How to Take My Sink Apart Because Something Fell Down the Drain

If you dropped something in the sink drain, chances are it didn't go far.

Losing something down the sink drain can be concerning, particularly if the lost item was of a high monetary or sentimental value -- like a ring. If you're not familiar with your sink's plumbing, you may be tempted to panic at first, but this is unnecessary thanks to the sink traps that the plumbing system has under the sink that keeps items that you drop from falling into the abyss.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Groove-joint pliers

Instructions

1. Open the cabinet below the sink if there is a cabinet there.

2. Place a bucket just under the sink trap. The sink trap is the U-shaped pipe just below the sink.

3. Loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the U-shaped piece with groove-joint pliers to remove the sink trap. Some water will likely fall into the bucket as you remove the sink trap.

4. Look inside the sink trap. As long as your dropped item didn't already fall into the bucket, it likely is located inside the sink trap.

5. Remove the item and use the groove-joint pliers to re-tighten the sink trap.

References

• Dummies: Remove a Sink Trap

Resources

• Home Tips: Bathroom Sink Plumbing