What to Do When You Drop Something Down the Drain

It happens in an instant. One moment, you’re brushing your teeth or doing the dishes, and the next, you hear the clink of something falling down the drain. Whether it’s a ring, an earring, or a small screw, losing an item this way can be very frustrating. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ve helped plenty of people recover their belongings from their pipes, and you can often do the same with the right steps. This guide will show you exactly what to do to get your lost item back safely.

Shut Off the Water Immediately

When something falls into the drain, the first and most important thing you can do is stop the water from running. The last thing you want is for your item to be swept further into the pipes. If you’ve dropped something like an earring, small screw, or contact lens, even a little bit of water can be enough to make the retrieval process trickier. Every second counts, so turn off the faucet right away. If your sink has a stopper, close it as quickly as possible to prevent anything else from falling or being washed down while you figure out your next move.

Look Inside the Drain

Before grabbing tools, take a moment to inspect the drain. In some cases, the item might be just within reach. Remove any visible drain stoppers or plugs, and use a flashlight to peer inside. The curved shape of the P-trap below the sink will usually keep objects from traveling far, so there’s a good chance your item is still close. If you can see the object but can’t quite reach it, don’t panic. Household tools like needle-nose pliers, tweezers, or a bent wire hanger can help you fish it out. For smaller objects, try a suction tool like a wet/dry vacuum with a nozzle attachment; this can sometimes suck out items that are stuck in the upper portion of the pipe. Be gentle to avoid accidentally pushing the object deeper into the drain. If you don’t see the item, don’t lose hope. It may still be lodged in the P-trap or another section of the pipe.

Remove and Inspect the P-Trap

If you can’t retrieve the object by hand or with tools, the next step is to access the P-trap. The P-trap is the curved section of pipe directly beneath the sink, and it’s specifically designed to trap debris to prevent it from going further into the plumbing system. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest parts of your plumbing to remove and inspect. Before you start, gather a few basic tools. You’ll need an adjustable wrench or pliers, a flashlight, and a bucket or bowl to catch any water or debris. Place the bucket directly under the P-trap to prevent a mess when you disconnect it. Using your wrench or pliers, loosen the slip nuts on either side of the P-trap. Once loosened, you can unscrew the nuts by hand and carefully remove the trap. Be prepared for some water to spill out. It’s completely normal. Once the P-trap is removed, pour its contents into the bucket and check for your lost item.

Clean and Search the P-Trap

After removing the P-trap, inspect it thoroughly. Often, the lost item will be sitting in the curve of the pipe. Small objects like rings or earrings tend to get caught here. If the item isn’t immediately visible, shine your flashlight into the pipe to check for hidden crevices or obstructions. While you’ve got the P-trap removed, this is a great opportunity to give it a quick cleaning. Over time, the P-trap collects hair, soap scum, food particles, and other debris, which can lead to slow drains or clogs. Use a bottle brush or similar tool to scrub away any buildup before reassembling the trap. If you don’t find the item in the P-trap, it may have traveled further into the plumbing. At this stage, calling a professional plumber is the best course of action. They have the tools and experience to locate and retrieve lost objects from deeper into the system without causing any damage.

What If the Object Isn’t There?

If you’ve checked the P-trap and your item is still missing, it’s time to bring in the pros. Professional plumbers have access to specialized equipment like drain cameras, which can locate objects that have traveled deeper into the pipes. Attempting to remove deeper sections of piping on your own can lead to leaks or damage, which might require an extensive broken or clogged drain line repair in Westlake. When in doubt, it’s always better to rely on a plumbing repair service to handle the job safely and efficiently.

Do You Need an Item Removal or Drain Cleaning Service?

If your DIY efforts don’t pan out or you’d rather not risk taking apart your plumbing, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help. We specialize in drain cleaning, clogged drain line repair, and all types of repair services. Whether you’re dealing with a lost item, a persistent clog, or an unexpected leak, we can handle the problem quickly. No matter the challenge, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Call our team to schedule an appointment for your inspection or plumbing repair service.