Ever had that heart-stopping moment when your wedding ring slips off your finger and goes straight down the sink drain? Time seems to stand still as you freeze in sheer shock, watching it vanish into the plumbing system. Don’t worry, though, if you act fast, there are a few tricks to retrieve your ring or any lost item without needing to call a plumber (although we do recommend it in some cases). In this blog post, Mason Plumbing & Drain will guide you through the steps to tackle this unfortunate plumbing predicament and pull you out of your current sink drain drama.
Step 1: IS THE FAUCET TURNED OFF?
First, remember to turn off the faucet and leave it off until you retrieve the ring or item. This simple step can make a big difference in keeping your ring within reach. If you leave the faucet running, there’s a chance it could end up in the mainline, where you won’t be able to get it back.
Step 2: CAN YOU REMOVE THE DRAIN STOPPER?
To take a look down the drain, you’ll need to remove the drain stopper (if there is one). If you’re having trouble removing it, check out the pivot rod arm under the sink. It will be connected to the sink’s drain pipe. Sometimes, this little metal rod gets bent or disconnected, which prevents the stopper from moving properly. You might need a wrench or pliers to grip the pivot rod arm and carefully twist it off. Once you’ve loosened that part, give the drain stopper in your sink a check and see if it comes out easily. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to see down the sink drain and spot your ring or lost item.
Alternate Step 3: HAVE YOU TRIED A TELESCOPING MAGNETIC WAND?
Depending on the item type that has been dropped down the sink, you may also consider utilizing a telescoping magnetic wand to extract the object directly from the drain. These practical wands are magnetic and can be extended to reach down your drain without the risk of losing it, making them invaluable in urgent situations like this. However, it is important to note that due to their magnetic nature, this particular tool will not be effective in retrieving silver and gold rings or jewelry, as silver and gold are non-magnetic materials.
Step 3: HAVE YOU TRIED A GRABBER CLAW?
Ever heard of a Grabber Claw? This nifty tool can make the whole experience a little less intimidating. This four-pronged gadget is designed to fit into tight spots like a sink drain so you can easily grab and remove blockages. In our case, it could 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 might just be able to pull your ring or item from the sink drain and get it back in your hands!
Alternate Step 3: HAVE YOU TRIED A SHOP VAC?
If that didn’t work or wasn’t an option for you, it’s time to get a little creative! If you happen to have a shop vac (or maybe you can borrow one from a neighbor or friend), you could try attaching a nylon stocking to the end of the nozzle. It might sound a bit silly, but with the nylon stocking acting like a net, it could be an innovative way to retrieve your ring. Just make sure the stocking is securely attached, hold the nozzle firmly, place it over the sink’s drain hole, and switch on the vacuum. With a bit of luck, the ring (or whatever you lost) should be sucked straight up by the vacuum’s air pressure, and the net will catch it, preventing it from being sucked into the shop vac. Ta-da!
Alternate Step 3: HAVE YOU TRIED TO TAKE OFF THE P-TRAP?
Are you still searching for ways to retrieve your item? Let’s delve straight into the source, then. The P-trap plays a crucial role in maintaining the smooth operation of your plumbing system. The P-shaped pipe beneath your sink is specifically designed to retain pockets of water, effectively trapping and preventing toxic sewer gas, such as methane, from infiltrating your home. Additionally, the P-trap serves the dual purpose of containing stray items, resembling our current predicament.
Before commencing the removal process, it is advisable to position a bucket or container directly beneath the P-trap’s location. This precautionary measure will capture any water, debris, and, with a stroke of luck, your misplaced item. Moreover, it is recommended to keep towels or rags within reach. Consequently, one must identify the slip nuts located at both ends of the P-trap and employ pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen them. Once the slip nuts are sufficiently loosened, they can be maneuvered down the pipes, facilitating the careful extraction of the P-trap from the tailpiece (the vertical pipe of the sink) and the waste pipe (the horizontal section extending into the wall/floor). It is crucial to be prepared to empty the contents of the P-trap into the designated bucket, where your ring should hopefully be found!
If you managed to retrieve your ring or lost item successfully, give yourself a pat on the back! That was quite an ordeal, and you got through it! Just remember to securely put back the P-trap pivot rod arm, and drain stopper back in their original places. However, if you haven’t been able to find it yet, sometimes it’s hard to know when to call it quits. Especially when it comes to plumbing, admitting defeat can be tough. But our plumbers are trained experts who know how to handle even the toughest plumbing issues. So, if your best attempts have failed, don’t stress too much! That’s why we’re here! Give us a call, and we’ll be more than happy to help!
Call Mason Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 298-6996, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!