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What to Do If You Drop a Ring Down the Sink

Accidentally dropping a precious ring down the sink can send anyone into a panic. But before you despair, know that it’s often possible to retrieve your lost item. At East York Plumbing, we’ve helped numerous clients recover their valuables from the depths of their plumbing system. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you drop a ring down the sink, ensuring a high chance of retrieval without causing damage to your plumbing.

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Turn Off the Water

Why It’s Important: Turning off the water immediately will prevent the ring from being flushed further down the pipes.

How to Do It:

  • Locate the faucet handles and turn them to the off position.
  • Avoid running any water in the sink until the ring is retrieved.

2. Block the Drain

Why It’s Important: Blocking the drain helps ensure that the ring remains close to the sink’s opening, making it easier to retrieve.

How to Do It:

  • If the ring is visible, place a small cup or another barrier over the drain to prevent it from moving further down the pipe.

Steps to Retrieve the Ring

1. Use a Magnet or Tweezers

Why It’s Effective: If the ring is made of magnetic material, a strong magnet can help you lift it out. Tweezers can also be useful to grab the ring if you can see it.

How to Do It:

  • Attach a strong magnet to a string and lower it into the drain.
  • Alternatively, carefully use a pair of long tweezers to grab the ring.

2. Check the P-Trap

Why It’s Effective: The P-trap is the U-shaped pipe directly below the sink that often catches items before they go further down the plumbing system.

How to Do It:

  • Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch any water or debris.
  • Unscrew the slip nuts attaching the P-trap to the drain with a wrench.
  • Gently remove the P-trap and inspect its contents for the ring.
  • Reassemble the P-trap securely to prevent leaks.

3. Use a Drain Snake

Why It’s Effective: A drain snake can be used to retrieve items lodged further down the drain.

How to Do It:

  • Insert the drain snake into the drain opening and rotate it to catch the ring.
  • Slowly pull the snake out to bring the ring to the surface.

Preventive Measures

1. Use a Drain Strainer

Why It’s Helpful: A drain strainer can prevent small items from accidentally falling into the sink drain.

How to Do It:

  • Purchase a drain strainer that fits your sink.
  • Place it over the drain opening to catch items before they fall into the pipes.

2. Close the Drain Stopper

Why It’s Helpful: Closing the drain stopper when you’re handling small items like jewelry near the sink can prevent accidental drops.

When to Call a Professional

If you’re unable to retrieve the ring with these methods, it may be time to call in a professional. At East York Plumbing, we specialize in drain cleaning and repair and have the right tools and expertise to recover lost items from your plumbing system without causing damage.

Why Choose East York Plumbing?

At East York Plumbing, we provide expert plumbing services to both residential and commercial clients in East York, Scarborough, and Richmond Hill. Our licensed plumbers are experienced and equipped with the latest tools to handle all your plumbing needs efficiently and affordably.

East York Plumbing assists both residential and commercial clients with minor and emergency plumbing repairs.Our plumbing repair service is available to East York and Scarborough area, and we also offer 24/7 emergency repairs.
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East York Plumbing provides services in East York, Richmond Hill and Scarborough.
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