Have you ever experienced the panic of dropping your ring or some other small sentimental item down the sink drain? It’s a moment when time seems to freeze as you watch your precious item disappear into your plumbing system. But don’t worry! There are ways to recover the ring or any other lost item without needing a plumber. In this blog post, New Albany Plumbing & Drain will guide you on what steps to take if you have found or ever do find yourself in this unfortunate plumbing predicament.
Step One
First, remember to turn off the faucet and keep it off until you retrieve the ring or item. This simple action can increase the chances of finding your ring in an accessible area. If you leave the faucet on, there is a risk of it being flushed to the mainline, making it impossible to retrieve.
Step Two
To look down the drain, remove the drain stopper (if applicable). If you’re having trouble removing it, check the metal rod called the pivot rod arm under the sink. It will be connected to the sink’s drain pipe. Sometimes, it can get bent or disconnected, causing the stopper not to move properly. You might need a wrench or pliers to twist it off carefully. Once you’ve loosened that part of the pivot rod arm, try checking the drain stopper in your sink to see if it comes out easily this time. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to see down your sink drain and spot your lost ring or other item.
Step Three
Have you heard of a grabber claw? This useful tool can make the whole experience less daunting. It has four prongs and is designed to fit into narrow spaces like a sink drain, allowing you to grab and remove blockages. In our case, it can potentially help you retrieve your lost item. You can easily find one at any home improvement store. With a little patience and the help of a grabber claw, you may be able to get your ring back from the sink drain!
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Alternate Step Three
You might also want to try using a telescoping magnetic wand. These can be found as well at any home improvement store. These nifty wands are extendable and magnetic, so they can come in handy when you’re in a pinch like this. Just remember, they won’t pick up silver or gold rings or jewelry since those aren’t magnetic.
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Alternate Step Three
If the previous method didn’t work or wasn’t available, let’s get creative! If you have a shop vac or can borrow one, try attaching a nylon stocking to the end of the nozzle. It may sound a bit silly, but the nylon stocking will act as a net and help retrieve your ring. Securely attach the nylon stocking to the nozzle, place it over the sink’s drain hole, and turn on the vacuum. With some luck, the ring (or other item) should be pulled up by the vacuum’s air pressure and caught by the net on the nozzle.
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Alternate Step Three
Are you still searching for ways to retrieve your item? Well, let’s get right to the point then! The P-trap is vital to your plumbing system, ensuring its smooth operation. This pipe, shaped like a “P” below your sink, is designed to hold water and prevent toxic sewer gas (like methane) from entering your home. Additionally, the P-trap also helps contain stray items, just like the situation we currently find ourselves in. Go figure, right?
Before you start removing the P-trap, it’s a good idea to place a bucket or container underneath to catch any water, debris, and, hopefully, your lost item. Keep some towels or rags nearby for convenience. Locate the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap and use pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen them. Once the slip nuts are loose, you can carefully pull the P-trap away from the tailpiece (the vertical pipe of the sink) and the waste pipe (the horizontal pipe going into the wall/floor). Be prepared to empty the contents of the P-trap into the bucket, where you should find your ring.
If you were able to successfully retrieve your ring or lost item, give yourself a pat on the back. That was quite a challenge, and you made it through! Remember to securely put back the P-trap, the pivot rod arm, and the drain stopper. However, if you haven’t been able to retrieve your ring or lost item, don’t stress too much! That’s what we’re here for! Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help!
Call New Albany Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!