We rented an electric sewer snake and cleared our drains. Now we can't retract the snake ! Any helpful advice?

Answer 1

if the snake won't go forward or back, it may be stuck in the line at a change of direction or possibly your pipe is broken and it has gone out the side. try to work it back and forth by hand if possible, it may come free it may not. if the cable is twisting, coiling up, and not moving in or out, it is definately stuck. If the pipes are underground and not in a basement or crawlspace, it will be near impossible to determine where it is stuck at.

Answer 2

Electric Eel Sewer Machine

Answer 3

If this went to an outside line, it could have gone outside of the line (broken line or cracked) and into the ground and locked itself in. It may have wedged itself into a curve or bend.
Be ready to buy the "snake" and be prepared to have more problems. You "should'of" not, forced it. That's the start. I would have advised getting a plumber who knows what he's doing. For the cost your going to pay, it would have been cheaper.

If you keep working the snake without forcing it, you may be luck enough to work it loose. This may be a lesson to others.

Answer 4

need to know what size line. was there a proper clean-out. what type drain line. pvc-copper-or cast iron or galvanized. did you use electric eel cable in 8 ft. sections.-a pic-a-pac-orlarge or small sewer machine. what diameter cable and what kind and size tip or blade.