Many of us have faced a frightening situation where something of immense value fell down the sink drain. It could be anything like a valuable earring or your wedding ring. You quickly reacted and tried to save it before it sunk, but your reflexes were not quick enough.
If you indeed find yourself facing such a situation again, do not panic as there are ways you can retrieve the item. The first thing that you need to do is turn off the water at the earliest. If the water is running while you are trying to retrieve your item, things can get quite challenging.
Ways to get back the item
The first thought that comes to one’s mind when something falls down the drain is that they have lost it forever. However, this is far from the truth as some techniques can help you out in this situation.
Using a magnet
If the item is metal, perhaps a simple magnet is all you need to get it back. Attach a small magnet to a flexible rod. You can then lower the magnet into the drain and pull it back up slowly. It is crucial to be slow and careful, so the item stays attached. If the magnet you are using does not do the trick, you can try again with a stronger magnet.
Keep in mind that this method will only work if the item is made of metal. You will need to resort to other methods if it is gold or silver.
Using the right tool
You might want to get your hands on some tools that can help you in dealing with such situations. Such devices are not really expensive and are readily available at hardware stores. You can use them to retrieve a small item with ease. For instance, you can get a long flexible rod that has spring-loaded prongs attached to it at the end. This tool can easily be used to grab items.
The only problem you might face is that it gets difficult to determine when the tool has reached the item. You can try shining a flashlight down the drain for some help.
Get professional help
When you have lost all hope, there is one option that can make things work in your favor, and that is getting professional help to get what you have lost. The P-trap, which is the pipe beneath your sink, has to be removed, and the contents inside can then be emptied. You can try it yourself as well but things can get quite messy which is why it is advisable to get the assistance of a professional as this will increase your chances of finding back the object.
Contact Ford’s Plumbing and Heating today for assistance. We will make sure that your valuable item is retrieved amidst all the debris that often collects in the P-trap.
Final words
It is always better to take preventative measures rather than having to deal with the repercussions. Therefore, if you want to ensure that you do not have to put in effort and money in locating something that falls down the drain, you can consider installing a drain guard that will make things easier. It will function as a filter and reduce the risk of losing valuables.
When everything fails, contacting the right people can change things for the better. If you are not sure that you can handle the matter on your own, hire professionals who will get the job done effectively.
