Experiencing the distressing moment of a wedding ring or other important item slipping and vanishing down the sink drain can be truly heart-stopping. In that frozen moment, time seems to stand still as your precious possession is swiftly swallowed by the depths of the plumbing system. However, there is no need to despair. Acting promptly, there are several methods to retrieve the lost ring or any other valuable item without the need to call a plumber – although, in certain cases, seeking professional assistance is advised. In this blog post, Loveland Plumbing & Drain will guide you through the necessary steps to address this unfortunate plumbing predicament with confidence and reclaim your lost item.
Step 1: Shut Off the Faucet & Leave It Off
To ensure the safe retrieval of a lost item, such as a ring, it is crucial to promptly turn off the faucet and refrain from using it until the item is recovered. This simple yet impactful action significantly increases the chances of locating the lost object within reach. Leaving the faucet running poses the risk of the item being flushed into the mainline, rendering it irretrievable. Therefore, exercising caution and taking immediate action can make all the difference in preventing permanent loss of your item.
Step 2: Take the Drain Stopper Out
To look down the drain, it may be necessary to remove the drain stopper. If you encounter difficulties while removing the drain stopper, direct your attention to the pivot rod arm located beneath the sink. It will be connected to the sink’s drain pipe. This small metal rod can sometimes become bent or disconnected, causing the stopper to malfunction. You may need to employ a wrench or pliers to securely grip the pivot rod arm and carefully twist it off. After loosening this section of the pivot rod arm, try again to remove the drain stopper from the sink. If all goes well, you should now be able to gently remove the drain stopper and have a clear view down the sink drain.
Step 3: Utilize a Grabber Claw
Have you ever heard of a Grabber Claw? This practical tool can greatly simplify the entire experience. Designed with four prongs, it is specifically crafted to fit into narrow spaces like sink drains, enabling you to grasp and eliminate blockages effortlessly. In our current situation, it has the potential to assist in retrieving your lost item. You should be able to acquire one from any home improvement store conveniently. With a touch of patience and a grabber claw, you might find yourself resolving your sink drain predicament and safely reclaiming your ring.
Alternate Step 3: Utilize a Magnetic Telescoping Wand
If an item falls down the sink, you can consider using a telescoping magnetic wand to retrieve it from the drain. These versatile wands are magnetic and extendable, making them a valuable tool in such situations. However, it’s important to note that this tool won’t be effective for picking up silver and gold rings or jewelry, as they are not magnetic materials.
Alternate Step 3: Utilize a Shop Vacuum
If the previous method did not work or was not feasible, it is time to explore alternative solutions. Consider utilizing a shop vac. While this may seem unconventional, it can be an innovative approach. Securely position the nylon stocking on the nozzle, ensuring a tight fit. Then, place the nozzle directly over the sink’s drain hole and activate the vacuum. With luck, the vacuum’s air pressure will draw the ring or item upward, while the stocking on the nozzle acts as a net to prevent it from being sucked into the shop vac. Ta-da! You should now have your item back in your hands once again!
Alternate Step 3: Take the P-trap Off
If you’re still searching for ways to retrieve your item, let’s address the issue at its source. The P-trap plays a vital role in maintaining the smooth operation of your plumbing system and is positioned below your sink. This P-shaped pipe is specifically designed to hold water and prevent toxic sewer gas, such as methane, from entering your home. Additionally, the P-trap serves the dual purpose of containing stray items, just like the situation we currently find ourselves in.
Before initiating the removal process, it is recommended to place a bucket or container directly beneath the P-trap’s location. This will effectively capture any water, debris, and, with some luck, your misplaced item. Additionally, it is advisable to keep towels or rags within reach for convenience. Next, locate the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap and employ pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen them. Once the slip nuts are sufficiently loose, carefully slide them down the pipes, allowing you to detach the P-trap from both the tailpiece (the vertical pipe of the sink) and the waste pipe (the horizontal pipe entering the wall/floor). Be prepared to empty the P-trap’s contents into the bucket, where you should hopefully recover your ring.
If you were able to successfully retrieve your ring or lost item, congratulations on overcoming that challenging situation! It’s important to ensure that both the P-trap and the pivot rod arm and drain stopper are securely returned to their original positions. However, if you haven’t been able to retrieve the item, it can be difficult to know when to stop trying. In the realm of plumbing, this is particularly true. It’s important to remember that professional plumbers are highly trained experts who have the knowledge and skills to handle even the most difficult plumbing issues. So, if your initial attempts have been unsuccessful, there’s no need to stress yourself further. That’s where we come in! Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you!
Call Loveland Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 644-0556, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!