Whether it just happened or you simply want to be prepared, it’s always helpful to know what to do if you drop a ring or other small, precious object down the drain. Here are the steps to follow if something gets washed down a sink drain.
Turn off the tap. It’s possible your ring landed in the drain trap, which is a U-shaped section of pipe beneath the sink. If you leave the water running, there’s more chance your ring will be swept further down the pipe. This would make it harder to retrieve.
Locate the trap. Once you find the curved section of pipe below the sink, place a bucket underneath the drain trap. This will be used to catch the water that’s sitting in the pipe and, hopefully, your ring.
Find the access plug. Newer drain traps have a plug that can easily be removed to drain the water and any trapped objects. If your sink doesn’t have one, it’s best to call a plumber, as removing the pipe will require the right tools and knowledge.
Remove the access plug. When you do, the water sitting in the pipe will flow into the bucket, along with any objects in the trap. Once you locate your ring or the water finishes draining, simply reinsert the plug.
If your ring wasn’t in the drain trap, all is not lost. With the right tools and a bit of luck, a professional plumber might be able to recover a ring that’s been washed further down the pipe. What if it goes down the shower drain? Since the pipes beneath your shower drain are less accessible than those under a sink, your ring will be harder to retrieve. Once again, the first thing to do is turn off the water immediately to limit how far the ring gets swept away. Next, remove the drain cover. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see your ring sitting in the pipe. If this is the case, use a flexible grabber tool (a long, claw-like device) to retrieve it. Alternatively, you can unbend a wire hanger and curve the end to create a small hook that will loop around the ring. When in doubt, call Black Forest Plumbing If your ring has been swept too far down the drain or flushed down the toilet, you’ll need the help of a professional to get it back. At Black Forest Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency services for this and other types of urgent plumbing problems. Contact us right away to book a service call in the Greater Toronto Area. Book A Service Appointment