YOU END UP WITH A NICE SALAD?
That was a fricken dead cat dude lol
thats SOMETHING LOL
Man who pooped out that? Mr Wrister?
Dude pretzled the cable
use hot water and salt
The problem for the homeowner is, you buy these machines, use them once, and they sit in your garage for the next 20 years.
Hardly. Your friends will borrow it. You WILL use it a second time. This thing literally pays for itself in one to three jobs depending on plumbing rates.
Agreed. The cost of the unit is less than one visit from a major drain cleaner.
the handle is on backwards 😂
You're also completely wrong about the cutters except the roots one. Sounds like the company is purposely lying to you hahaha. I do like the way your talk about how to auger tho.
dont worry about your sewer yer main water service is fucked
Are my eyes deceiving me?.??... Is that a lead water main??
It was at the time. We just had the main line changed out. Great catch!
Lead water service in 2021 in America.. yikes
The handle is put on backward.
Christ!!!
$300-$500? They charged me $745
It's crazy what they get.
Hey may I need to come clean out my drain anytime. It has completely overflowed into our basement three times now. Every time it does it’s literally at the worst timing possible
Agreed, timing is always bad. I have been adding root killer every three months now. Fingers crossed, I have been good since this video. Good luck!
snaking roots with a flimsy cable like that is asking for trouble
And yet it worked well. Thanks for watching
@@grasshopperlawncareservice3269 yeah it did, but just because it worked doesnt mean it was the best way to snake that line.
@@BULB271602 Well thanks for watching. Perhaps you can take the time to put out some videos to possibly help others. I would be happy to watch them and share my opinions.
Damnit DONT HAMD PUSH IT YOULL FLIP IT OVER IN THE PIPE AND POSSIBLY GET STUCK JUST AUGER THE WHOLE TIME
Directions state to hand push it
OMG you pulled up an alien! Thanks for making this video. I wish I could have seen how you ran the controls when it kinked. I am shocked it kinks that easily and is a bit scary
Only gun people catch the 🐕 name
Well played my friend!
The water service pipe doesn’t look good!
It has since been replaced. Thanks for watching!
not a very good job explaining what you are doing since people cant see it. When you started to bind ya should have let the machine stop and put the lever in front in reverse and give the pedal a couple bumps to release the tension. Pulling the cable out with tension on it is a good way to break a hand or finger (or have them ripped off). 7:54 was already way to much tension hence the twisting and again should have put the control in reverse and backed it off, then put it in neutral to work the clog
Appreciate the insight. Thanks for watching
Looks like tree roots
Agreed. With root treatment foam, we haven’t had an issue since
harbour freight doesn't have a commercial snake. i bought that. its a piece of crap
WTH is that? Tree roots and rats nest?
Thats not a professional tool at all..
Junk
Thanks for watching!
K-1500 is the tool of choice. :) This is why you pay professionals.
As a landscaper. you know what your equipment costs...
Homeowners should buy their own lawnmowers ??????
For those of us that are truly experienced drain cleaners you, young paddawon are a inexperienced goof !
You were too at some point, you just didn't post it to RUclips to help anyone learn. So, even if inexperienced, he helps people, your comment does nothing though. So... I guess you get a cookie for being a plumbing master.
Please people just call an experienced sewer and drain cleaner you could get severely hurt.
Are you a Roto Rooter?
You could get severely hurt drinking your coffee in the morning.
Painful to watch. Please folks, just call a professional drain cleaner. These tools aren't toys for "do it yourselfers." You can really hurt yourself if you don't know what you're doing. This guy got lucky this time.
Thanks for watching!