How to Retrieve an Item Dropped Down the Drain
Don’t panic! If you want to know how to retrieve an item dropped down the drain, we have the tips and instructions that will wake you up from this nightmare!
It’s never a good feeling when you hear that dreaded clink as you watch your beloved wedding ring — or anything of sentimental or monetary value — slide down the sink drain.
Spare yourself the heart attack. Recovering that lost earring, bracelet, or ring doesn’t always require the help of a plumber. Next time you lose something down the drain, just follow these simple steps!
First Things First: Turn Off the Water
When you first notice you’ve lost something in the sink, immediately shut off the faucet. Keeping the water running may make the item harder to find. You should also turn off the water supply by turning the shutoff valve on the fixture clockwise.
Next: Try the Magnet Method
This is a clever way to retrieve an item dropped down the drain. If you happen to have a strong magnet nearby, tie it to a string and attempt to catch your lost jewelry. Some items may not be magnetized, but it’s always worth a try before getting your hands dirty.
Also, there are tools you can purchase that have magnets attached to the end of them. Mechanics use them all the time to retrieve screws that fall into unreachable places by hand.
Locate the P-trap and Remove
More than likely, the item you are trying to retrieve is in the P-trap. The P-trap is the funky, U-shaped valve (or a sideways P shape) underneath your sink basin. If it’s accessible, use a set of large channellock adjustable pliers or a wrench and loosen the two slip nuts on either end of the P-trap.
Also, it’s best to have a bucket underneath the trap to catch any excess water, gunk, and hair that could be in there (gloves are always a good idea!). Hopefully, your jewelry will fall out among the filth so be sure to sift through the yucky stuff.
Other Options to Retrieve an Item Dropped Down the Drain
Here are a couple more options on how to retrieve an item dropped down the drain.
- Similar to the telescoping magnet but with four prongs instead. These four-pronged tools are easily found at most hardware stores and work wonders when it comes to locating and retrieving any small, valuable item. For extra help when retrieving an item dropped down the drain, have someone shine a flashlight down the drain while you go fishing.
- To prevent future mishaps and nightmares, consider installing a drain guard on your sink drains.
If all the above options don’t give you any luck recovering your lost item, give 1-Tom-Plumber a call at 1-866-758-6237! We have special equipment just for retrieving things from drains.
Conclusion
Obviously, losing a precious item down a drain is no fun. Really scary at first. More so, the first thought is that it’s gone forever. Fret not. Most times, that’s not true.
Just stay calm, you’ve just learned how to retrieve an item dropped down the drain. Additionally, you know that your first step is to simply turn off the water. After that, just follow the above options and instructions.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber for Help
If you need more help finding a lost item in a drain or pipe, don’t hesitate to contact us or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237). We immediately handle any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, and water damage problem, including excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines.
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