How to Get Something I Dropped Down the Sink Out

Check the pipes when you drop an item down the sink drain.

No matter how careful you are when you wash your hands, tiny items like rings and earrings can get washed down the drain. You may think an item is gone forever, but if you try to retrieve it before using the sink again, you can usually find it nestled within the drain pipes. You can dismantle the sink's drain pipes to get the item out even if you do not have any tools.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket

Instructions

1. Open the cabinet door below the sink and put a bucket under the pipes. This catches water and other debris that will fall out when you dismantle the pipes.

2. Follow the vertical pipe straight down from the top of the sink to find the first slip nut. This slip nut rests at the top of the J-bend, which is the pipe where your dropped item is. Turn the slip nut to the left to loosen it. A plastic gasket will drop out when you lift up the loosened slip nut.

3. Loosen the second slip nut on the other side of the pipe. Move the slip nut to the left side of the pipe on the left, also called the P-trap.

4. Pull the J-bend away from the pipes. Reach inside the J-bend to retrieve the dropped item. If you cannot find it, search inside the P-trap.

5. Replace the J-bend. Push the plastic gasket back down and twist the slip nut back on. Do the same with the second slip nut.

Tips & Warnings

• When you dismantle the J-bend, you may find built-up hair and other debris stuck in the pipe. Remove the debris to make your sink drain faster.

References

• HandymanHowTo.com: How to Retrieve an Item Dropped Down the Sink Drain - Part 1; Bob Jackson