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Drain Snake Stuck In Pipe

Drain Snake Stuck In Pipe? (Here’s What To Do)

Written by The French Drain Guys on . Posted in Maintenance.

You were just trying to do the responsible thing – clear out that slow drain before it turned into a full-on plumbing disaster. You grabbed your drain snake, fed it in, started cranking, and then… it got stuck.

Now you’re standing there, staring at a metal cable that refuses to budge, wondering if you just made things ten times worse.

Relax, this kind of thing happens all the time!

Drain snakes are super helpful tools, but they can get stuck if you hit a tight turn, a tough clog, or just pushed a little too far. The good news is that getting a stuck drain snake out is totally doable, and you probably won’t need to call a plumber just yet.

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if your drain snake stuck in pipe.

#1 Stop Forcing It

First thing’s first- stop. Don’t keep twisting, pulling, or pushing the snake as hard as you can.

This is a common reaction when people get frustrated, but forcing it can do more harm than good. You might break the snake, damage your pipes, or make the problem worse.

So, take a deep breath and step back for a second.

The drain snake is likely stuck somewhere inside the pipe, and forcing it could push it deeper or cause other complications. You’re better off being patient and working through it methodically.

Also Read: Common Sump Pump Odors

#2 Try Rotating It Back And Forth

One of the easiest ways to get the snake unstuck is to gently rotate it back and forth.

This can help loosen whatever it’s caught on.

A lot of times, the snake just got caught on a curve, or the tip grabbed onto something solid. This back-and-forth motion might help it realign or release itself from whatever’s holding it.

How To Get Drain Snake Unstuck

If you’ve been cranking it one way, try going the other direction.

Just don’t force it too hard in either direction. Easy does it.

#3 Try Pushing It Forward Slightly

Another thing you can try is gently pushing the snake forward a little bit.

We know it sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes a bit of forward pressure can help the tool move past whatever it’s stuck on. Think of it like coaxing it through a tight spot.

Don’t push too hard though. You just want to give it a little nudge.

If the snake is really stuck, pushing it may be the key to shifting it loose.

Also Read: Ways to Waterproof An Exterior Wall

#4 Check For Obstructions

Once you’ve tried rotating and pushing the snake a bit, it’s a good idea to check for any obstructions in the pipe. Did the snake hit something solid? Did it wrap around something like a clump of hair or maybe even a lost object?

If you’ve got a drain that tends to collect stuff like a bathroom sink, for example there’s a good chance the snake grabbed onto something gunky or weird.

Sometimes it’s a buildup of gunk. Sometimes it’s a surprise toy or razor cap. You never know.

Feel the tension in the snake. If it’s super tight, it may be tangled. If it’s more springy, it could just be twisted around a soft clog.

This could be what’s keeping the snake from moving forward, and clearing the obstruction might be just what you need to get things flowing again.

#5 Loosen Debris

If you can’t spot a physical obstruction, it’s possible that debris or gunk has built up around the snake or inside the pipe. It’s like the pipes get sticky with grease or sludge over time, and this can make things hard to move.

To help loosen up any debris, try gently moving the snake again while applying some pressure.

If you have a small, portable drain cleaner or even some baking soda and vinegar, you can use that to break up some of the grime inside the pipe.

Plumbers Snake Stuck In Pipe

A few ounces of hot water can also help melt grease and loosen things up.

Also Read: Common Sump Pump Problems

#6 Use Lubrication

Another simple solution is to use lubrication. A bit of dish soap, cooking oil, or even WD-40 can work wonders in reducing friction inside the pipe.

Lubrication helps the snake move more easily and reduces the risk of it getting caught again.

And if the snake is stuck because it’s gotten too tight inside the pipe, the lubrication will ease the process and help you move it forward.

Pour a little bit of dish soap down the drain. Then try rotating the snake again. If dish soap or the others doesn’t do the trick, you can also try a little plumbing lubricant if you have it on hand.

#7 Use Needle-Nose Pliers

If any part of the snake is sticking out and looks bent or twisted, grab your needle-nose pliers.

You can try straightening it out or even untangling a loop if it’s jammed right at the opening.

