What Should A Plumber Do When a Snake Gets Stuck? (Step-by-Step Rescue Guide)

You’ve seen it happen: a plumber pulls out the drain snake — only to find it’s jammed, twisted, or completely stuck deep inside the pipe. Panic sets in. The customer is watching. Time is ticking. And now, instead of fixing the clog, you’ve got a bigger problem on your hands.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What should a plumber do when a snake gets stuck?” — you’re not alone. In fact, over 68% of professional plumbers report encountering a stuck drain snake at least once a month, according to a 2023 survey by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). The good news? With the right technique, you can safely free it — no pipe damage, no emergency call-backs, and no lost trust from your client.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do — step by step — using tools, tactics, and insights from veteran plumbers who’ve been there. Let’s get that snake out — the smart way.

Why Do Drain Snakes Get Stuck? (And How to Prevent It)

Before jumping into rescue mode, understanding why snakes get stuck helps you avoid it next time.

Drain snakes (also called augers) are designed to break through clogs — but they’re not invincible. Here’s what typically goes wrong:

• Using the wrong snake type (e.g., a light-duty hand snake in a 4” main line)
• Forcing the snake instead of letting it “feel” its way through
• Snaking through old, corroded pipes (especially cast iron or clay)
• Not using enough water to flush debris as you go
• Twisting too fast or too hard, causing the cable to kink

“Most snakes get stuck because the plumber treats it like a power tool, not a precision instrument,” says Mike Reynolds, a 22-year plumbing veteran and trainer at Plumbing Industry Training Institute.

Pro Tip: Always match your snake to the job. Use:

• 1/4”–3/8” cables for sinks and tubs
• 1/2”–5/8” cables for toilets and main lines
• Electric snakes for commercial or deep blockages

Step-by-Step: What Should a Plumber Do When a Snake Gets Stuck?

Here’s your battle-tested 7-step protocol — used by top plumbers across the U.S. — to safely retrieve a stuck drain snake.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

Before doing anything, turn off the water at the main or local shutoff valve. Why? Because if the pipe is cracked or under pressure, water could spray out when you start pulling — creating a mess and potential electrical hazard.

Step 2: Turn Off the Snake’s Motor (If Electric)

If you’re using a motorized auger, immediately disconnect power. Never try to pull a live snake — you risk injury or damaging the motor’s internal gears.

Step 3: Release Tension and Back Out Slowly

Don’t yank. Don’t twist hard. Instead:

• Loosen the tension knob on the snake machine.
• Reverse the rotation slightly — just 1–2 turns.
• Gently pull back no more than 6 inches at a time.
• Pause for 10 seconds between each pull. This lets the cable relax and may free it from a bend or hook.

“Think of it like pulling a sock out of a dryer — yank it, and it jams tighter. Pull slow, and it comes free.”
— Jim Carter, Certified Master Plumber, Chicago

Step 4: Use a Second Snake (The “Buddy Method”)

If the first snake won’t budge, insert a second, smaller snake from a nearby access point (like a cleanout or another drain).

• Use a 3/8” flexible snake to gently nudge or “tickle” the stuck cable.
• The goal isn’t to cut it — it’s to dislodge debris缠绕 around it.
• Once debris loosens, return to Step 3.

This technique works in over 80% of cases, according to a 2022 field study by Plumbing Today Magazine.

Step 5: Apply Lubricant (But Not Just Any Kind)

DO NOT use WD-40 or motor oil. These can damage PVC or rubber seals.

✅ Use:

• Plumber’s snake lubricant (water-based, non-toxic)
• Or dish soap + hot water (1/2 cup Dawn + 2 liters of water at 22–28°C)

Pour the lubricant slowly into the pipe opening. Wait 15–20 minutes. Then try pulling again.

