Drain worse after snaking

Quick Answer:

If your sink flows worse after snaking, don’t panic. The snake can push debris into a different spot, break off a tip, or pull out material that temporarily slows flow. Before assuming a pipe is broken, stop using the drain and follow a few short checks: inspect the P-trap, examine the cable, run a controlled water test while someone watches the cleanout, and open the downstream cleanout to see where material is coming from.

Why This Happens

Mechanical snaking changes how materials sit in the pipe. A lodged clog can be pushed farther down and pack tighter, or the auger tip can shear and become trapped in the trap or an elbow. If the snake opened a deeper blockage, water may now reach that point and back up into the sink instead of flowing past it. In some cases a downstream collapse or loose joint will make flow worse after moving debris. If you need context for related problems, look at Backup after main line snaking for how main-line work can affect flow, or troubleshooting about odors such as Drain smells after snaking.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Stop and prepare

Turn off the water to the fixture (if possible) so you don’t wash more debris into the pipe while you inspect.
Put on gloves and have a bucket and rags ready.

2. Remove and inspect the P-trap

Loosen the slip nuts and remove the P-trap. Check carefully for lodged debris or a broken auger tip. Bits of hair, grease, or a metal tip will slow the flow if left in place. Clean the trap and smell for sewage—if the trap is cracked or full of debris that’s a simple fix.

3. Retract the snake a few inches and examine the cable

Retract the snake a few inches and look along the cable for missing pieces, broken strands, or chewed teeth. If the cable looks damaged or sections are missing the auger may have sheared inside the line. Don’t force the cable further until you know what came off.

4. Run a short water test while watching the cleanout

With a helper at the cleanout (downstream access), run a short controlled pour of water into the sink and have the helper watch the cleanout. If water backs up at the cleanout, the blockage is downstream of your sink. If the cleanout stays dry and the sink still backs up, the problem may be between sink and cleanout or in the P-trap area you just cleared.

5. Open the downstream cleanout and observe before reassembling

Carefully open the downstream cleanout. Observe whether material discharges—if it does, that indicates the blockage is downstream. If you see sewage or persistent discharge, stop and call a pro. If clear water flows and no debris appears, reassemble the trap and test the sink slowly.

What Not to Do

Do not keep force-feeding the snake deeper or crank the auger harder — that can shear pipe joints.
Call a pro when the snake fails to retrieve debris, you see sewage at the cleanout, or pipe movement occurs; those are signs of a larger break or collapsed line.
Don’t pour strong chemical drain cleaners into a line you’re working on — they can be hazardous and interfere with later repairs.

When to Call a Professional

You see sewage at the cleanout or large amounts of material come out when opened.
The snake breaks off or you can’t retrieve a broken tip or cable pieces.
Pipes shift or fittings move when you push or pull the snake, suggesting a broken or collapsed section.
Multiple attempts to clear the line fail, or the obstruction is in the main line rather than the branch from your sink.

Safety Notes

Wear gloves and eye protection when opening traps and cleanouts—raw sewage and debris can splash.
Have a helper watch the cleanout during tests to spot backups quickly.
Use a bucket under the trap and work over a towel; traps can hold contaminated water.
If using a powered auger, follow the tool instructions and keep hands and loose clothing away from the cable.

Common Homeowner Questions

Why did the line get worse after snaking? — The snake can push debris into a tighter spot, break off pieces, or reveal a deeper blockage or damage.
Can I fix it myself if I find a broken auger tip in the trap? — Yes, if the tip is in the trap you can remove it, clean the trap, and reassemble; if the tip is deeper, call a pro.
How will I know if the main line is damaged? — Signs include sewage at the cleanout, persistent backups after snaking, visible pipe movement, or multiple fixtures backing up at once.