How to Fix a Drain Snake Kink

Written By
Steve Bradley
Steve Bradley
Published: Feb 3, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read
  1. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle in a clockwise direction. Position the handle a few inches out from the entry to the drain. Continue to push the snake down the drain until it hits the blockage. Twist the snake and lift it partially out to dislodge the blockage.

  2. Keep the snake as straight as you can to avoid kinking. If a kink does occur, back the snake out very slowly. If you feel the snake "jump" in your hand then the kink has been released and you can continue to step five. If you feel no movement from the snake continue to the next step.

  3. Pull the snake completely out of the drain. Have a towel ready and wipe the snake down as it is pulled free to avoid a mess.

  4. Lie snake down flat on the floor. Take the snake in two hands, one at each end, and give the cable a strong jerk. this will release any remaining kinks.

  5. Push the snake through the blockage with a steady up and down motion until the snake completely breaks through. Once through lift the snake and pull the blockage up through the pipe.

  6. Clean the snake with a rag as you lift it out of the drain.

Steve Bradley

Steve Bradley is an educator and writer with more than 12 years of experience in both fields. He maintains a career as an English teacher, also owning and operating a resume-writing business. Bradley has experience in retail, fashion,…

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