Step 6: Access the Pipe from Another Point

If the snake is stuck in a main line, check for:

• Cleanout plugs (usually outside the house or in the basement)
• Toilet flange access
• Vent stack openings

Remove the cleanout cap (place a bucket underneath!) and try pulling the snake from this new angle. Often, the cable is bent at a 90° elbow — and pulling from the other side gives you a better angle.

Step 7: Call for Help — Or Replace the Snake

If after 30 minutes of careful effort, the snake still won’t move:

• Stop. Forcing it risks bursting a pipe or damaging the machine.
• Call a colleague with a camera inspection tool (see Step 8).
• If the cable is broken or rusted, it’s time to replace it. Never reuse a damaged snake.

💡 Did You Know?
According to Wikipedia’s entry on plumbing tools , modern drain snakes are made with spring-steel cables designed to flex — not snap. But even the best tools fail when misused.

What Not to Do: 5 Deadly Mistakes

Advanced Tip: Use a Drain Camera to Diagnose the Problem

If you’re frequently dealing with stuck snakes, invest in a drain camera (cost: $300–$800). These tools let you:

• See exactly where the snake is stuck
• Identify if it’s caught on a bellied pipe, tree root, or debris ball
• Show the customer proof — building trust and justifying repairs

Many plumbers now charge a $75–$150 inspection fee — and it often pays for itself in avoided callbacks.

When to Call in a Specialist (And What to Say)

Sometimes, the snake is too far gone. That’s okay.

Call a specialist if:

• The snake is stuck in a main sewer line over 30 feet deep
• You suspect pipe collapse or root intrusion
• You’ve tried all 7 steps and the snake won’t move

When you call, say:

“We have a stuck auger in the main line at [address]. We’ve tried all standard retrieval methods. We need a camera inspection and possibly a hydro jet or pipe replacement.”

This shows professionalism — and gets you faster service.

FAQ: Your Top Questions About Stuck Drain Snakes, Answered

Q1: Can I cut the snake out if it’s stuck?

A: Only as a last resort — and only if you’re replacing the pipe section. Cutting the cable inside a pipe leaves metal fragments that can cause future clogs or damage pumps. Always try retrieval first.

Q2: Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda to free a stuck snake?

A: Not recommended. While great for mild clogs, this reaction creates foam and pressure that can push debris further into the pipe — making retrieval harder. Stick to water-based lubricants.

Q3: How often should I replace my drain snake?

A: With regular use, replace your cable every 1–2 years. Signs it’s time:

• Visible rust or fraying
• Cable doesn’t spin smoothly
• Frequent kinking or sticking
  Pro tip: Clean and oil your snake after every job. It lasts longer.

Q4: Can a stuck snake cause a pipe to burst?

A: Yes — especially in older, brittle pipes (cast iron, clay, or galvanized steel). Forcing a snake can create pressure points that lead to cracks. Always inspect pipe condition before snaking.

Q5: Why does my snake keep getting stuck in the same spot?

A: That’s a red flag. You likely have a pipe misalignment, sag (bellied pipe), or root intrusion. Use a camera to confirm. Fixing the root cause prevents recurring issues.

Q6: Should I tell the customer I got the snake stuck?

A: Absolutely. Transparency builds trust. Say:

“We encountered a stubborn blockage that caused the snake to bind. We’re using safe methods to retrieve it without damaging your pipes. It’s a common issue — and we’ve handled it 50+ times.”

Most customers respect honesty — especially when you show competence.

Conclusion: Stay Calm, Stay Smart

So — what should a plumber do when a snake gets stuck?
Don’t panic. Don’t force it. Don’t guess.

Follow the 7-step protocol. Use the right tools. Respect the pipes. And remember: every expert plumber has been there. The difference? They know how to recover — without breaking anything.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll reduce callbacks, earn more referrals, and build a reputation as the plumber who solves problems — not creates them.

👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with your fellow plumbers on Facebook, LinkedIn, or your local plumbing forum. One tip could save someone hours — and a costly pipe replacement.