How to Retrieve a Ring Lost Down a Bathroom Sink Drain

Watching a valuable ring go down the drain can be devastating.

The moment in which you see your ring slip into your bathroom drain can be devastating. Calling a plumber could take time and hundreds of dollars, especially if it's an emergency situation or during nonbusiness hours, like at night or on the weekend. Try to retrieve your lost ring yourself before you call in a professional. The most important thing to remember is to try not to panic.

Things You'll Need

• Pan
• Screwdriver
• Pipe wrench

Instructions

1. Turn the water off if it is on. Open the cabinet under the sink and remove its contents. Place the pan under the gooseneck-shaped pipes that you see in the sink to catch any water that might be in the pipes when you disconnect them.

2. Remove the screws that are holding the pieces of the pipe together. Loosen them with your pipe wrench first and then use your screwdriver to completely unscrew them.

3. Remove the drain trap that fits inside the pipes that you have just disconnected. Your ring should be in the trap. Turn the trap upside down over the pan to dump its contents. Remove your ring.

4. Replace the drain trap and reassemble the pipes by placing them back in their original position and tightly screwing the screws back into place.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent this from happening again, don't wear your ring while washing your hands and don't store it near your sink when you're not wearing it.

References

• Handyman How-To: How to Retrieve an Item Dropped Down the Sink Drain