How to Fix a Kinked Drain Snake -

If you’ve ever found yourself halfway through unclogging a drain when your drain snake suddenly gets stuck, bends, or kinks, you know how frustrating it can be.

Whether you’re dealing with a backed-up shower, a slow-draining sink, or a clogged bathtub, the last thing you want is for your tool to give out mid-job. Don’t worry—this is a common problem, and fixing a kinked drain snake is easier than you might think.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to fix a kinked drain snake, why it happens in the first place, and how to avoid it next time. Let’s save that drain snake (and your plumbing sanity)!

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What Causes a Drain Snake to Kink?

Before we fix it, let’s understand what went wrong. A drain snake (also called a plumbing auger) can kink when:

You push it too forcefully into the pipe
It hits a tough blockage (like hair or soap scum)
You use the wrong type or size of snake for the job
It’s coiled or stored improperly between uses

Most kinks happen when you’re trying to force your way through a clog rather than letting the tool work its way in gradually. The good news is—once you fix the snake, you can usually finish the job just fine.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

A pair of work gloves (you’ll want the grip!)
Adjustable wrench or pliers
A vice (optional, but helpful)
A flat surface or workbench
WD-40 or light lubricant
Clean towel or rag

Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Kinked Drain Snake

Step 1: Identify the Kink

Uncoil your drain snake and place it on a flat surface. Look along the length of the cable for any sharp bends, twists, or places where the wire looks pinched. You may have more than one kink to deal with—so give it a full inspection.

PRO TIP

The most common kink happens within the first 1–2 feet of the cable, especially if you’re working in smaller household drains like sinks or showers.

Step 2: Straighten the Kink

Put on your work gloves to protect your hands, then gently try to straighten the cable using your hands. If it’s a minor kink, a little manual pressure might be enough.

For a more stubborn bend:

Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to grip the snake on either side of the kink.
Slowly and evenly bend it back into shape.
If you have a vice, place the cable in the vice just behind the kink and use a second tool to work the bend out.

Step 3: Apply Lubricant

Once straightened, spray a bit of WD-40 or a plumbing-safe lubricant along the cable, especially where the kink occurred. This reduces future friction and helps prevent the snake from catching on debris in the drain.

Wipe off excess oil with a towel. You want it slick, not dripping.

Step 4: Test It

Before you put the snake back into action, give it a few test rotations. Feed it into an empty pipe or even a large bucket to make sure it winds and unwinds smoothly. If the kinked section still catches or resists rotation, repeat step 2 until it’s truly straight.

What to Do If the Snake Is Beyond Repair

If the cable is fraying or has multiple tight coils that you can’t fix with manual adjustments, it may be time to retire it. Inexpensive hand augers are often under $30, and for small household jobs, a replacement may save you more time and effort than fighting with a damaged tool.

But if it’s an expensive motorized model? Contact the manufacturer—many sell replacement cables separately.

Pro Advice: Preventing Future Kinks

To keep your drain snake in working shape:

Feed it slowly and let the head do the work.
Don’t force it—if it resists, back out a bit and try again.
Store the snake properly, coiled loosely and free of tangles.
Clean and dry the cable after each use to avoid rust and buildup.
Use the right snake for the job: thinner cables for sinks and showers, thicker ones for mainlines.

Quick Note: This Works for Tubs and Sinks Too

While we’re focused on shower drains here, the same process applies to kinks that happen when snaking out sinks and tubs. In fact, these drains often have tighter turns, making them more prone to causing kinks in your auger cable. So, file this method away for future reference—it’ll come in handy again.

Conclusion

Fixing a kinked drain snake is just another part of being a savvy DIY homeowner. Instead of tossing your tool in frustration, you can take a few minutes to straighten it out and get back to solving your plumbing problem the smart way.

Got a particularly tricky clog or kink? Leave a comment below or shoot me a message—happy to help troubleshoot!