Drain snakes are a fascinating tool that offers resolute results and is easy to use once set up.
Unfortunately, this is assuming the drain snake doesn’t get tangled inside. You will want to be careful when using or storing one as it can get tangled. This includes a situation where the drain snake gets tangled in a drum.
If a drain snake gets tangled in a drum, the best option is to wrangle it out of the slots. To do this, grab something sturdy like a screwdriver, wedge it inside, and begin pulling outward to loosen the snake. Eventually, it will loosen and can be pulled out.
It’s important to note that some situations will cause the drain snake to tear and/or remain stuck. If that is the case, you will likely have to replace the drain snake.
This can happen depending on the angle of the drain snake and how long it has been wedged inside.
It is best to not push it further as that will only strengthen the tangle.
This guide will explain more about what to do if a drain snake is tangled in a drum.
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How To Fix Drain Snake Tangled In Drum
1. Find A Sturdy Tool Like A Screwdriver
There are two ways of doing this.
The first option is going to be to take your finger and attempt to wedge it behind the drain snake. This is assuming there’s enough of a gap for your finger to go inside without getting hurt.
However, the safer option is to grab a screwdriver.
It is better to use a flat screwdriver so you don’t poke the drain snake and tear it. A flatter end will not do a lot of damage while still providing sturdy leverage.
2. Push Through The Slot
Once the screwdriver is in hand, you are going to begin looking at the slot. This is where the screwdriver has to go to reach the drain snake.
Since the drain snake is tangled, you can’t go from the front. You have to go from the slot.
The screwdriver will fit easily and is going to allow you to have additional leverage. The goal here is to get it between the drain snake and then pull it outward. This is going to create enough leverage to get it to loosen.
Be patient while doing this as you don’t want to ruin the drain snake or the drum.
3. Wedge And Pull
This is the most important step.
You are going to wedge and pull.
This means you will push the screwdriver in and pull until the drain snake loosens. If you do it well enough, the drain snake is going to give.
This is all you need.
When a drain snake gets tangled in a drum, it locks up. You want to break that sensation by getting the screwdriver inside. Be patient while doing this and continue to push the screwdriver in.
You will begin to notice it get looser as you hit the right angle.
4. Keep Pulling And Pushing Screwdriver Deeper
You are now going to continue with the process.
The best part here is to grab the loosened drain snake with your other hand while keeping the screwdriver wedged.
This will provide enough force to keep pulling the drain snake out. Be thorough about this and make sure it comes out the way you want it to. If you don’t do this, you are not going to see appropriate results at all.
It will only get stuck again.
As long as you apply force at the right angle, you are going to feel the drain snake loosen to the point it can easily get pulled out.
Final Thoughts
These are the main steps to consider when learning how to remove a drain snake tangled in a drum.
If a drain snake gets tangled in a drum, it’s best to wedge it out of the slot. To do this, use a flat screwdriver, push it into the slot behind the drain snake, pull outward, and wait until it loosens. Once you feel it loosen, grab the drain snake with the other hand, and pull while keeping the screwdriver wedged inside.
This is the easiest way to loosen and take out a drain snake that is tangled inside a drum. It might seem impossible but with a bit of effort, you are going to get it to come out the way you want it to.
It’s all about getting the screwdriver to sit inside at the right angle. As long as you do this, you will be happy with the results.
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