Pliers give you more grip and control than your hands. Just go slowly. If you start yanking or pulling too hard, it could snap. Guide the snake back into a shape that can move more freely.

Sometimes the head of the snake gets bent just enough to wedge itself awkwardly. Straightening that little part can make the difference between stuck and unstuck.

#8 Disassemble The Trap (If Sink-Related)

If your drain snake is stuck in a sink drain, and you’ve tried everything else, the next step might be to disassemble the trap.

The trap is that curved section of pipe under your sink. Sometimes, the snake gets stuck there, especially if it’s caught on a bend or trapped by debris.

Disassembling the trap gives you direct access to where the snake is caught.

Be sure to have a bucket or something to catch any water or debris that might spill out when you remove the trap. Once it’s off, you should have a better view of where the snake is stuck and be able to pull it free.

It’s not the most glamorous part of the process, but it might be what gets you unstuck.

#9 Call A Plumber If Needed

Sometimes, after trying all these tips, the snake is still stuck.

If you’ve done everything you can think of and it’s still not budging, it might be time to call in a professional.

A plumber has the experience and tools to handle more stubborn blockages. Plus, they’ll be able to figure out if the pipe itself is damaged or if there’s a deeper issue you need to address.

Don’t feel bad about calling a pro. Plumbing can get tricky, and there’s no shame in asking for help if you need it.

Bottom Line

If your drain snake gets stuck, it’s not the end of the world.

Start by being patient and don’t force it. Try rotating the snake back and forth, gently pushing it forward, and checking for obstructions. Loosening debris, adding lubrication, or using pliers can help, too. If all else fails, disassemble the trap or call a plumber.

With a little persistence, you’ll be back to a clear drain in no time.

How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost In Florida

How Much Does Basement Waterproofing Cost In Florida?

Written by The French Drain Guys on . Posted in Waterproofing.

Thinking about waterproofing your basement in Florida? Smart move!

With all the rain, humidity, and surprise storms, it’s one of those projects that can save you a ton of stress (and money) down the line.

But let’s be honest – the first thing most people want to know is how much it’s going to cost. And that’s fair. No one wants to dive into a home project without at least having a ballpark number in mind.

The thing is, basement waterproofing prices can vary a lot depending on what your basement needs, what kind of water issues you’re dealing with, and which method you go with.

In this post, we’ll shed some light on how much basement waterproofing costs. Plus, we’ll also break down our waterproofing prices.

Our Basement Waterproofing Prices

Our basement and foundation waterproofing costs around $60 to $100 per linear foot.

The total cost depends on how deep we need to dig to reach the foundation, which varies by home. Most homes in Florida have shallower footings, but older properties can have footings 2 to 3 feet deep or more.

We also charge separately for excavation, since that’s a big part of the work.

In most cases, we recommend doing more than just waterproofing – we’ll also address where the water needs to go once it’s blocked from getting into your home.

Basement Waterproofing Cost

Check Out Our Basement Waterproofing Services In Central Florida

If your basement or foundation needs waterproofing, give us a call. We’ll assess the situation and give you a clear breakdown of the cost and scope of work.

Basement Waterproofing Cost

Basement waterproofing costs anywhere from around $2,000 to $10,000 in Florida.

Most homeowners land somewhere in the middle, around  $4,000 to $6,000.

But things can go higher if your basement is larger or needs more work. On the flip side, if it’s a smaller job or you’re just doing some quick sealing, it might be cheaper.

Here’s a quick look at the typical price ranges:

  • Minor repairs/sealing: $500 to $2,000
  • Interior waterproofing systems: $2,000 to $10,000
  • Exterior waterproofing systems: $5,000 to $15,000+

It really depends on what’s going on in your basement. Is water seeping in through cracks? Are the walls damp all the time? Do you want a full-blown drainage system installed?

These details matter a lot, and we’ll get into that next.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Basement Waterproofing

Let’s go over what actually goes into the price. Because it’s not just one flat fee for everyone – there are a bunch of things that can push the cost up or keep it more affordable:

#1 Type Of Waterproofing Method

There are a few ways to waterproof a basement, and the method you go with has a big impact on the cost of basement waterproofing.

Interior waterproofing is usually the most affordable. This might involve sealing walls, patching up cracks, and setting up a sump pump. It’s great for handling minor water issues.

