Quick Answer:
If you find a misaligned drain fitting after running a snake, first turn off the water, remove and inspect the trap and tailpiece for hairline breaks or shifted fittings, then try a gentle realignment and a simple water test. If the joint won’t seal, the pipe is cracked, or the slope is lost, call a professional to replace the damaged section.
Why This Happens
Snaking a drain pushes a rotating cable through the pipe. That cable can put torque on the tailpiece, slip joints and couplings under the sink. Small plastic traps or older metal fittings can shift, crack, or loosen. The result is a misaligned joint that leaks or won’t hold a proper slope. Sometimes you’ll also notice conditions related to the snake in other ways, such as unusual sounds — see Noise after sewer auger for more on that topic.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Turn off the water and remove the trap
Shut off the faucet(s) and, if you can, the shutoff valves to the sink. Place a bucket under the trap. Loosen the slip nuts and remove the P-trap so you can inspect the coupling, tailpiece and trap for hairline breaks or fittings that shifted when the cable was used.
2. Inspect for hairline breaks or shifted fittings
- Look closely at plastic traps and the metal tailpiece for cracks, flattened ends, or split threads caused by cable torque.
- Check the coupling washers and rims for deformation or missing pieces.
3. Gently realign and hand-tighten slip nuts
Try to realign the tailpiece and trap so the slip nuts meet straight. Hand-tighten the slip nuts to see if the original seal restores. Do not over-tighten—tighten enough by hand and a small wrench turn if needed. If you spot cracked plastic or deformed metal, note that the joint may not hold even if it appears to seal temporarily.
4. Run a targeted water test
With the trap reinstalled and hand-tightened, run water only into the affected drain for a minute or two while watching the joint closely. Use a cup to pour water if you want to target one connection. Look for slow seepage, drips, or moisture forming around the slip joint or tailpiece.
5. If alignment won’t hold or pipe is cracked
If the joint slips out of alignment, you see visible cracks, or the trap can’t maintain the correct slope toward the drain, schedule a professional. A plumber can replace the damaged section and verify the proper slope and secure fittings to prevent recurring leaks or backups.
What Not to Do
- Avoid forcing misaligned pipes back into place with excessive clamps, straps, or glue. That can stress adjacent joints and hide the underlying damage.
- Do not use chemical drain openers to “fix” a leaking joint—the chemicals won’t realign or repair cracked fittings and can be hazardous to handle.
- Call a pro when realignment fails, sections are cracked, or slope is lost; misaligned mains and damaged sections often require professional replacement to prevent recurring leaks or backups.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a plumber if any of the following apply:
- The slip joint won’t keep its alignment after careful hand-tightening.
- You find visible cracks, split threads, or deformed metal parts.
- The drain loses its slope and water pools in the trap or drains slowly afterward.
A pro can replace the damaged section, correct the slope, and test the connection under normal flow to prevent future leaks and backups.
Safety Notes
- Always shut off running water before loosening plumbing connections to avoid spills and water damage.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when working under the sink; pipes and fittings may be sharp or dirty.
- If you smell sewer gas or see persistent backups after snaking, stop work and call a professional—those symptoms can indicate a deeper issue in the main line.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Q: Can I tighten a leaking slip nut with pliers?
A: Hand-tightening plus a small wrench turn is safe; over-tightening with pliers can crack plastic or strip threads. - Q: Will a temporary seal hold until I can get a plumber?
A: Temporary hand-tightening may stop small drips for a short time, but visible cracks or slipping joints need professional repair. - Q: Could snaking have pushed the problem further into the drain line?
A: Yes—snaking can move or stress connections; if you still have drainage problems or backups after the fix, call a plumber to check the main line.
More in this topic
For more related fixes and similar symptoms, see Post-Snaking Main Line Problems.