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

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.

Table of Contents

#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.

#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.

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.

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

#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.