Have you ever lost a beloved ring, a piece of jewelry, or some other meaningful trinket down the sink drain? If you have, you know how heart-wrenching it can be! Maybe that’s why you stumbled upon this blog today. You’re seeking answers on how to retrieve your beloved ring. Well, guess what? You’re in luck! We understand how serious this situation is and are here to help. This guide will walk you through the retrieval process and pull you out of your sink-drain drama. So, whether you’re currently stuck in this little plumbing predicament or just want to be prepared for the future, keep reading for the following steps from your trusted Gahanna Plumbing & Drain family!
STEP 1: MAKE SURE THE FAUCET IS NOT RUNNING
First and foremost, if you drop something down your sink drain, make sure to turn off the sink faucet right away and keep it off until you solve the problem and retrieve the item. You definitely don’t want to risk pushing it into the mainline. Most rings or items of similar size will get stuck in the P-trap and stay there unless you retrieve them. Just remember, this only works if the water is not turned on and running through the pipes beforehand. So be careful!
STEP 2: REMOVE THE DRAIN STOPPER FROM THE SINK
By now, it’s highly likely that you’ve already taken out the drain stopper (if your sink has one) to get a look down the drain. If you haven’t yet, gently remove it so you can quickly access your drain. In case the drain stopper doesn’t come out easily, you’ll need to go under the sink and unscrew the pivot rod arm connected to the sink’s drainpipe. You might need a wrench or pliers to twist it off. And if you need better visibility, grab a flashlight or use your phone in selfie mode to get a better angle on the pipe. Once you’ve loosened that part, go back to the sink and check if the drain stopper comes out. If it does, you can move on to step three.
STEP 3: USE A GRABBER CLAW
Have you ever heard of a Grabber Claw? This useful tool can make the whole experience less daunting. It’s a four-pronged tool designed to fit into narrow spaces like a sink drain, allowing you to grab and remove blockages. In our case, it can help 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 might just be able to pull yourself out of your sink drain drama and get your ring/item back!
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ALTERNATE STEP 3: USE A TELESCOPING MAGNETIC WAND
Depending on the kind of item that was accidentally dropped down the sink, you may consider utilizing a telescoping magnetic wand as a potential solution. These practical tools are both magnetic and extendable, thus proving to be invaluable in situations like these. It is important to note, however, that this specific tool is not effective in retrieving silver or gold rings or jewelry, as they are non-magnetic materials.
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ALTERNATE STEP 3: USE A SHOP VACUUM
Alright, it’s time to get a little creative! Do you have a shop vac handy? If you do, this next method might just do the trick! Grab your shop vac and put a nylon stocking over the end of the nozzle. Now, hold onto the nozzle tight, place it right over the sink drain, and turn on the shop vac. With a bit of luck, your ring (or whatever ITEM you dropped) should get sucked up and caught by the nylon net. Then, you can easily grab it and call it a success!
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ALTERNATE STEP 3: TAKE OFF THE P-TRAP
And now, let’s talk about the P-trap method. Yep, we’re going straight to the source! The P-trap is that curved part of your drainpipe that looks like the letter P. Its job? Holding pockets of water to keep those stinky sewer gases, like methane, from stinking up your place. The P-trap also helps catch random stuff that may have mistakenly fallen in, kind of like the situation we’re in right now.
Located underneath the sink, the P-trap is usually made of metal or PVC. Before you get started, we recommend placing a bucket or container right beneath the P-trap. This way, it’ll catch any water, muck, and hopefully your lost item. Carefully loosen the two nuts positioned above and below the trap to remove the P-trap. Once both nuts are loosened, the P-trap should come off, allowing you to dump its contents into the bucket below. Now, you should have your ring or item back in your hands! Congrats!
After everything is said and done, make sure to put everything back in its rightful place. Don’t forget about the drain stopper, pivot rod arm, and the P-trap. When it comes to retrieving a ring, precision and patience are key! Hopefully, this blog has helped you turn a potentially disastrous situation into a successful rescue mission. If not, we’re always here for you. Whatever plumbing needs you have, we’ve got you covered!
Reach out to Gahanna Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 245-2256, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!