How to Retrieve a Valuable Dropped Down the Sink

Don't panic! Dropping something of value down the drain isn't always the nightmare it seems. Try this method to get it back.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• General Cleaning Supplies
• Household Rags
• Sponges
• Tape
• Rubber Gloves
• Buckets
• Channellock Pliers
• Pipe Wrenches

1. Turn off the water immediately to prevent the possibility of the item's being washed out of reach.

2. Open the cabinet below the sink.

3. Find the P-trap, which is the U-shaped piece of pipe that connects the vertical pipe running from the sink to the horizontal pipe that goes into the wall.

4. Place a bucket under the trap.

5. Loosen the large threaded nuts that attach the trap to the other pipes. Sometimes you can do this with your hands; otherwise, you may need to use large Channellock pliers or even a plumber's pipe wrench.

6. Pull the trap off with a good yank, letting it fall into the bucket as necessary. The trap will be full of dirty water.

7. Put on gloves. Empty the trap into your hand - over the bucket - and look for your valuable.

8. Reassemble the P-trap, being careful not to overtighten the nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• There may be another trap or filter in the main plumbing system and, if your valuable has gotten past the sink trap, it may still be in the main trap. Call a plumber.

• If you're afraid of stripping or marring the nuts holding the plumbing together, place a thin rag or tape around the nuts before grabbing them with the plumber's wrench.