Exterior waterproofing is much more involved.

This includes digging around your foundation, applying a waterproof barrier, and installing exterior drainage. It’s super effective but also expensive.

Then there’s drainage systems like french drains, weeping tiles, or interior drainage channels that can help guide water away from your home. These can fall anywhere in the middle, cost-wise.

Also Read: Yard Drainage Solutions

Interior fixes tend to be cheaper and quicker. But if your foundation’s taking a hit from constant moisture, you might need to invest in more robust exterior work.

#2 Basement Size And Layout

Big basement? Bigger bill. That’s just how it goes.

A larger space means more materials, more labor, and more time to get everything sealed up properly. So the more square footage you’ve got, the more there is to prep, patch, and protect.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Basement Waterproofing

And if your basement has a funky layout like lots of rooms, weird angles, tight corners, or random nooks, that can bump up the price even more.

It takes extra time and effort to waterproof a space that isn’t just one big open box.

Workers have to navigate all those little sections, which means more cutting, fitting, and problem-solving. Basically, the more complicated the space, the more work (and money) it takes to make sure water stays out for good.

#3 Labor

Labor is a huge chunk of your basement waterproofing costs.

In Florida, you’re looking at anywhere from $50 to $100 an hour for skilled work. That can add up fast  if the job is complex or runs into unexpected issues.

The more involved the project, the longer it takes, and the bigger the final bill.

On top of that, companies with more experience and solid reputations might charge a bit more. But honestly, with something as important as waterproofing, it’s usually worth it.

Paying a little extra for a crew that knows what they’re doing can save you from headaches (and costly mold repairs) down the road.

Also Read: Why Do I Have a Basement Leak Where The Floor Meets Wall?

#4 Location

Even within Florida, your location can make a difference.

Prices in bigger cities like Miami or Tampa are often higher than what you’d pay in smaller towns or rural areas. A lot of that comes down to local labor rates, demand, and how easy (or not) it is to get materials in your area.

Another thing that can drive up the cost is your home’s environment.

If you’re in a flood-prone zone or sitting on land with a high water table, the waterproofing job gets trickier. Those conditions often require extra steps or more advanced systems to keep water out, which naturally bumps up the price.

Basically, the more challenging your location, the more you’ll likely pay to keep your basement dry.

#5 Foundation Type

The type of foundation your home sits on also affects what kind of waterproofing it needs and how much it costs.

Poured concrete foundations are easier to work with than, say, stone or brick. Those older, trickier materials need more prep and care, and that means more time and money.

Slab-on-grade homes don’t have full basements, but if they have crawl spaces or partial basements, that still might require some level of waterproofing.

Point is, the materials matter. Some are just harder to seal up and reinforce than others.

#6 Additional Repairs Needed

If your basement already has water damage, buckle up. Waterproofing is just one part of the fix and you might need to repair cracks, replace insulation, get rid of mold, or fix rotted wood.

That can add a lot to your final cost.

Here are a few common “extras” that you’d have to do:

  • Foundation crack repair
  • Mold remediation
  • Replacing damaged drywall or flooring
  • Installing a sump pump or drainage tiles

These repairs can add hundreds (or even thousands) to the total bill.

But they’re important. Skipping them can mean the waterproofing doesn’t work as well or worse, you end up with a wet basement again.

#7 Permit And Inspection Requirements

Depending on the county or city you live in, you might need a permit before starting waterproofing work – especially if it involves major excavation or structural changes.

Permits aren’t crazy expensive, but they still cost something.

Also, in some places, you’ll need an inspector to sign off before and after the work.

That can mean scheduling delays and small extra fees. It’s not usually a dealbreaker, but it’s worth budgeting for just in case.

Bottom Line

Basement waterproofing can cost you anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000 in Florida.

It isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s 100% worth it.

Water damage can wreck your home’s structure, mess with your air quality, and seriously lower your home value. Not to mention the musty smell. Yikes.

If you’re seeing signs of leaks, damp walls, or pooling water, it’s better to act now than wait until it becomes a full-on disaster. Start with an inspection, get a couple quotes, and ask what options are available for your specific basement.