What is an electric eel (drain snake)?

An electric eel is a motorised mechanical drain auger that uses a spinning steel cable to break up and remove blockages from inside pipes. The tool consists of a motor-driven drum that feeds a flexible, rotating cable down the drain line. At the working end, the cable cuts into obstructions like grease buildup, hair tangles, and intrusions from tree roots that grow into the pipe.

The rotating action of the cable physically dislodges and fragments blockages so they can be flushed or pulled out, rather than relying on water pressure to force them through. This makes the electric eel particularly effective on older pipes where tree root penetration is common in Perth metro areas. The tool works inside the pipe itself, reaching further than many manual snakes and handling tougher obstacles.

Electric eels differ from hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water jets to scour pipe walls. Mechanical snakes like the electric eel work through direct cutting and grinding of the obstruction, making them suitable for dense clogs and established root systems. Plumbers typically choose one method based on the blockage type and pipe condition. For serious tree root issues or stubborn buildup, drain blockage specialists will assess whether mechanical or water-based clearing is the right approach.