Ever dropped something precious down the sink drain? It’s a heart-wrenching experience, right? Well, you’re in luck! We understand the gravity of the situation, and we’re here to help. This guide will show you how to retrieve your ring and save the day from your present sink-drain drama. So, whether you’re in this plumbing predicament or just want to be prepared for the future, keep reading for our step-by-step tips from your friendly Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain professionals!
STEP 1: SHUT THE FAUCET OFF & LEAVE IT OFF
First things first, if you drop something down the sink drain, make sure to turn off the sink faucet right away and keep it off until you solve the problem and retrieve your item. You definitely don’t want to risk pushing it further down the drain and into the mainline. Usually, rings or similar-sized items get stuck in the P-trap, where they stay unless you take them out.
STEP 2: SEE IF THE DRAIN STOPPER CAN BE TAKEN OUT
Chances are, by now, you’ve probably already taken out the drain stopper (if your sink has one) to peek down the drain. If not, just gently remove it so you can get to the drain faster. If the drain stopper doesn’t come out easily, you might have to look under the sink and unscrew the pivot rod arm connected to the sink drainpipe. You might need a wrench or pliers to twist it off. Grab a flashlight if you need to, and use your phone in selfie mode for a better angle. Once you’ve loosened that part, go back to the drain stopper and see if it comes out. If it does, you’re ready to move on to step three.
STEP 3: THE GRABBER CLAW TOOL
A Grabber Claw is a nifty tool that can make the whole experience a bit less daunting. This four-pronged tool is designed to fit into tight spaces like a sink drain so you can grab and remove blockages. In our case, it could help you retrieve your lost item. You should be able to find one at any home improvement store. With a little patience and the help of a grabber claw, you might just rescue your ring from the sink drain and get it back in your hands!
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ALTERNATE STEP 3: THE MAGNETIC TELESCOPING WAND
Depending on the kind of item that has fallen down the sink, a telescoping magnetic wand can also be utilized to directly retrieve the item from the drain. These practical wands are equipped with magnetic properties and extendable features, making them invaluable in urgent situations. It is important to note, however, that silver and gold rings or jewelry cannot be retrieved using this particular tool, as silver and gold are non-magnetic materials.
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ALTERNATE STEP 3: THE SHOP VACUUM
Alright, it’s time to get a bit creative! Do you happen to have a shop vacuum available to use? If you do, this next method might just do the trick! Grab your trusty shop vac and slide a nylon stocking over the end of the nozzle. Now, hold onto the nozzle tightly, position it right over the sink drain, and switch 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, making it easy to retrieve.
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ALTERNATE STEP 3: THE P-TRAP
Last but definitely not least is the P-trap method. Yep, we’re diving right into it. The P-trap, which is that curved section of your drainpipe shaped like a letter P, does more than meets the eye. It’s designed to hold water, which in turn keeps those nasty sewer gases (like methane) from making their way into your home. And guess what? The P-trap also pulls double duty by catching stray items, just like the situation we find ourselves in right now.
The P-trap is usually located under the sink. Now, you might want to grab a bucket or container and place it right under the trap before you start this process. That way, it can catch any water, muck, or even your lost item. To remove the P-trap, gently loosen the two nuts above and below it. Once both nuts are loose, the trap should come off easily, and you can dump its contents into the bucket. Now, you should have your ring or item back in your hands. Awesome job!
After all is said and done, make sure to put everything back where it belongs. That means the drain stopper, pivot rod arm, and the P-trap. When it comes to retrieving a ring, precision and patience are your best friends! Hopefully, this blog helped you turn a potentially disastrous situation into a successful rescue mission; if not, don’t worry, we’re here for you. Whatever plumbing issue you’re facing, we’ve got your back!
Reach out to Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!