How to Remove a Stuck Drain Snake?

If you’ve ever experienced a stuck drain snake, you know how frustrating and amusing it can be. However, a stuck drain snake can quickly turn into a major problem if it prevents water from flowing freely through your plumbing system. In this article, we’ll show you how to remove a stuck drain snake quickly and easily.

There are several methods you can use to remove a stuck drain snake. You can try reversing the snake’s direction and pulling it back, blocking the U-bend and unscrewing it to access and remove the snake, or pouring boiling water down the drain to unclog the auger and pull it out. We’ll guide you through each of these methods step-by-step, so you can troubleshoot a stuck drain snake like a pro.

Is A Plumbing Snake Stuck In The Drain? : Top 4 Reasons Explained

If you have ever used a plumbing snake to clear a clogged drain, you know how frustrating it can be when the snake gets stuck inside the drain. In this section, we will explain the top 4 reasons why a plumbing snake can get stuck inside the drain and what you can do to prevent it.

Choosing the wrong size:

Choosing the wrong size of drain snake is one of the most common reasons why it can get stuck inside the drain. A small to medium-sized drain snake works best for most household drainage systems. If you have a larger drain snake, it may get into the drainage through the larger mouth, but it may not come back due to the smaller diameter inside the drainage. When this happens, the auger will get stuck inside the draining pipe. To avoid this, make sure to choose the right size of drain snake for your drainage system.

Damaged drain snake:

Another reason why a drain snake can get stuck inside the drain is due to damage caused by hitting a large and hard blockage. The head of the auger may become damaged or broken, and it may bend too much and become immovable. When this happens, the auger will keep stuck inside the drain. To avoid this, make sure to apply the right amount of force and avoid hitting large and hard blockages.

Old and dysfunctional drain snake:

Using an old and dysfunctional drain snake is another reason why it can get stuck inside the drain. Old drain augers may quickly start malfunctioning, and its head may be broken or fall off from the top. Also, the wire inside it may get rust, which could cause further inconveniences. Additionally, older drain snakes might have residues and blockages on them that also cause them to remain inside the pipe. To avoid this, make sure to check your drain snake carefully before inserting it into the drain.

Applying too much force:

Applying too much force is another common reason why a drain snake can get stuck inside the drain. While it’s tempting to push the drain auger as hard as possible inside the drain, it runs the risk of bending or kinking the auger. As the auger kinks, it will fail to come out of the drain. To avoid this, make sure to apply the right amount of force and avoid forcing the wiring deep inside the drain.

In summary, a plumbing snake can get stuck inside the drain for several reasons, including choosing the wrong size, a damaged drain snake, an old and dysfunctional drain snake, and applying too much force. By understanding these reasons, you can take the necessary precautions to prevent your plumbing snake from getting stuck inside the drain.

What To Do When A Drain Snake Gets Stuck:

If you’re using a drain snake to remove debris from your bathtub, toilet, shower, or kitchen drain pipes, you might encounter a situation where the snake gets stuck inside the pipe. Don’t panic! Here are three methods to help you unblock a stuck drain snake.

Method 1: Switching the drain snake back

When you find your drain snake stuck inside the pipe, switch it to the reverse position. Move it in a circular motion inside the drainage and try to pull it out of the pipe as you feel it moving. Avoid applying too much pressure while reversing the drain snake. Also, try pulling the auger upward to see if it gets rid of the stuck position. Finally, give the drain auger a few gentle tugs with gentle pressure to see if it unclogs. Don’t use brute force to give the drain snake a firm yank as it might break the handle and cause you more problems.

Method 2: Use boiling water

If the drain snake gets attached to the residues and blockages inside the pipe, you must unclog the auger from the blocking materials. The best way to do this is to soften the blockages with boiling water.

Here’s how to use boiling water to remove a stuck drain snake:

1. Bring two to three kettles of water to boiling point.
2. Pour the boiling water through the drain to help it reach the blockages.
3. Pour ½ bottle of drain cleaning gel through the pipe.
4. Wait for 10 minutes.
5. Switch on the drain snake and move it in the forward direction first. See if it moves or not.
6. Move it in the reverse direction.
7. As the boiling water and cleaning gel disperse the blockages, the auger should come out from the pipe successfully.

If the blockages continue persisting the drain snake, repeat the process to remove it.

Method 3: Try disconnecting the drain

If nothing works to remove the stuck drain snake, your last option is to detach the drain pipe at a point. Then, you may remove the stuck drill through it.

Here’s how to disconnect the drain to remove a stuck drain snake:

1. Closely observe where the drain snake is obstructed inside the drain pipe.
2. Turn off all the water sources and wait for a couple of minutes to help the drainage drain out soon.
3. Locate the U-bend that extends directly from the blocking pipe.
4. Place a bowl underneath the pipe to hold water once you unscrew it.
5. Carefully check for the large nut that connects the tailpiece with the U-bend.
6. Use an adjustable basin wrench to unscrew the nuts from the lugs.
7. Use another wrench to hold the U-bend in its position to prevent it from falling.
8. As an opening, the drainage exposes the auger; try pulling it out carefully.
9. If it still refuses to come out, remove the blocking material and pull it back.
10. Finally, reattach the U-bend and drain pipe.

This way, you can remove a drain snake that gets stuck inside the pipe while working. Mostly, it happens as the wiring and head of the drain snake kinks and bends due to hard materials. Also, moving the auger too abruptly inside the drainage will cause similar problems.

Inspect the drainage and the clogs closely before working with the plumbing auger. You may use baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water to unclog the drain. Then, use the auger to remove the remaining softened blockages for a clean line. It will help the auger to eliminate the debris better without causing inconveniences.