Have you ever experienced the heart-stopping panic of a wedding ring slipping off your finger and heading straight down the sink drain? It’s one of those moments when time seems to stand still as you watch your precious item quickly disappear into the depths of the plumbing system. Thankfully, if you act quickly, there are a few ways to recover the ring or any
other lost item without calling a plumber – although we recommend that in some cases. In this blog post, Lebanon Plumbing & Drain will show you what steps to take if you find yourself in this unfortunate plumbing predicament.
Step 1: Turn Off the Faucet and Leave It Off
First, keep in mind that turning off the faucet and leaving it off until the ring or item is retrieved is the first step. This small action can make a big difference in keeping your ring in an area where you can still retrieve it. If you leave your faucet on and running, you run the risk of it getting flushed to the mainline, where it is irretrievable.
Step 2: Remove the Drain Stopper
You’ll need to remove the drain stopper (if applicable) to look down the drain. If you’re struggling to remove your drain stopper, look at the pivot rod arm (under the sink). It will be connected to the sink’s drain pipe. This small metal rod can often become bent or disconnected, preventing the stopper from moving correctly. You may have to employ a wrench or pliers to grasp the pivot rod arm and carefully twist it off. Once you have loosened that portion of the pivot rod arm, try to check the drain stopper in your sink and see if it comes out easily. With some luck, you should be able to see down your sink drain, and hopefully, your ring or other stray item will be in plain sight.
Step 3: Use a Grabber Claw
Ever heard of a Grabber Claw? This handy tool can definitely make the whole experience a little less daunting. This four-pronged tool is designed to fit into narrow spaces such as a sink drain, allowing you to grab and remove blockages. In our case, it can potentially help us retrieve your lost item. You should be able to run into any home improvement store and grab one at your convenience. With a little bit of patience and the help of a grabber claw, you may just be able to pull yourself out of your sink drain drama and get your ring back in your hands!
Alternate Step 3: Use A Magnetic Telescoping Wand
Telescoping magnetic wands are another great option. These wands are extendable and magnetic and can also be obtained at any home improvement store, which makes them handy in situations just like this one. Just remember that they won’t pick up silver or gold rings or jewelry since silver and gold are not magnetic. Since the wands extend, you don’t have to worry about dropping them further down the drain. With a steady hand, you should be able to attract your lost item to the end piece of the magnet and pull it straight up out of the sink. Easy peasy!
Alternate Step 3: Use a Shop Vacuum
If that didn’t work or wasn’t an option for you, it’s time to get creative! If you own a shop vac (or perhaps can borrow one from a neighbor or a friend), you can always try attaching a nylon stocking to the end of the nozzle. We know this may sound a tad silly, but with the nylon stocking acting as a net at the end of the vacuum’s nozzle, it could turn into a rather innovative method for retrieving your ring. With the nylon stocking securely on the nozzle end, hold the nozzle firmly in place, place it flush over the sink’s drain hole, and then turn on the vacuum. With some luck, the vacuum’s air pressure should pull the ring (or other item) straight up, and the net over the nozzle will catch it and keep it from being sucked into the shop vac! Voilà!
Alternate Step 3: Remove the P-trap
Still looking for ways to retrieve your item? Well, let’s cut straight the source, then! The P-trap plays a crucial role in keeping your plumbing system running smoothly. The P-shaped pipe below your sink is designed to hold pockets of water, where it traps and keeps toxic sewer gas (like methane) from infiltrating your home. Not to mention – the P-trap also serves the double purpose of containing stray items, much like the situation we have currently found ourselves in.
Before you begin the removal process, we suggest placing a bucket or container right under the location of the P-trap. This is to catch any water and muck, and fingers crossed – your lost item. As an added tip, you may want to have some towels or a few rags handy. Now, you’ll need to locate the slip nuts on both ends of the P-trap and use some pliers or a pipe wrench to loosen them. Once the slip nuts are loose, they should be able to slide down the pipes, enabling you to carefully pull the P-trap away from the tailpiece (the vertical pipe of the sink) and the waste pipe (the horizontal piece going into the wall/floor). Just be prepared to empty the contents of the P-trap into the bucket where you should find your ring!
If you were able to successfully retrieve your ring or lost item, go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. That was quite an ordeal, and you got yourself through it! But don’t forget to return the P-trap securely back to its original place, as well as the pivot rod arm and drain stopper. However, if you have not been able to retrieve it, sometimes it’s hard to know when enough is enough. When it comes to plumbing, this is especially true. Admitting defeat can be tough, but it’s important to remember that plumbers are trained experts who know exactly how to handle even the toughest plumbing issues. So, if your best attempts have failed at first, don’t stress too much! That’s what we are here for! Give us a call, and we will be more than happy to help!
You can contact Lebanon Plumbing & Drain at (513) 427- 2443 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!