It’s all fun and games – until it really happens to you.

For anyone who has ever lost a valuable down the drain – or who has a child who loves dropping their toys into their sinks and toilets – this scenario is no laughing matter. A lost ring, earring, necklace, or any other valuable can be a devastating loss. So what are you to do?

The web is full of so-called “hacks” that promise to help you retrieve your lost objects, from attaching a magnet to a string to jerry-rigging up a machine using a vacuum and some pantyhose (really).

While these tricks might work for you, there are easier solutions. First and foremost, we recommend hiring a plumber – there’s no making up for experience and professionalism, and even a little bit of DIY tinkering by a total plumbing novice can have unexpected consequences.

But if you need to get your item back now, the secret – and, most likely, your lost treasure – is in your P-trap. Here’s how to get back that lost item without uprooting your plumbing system:

1.) Turn Off the Water

Using the valves under your sink, turn your water off to prevent anyone from accidentally turning on the faucet while you’re working. At this point, if you’re working on a sink with a garbage disposal attached (call a plumber!), make sure the power to the garbage disposal is shut off as well, to ensure your safety.

2.) Unscrew Your P-Trap

Are you looking under your sink? The P-trap is the curved portion of the pipe, and it’s designed like that to prevent sewer gasses from passing into your home, as well as to catch debris before it can form a thicker, deeper clog.

Place a large bucket and several towels beneath your P-trap.

Bucket in place? Great. Next, locate the nut holding the P-trap to the sink tailpiece, and the nut holding connecting the trap outlet onto the drain pipe. Taking care to keep the piece upright, loosen and release those nuts and then pull the trap out and away from the sink. If your trap is plastic, you should be able to do this by hand; if you can’t loosen them by hand or your pipe is metallic, use adjustable pliers.

3.) Empty the Trap

More likely than not, a little bit of water has escaped already. That’s a natural hazard. Now, empty the rest of the water: Dump the contents of the trap into your bucket. Using gloves (since there’s sure to be plenty of sludge and hair in your bucket), sift with your hands to locate your missing item

4.) Re-attach Your P-Trap

Once you’ve found what you were looking for, put your P-trap back into place, taking care to tighten up the nuts on the trap inlet and outlet by hand or with your pliers. Don't over-tighten, use pliers gently. Turn the water back on and fill your sink as a test – if you notice any leaking, tighten the connection. 

And of course, if all else fails, never hesitate to drop us a line, whether you need service or you’re just looking for a little bit of advice! Whatever your Red Oakland plumbing needs, our experienced team is here and ready to help, day or night.