Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45

The Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45 with AUTOFEED capabilities was released in 2010 and is still in production. It was preceded by the manual Drain Cleaner K-45 released in 2009, which is also still being distributed. With AUTOFEED, the drain cleaning process does not require users to manually advance the cable as in the 2009 model.

The drain cleaner is suitable for cleaning small drains such as lavatory/kitchen sink lines and tub/shower drains. It is effective for removing typical residential drain blockages including grease, soap, and hair build-ups.

The K-45 is made for those who have some understanding of plumbing and how to use plumbing equipment. Consumers who purchased this drain cleaner recommend reading and re-reading the instruction manual to understand how to operate the device properly. This will help consumers to mitigate malfunctions at the beginning of use.

This drain cleaner typically sells at around $325 to $525 on average among comparable sellers (as of Oct 2023). It is readily available at multiple online storefronts. Most consumers find that the device does what it needs to do; however, some struggle with understanding the AUTOFEED feature initially and run into issues with the clutch being too close to the drum. Some also find the weight of the device to be burdensome, but others find it unproblematic. Most consumers find that this machine pays for itself after the first few uses.

Source: Amazon K-45 Product Page

The Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45’s serial number is on the underside of the power unit. The last four digits are the month and year of manufacture. The model number, brand, and warning label are all located on the drum.

It is a handheld device with a red corded power unit base similar to a drill. The large gray 2-piece twist lock drum is rust-resistant and holds up to fifty feet of cable depending on the cable diameter. This device model has an AUTOFEED feed function, which includes advance feed and retrieve feed levers on the hand grip section. The manual feed function does not.

Source: Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45 Owner’s Manual

• Model Number: 35473
• Dimensions: 12 x 7 x 14 inches
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Cable: 5/16" diameter x 25' long steel cable with inner core
• Drum: 2-piece twist lock drum allows easy cable changes
• Accessories Included: C-1 cable, leather work gloves
• Motor Type: Universal Motor
• Motor Rating
  • 120V Motor
    • Double Insulated
    • 120VAC single phase
    • 3.2 amp
    • 50/60Hz
  • 230V Motor
    • Double Insulated
    • 230V˜
    • 50/60Hz
    • 2,2 A
    • 280W
• ON/OFF Switch: Variable Speed Reversing
• No Load Speed: 0-650 r/min (RPM)
• Drain Line Capacity: 3/4" (19mm) thru 2 1/2" (64mm)
• Weight w/C1-IC
  • Manual Feed: 12.6 lbs. (5.7kg)
  • AUTOFEED Feed: 13.8 lbs. (6.3kg)
• Sound Pressure (LPA)*: 73 dB(A), K=3
• Sound Power (LWA)*: 84 dB(A), K=3
• Vibration*: <2.5 m/s2 , K=1.5
• Drum Capacity: 50’ of 5/16” (15 m of 8 mm) or 35’ of 3/8” (11 m of 10 mm)

Source: Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45 Owner’s Manual, Amazon Product Page

The Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45 comes with a lifetime warranty. This warranty is specifically against defects in workmanship and materials. However, it's important to note that the warranty covers the main unit only and does not extend to cables or other parts that are subject to wear and tear. To claim the warranty, one should reach out to Ridgid, which is known for its excellent warranty service and commitment to stand behind its tools.

Official Ridgid Product Page

Official Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45 Owner’s Manual (English, French, Spanish)

Official Ridgid Drain Cleaner K-45 Owner’s Manual (English, French, Spanish, Turkish, Russian)

Ridgid Official YouTube How To Use K-45 Video

K-45 Parts Diagrams and Lists

K-45 Model Brochure and Ordering Catalog

Product Catalog with Diagnostics