We’ve all experienced that terrible feeling that comes the moment after dropping something down the drain. Earrings, contact lenses and even toothbrushes sometimes manage to make their way into the pipes and we fear that we’ll never see them again. When this happens, what do you do? Our Apple Valley, CA sink drain plumbing experts at Roto-Rooter High Desert outline some tips below that may be able to get you your item back without having to call for a plumber.
Use a Coat Hanger
It may seem silly, but if you are able to remove the drain catch, try and feel around in the pipe with a bent coat hanger. For smaller items, this may not work, but you can remove toothbrushes and other larger things with this method.
Take the Sink Apart
Anyone can take their sink apart to find a lost ring or earring. The first thing to do is turn off the water. After you’ve done this, put something under the sink plug (this is what keeps gunk from going into the pipes) so that it doesn’t close. Place a bucket under your sink (under the sink cabinet usually works best) so water will fall into it. Unscrew the J – shaped pipe from the end near the sink and the side closest to the wall. Finally, dump the water (and hopefully your lost item) into your bucket.
Last Resorts
If you don’t see your item, it may be stuck in the P-trap (J-shaped pipe). This means you’ll have to reach into the drain from the top. The best way to retrieve your item is using a magnetic retrieval tool (if what you are trying to retrieve is not silver or gold) or a pronged retrieval tool. These tiny tools look like the antennae on your radio and often telescope so they can be made longer or shorter as necessary. Just slip it into your drain and use a flashlight to spot the item and grip it with the magnet or tongs. Afterwards, pull the item out and give it a good scrub.
If you try all of the above tips and you still can’t find your item, give our Apple Valley, CA sink drain plumbing experts at Roto-Rooter High Desert a call and we can help you get it back. Just remember not to use the sink until we get there as this could lead to your item getting swept up into the water system and lost forever. For further questions or concerns, give us a call at (760) 245-2947 and we’ll be happy to help you out.
