How to Fix a Drain Snake

Drain snakes are a tool every home owner should learn how to use. They are handy gadgets for getting clogs out of drains. Inevitably, all homes will develop a clogged drain, and it is important to have the tools to fix the problem. However, at some point the device itself may need to be fixed. This is especially true if the snake has developed a kink.

Supplies

• Bent drain snake


• Vice


• Rubber gloves


• Protective eyewear

1. Put on your protective eyewear and rubber gloves


2. Remove the snake from the sink.


3. Take it outside and stretch out the cable that is outside of the housing.


4. Use a hose to clean off all the pipe debris.


5. Examine the steel coil after cleaning to locate the damaged section. If the area, which is bent shows signs of cracking the cable may have to be replaced. 


6. Place bent area of the coil in a vertical position in the vice so when pressure is applied the coil will straighten.


7. Make sure the coil does not shift within the vice while pressure is being applied.


8. Tighten the vice until the sides of the cable gently begin to bend back into place. Continue applying pressure until the snake appears to be straight.


9. Remove the snake from the vice and examine the portion which was just straightened, again look for tiny stress cracks, which may have developed while the cable was under the vice's pressure. If no cracks are found, release the set screw and crank the snake back into the auger housing.