Few situations can be more stressful than losing a beloved necklace or earring down a sink or bathtub drain. While a plumber can help with this issue, there are also some tricks you can try. Here are a few simple recovery methods to save your jewelry.

How Can You Recover Jewelry That's Fallen Into a Drain?

1. Access the Interior of the Drain

If the earring or ring consists of gold or silver plating over steel, try retrieving it with a telescopic pickup tool. These products fit down most drains, but you can also tie a small magnet to a string. If the accessory is made of pure metal, bend a pipe cleaner or wire into a hook shape and snake it down the drain. It might take a few tries, but you should be able to get the item if it hasn't been pushed further into your plumbing.

2. Dismantle the P-Trap

The P-trap gets its name from its shape, which looks like an upside-down P. When small objects fall into a sink, they often stay in this component, so dismantle it for a closer look at the drain.

Start by turning off the water and placing a bucket under the sink. You should see two nuts on either side of the P-trap. Loosen them and pull the curved part of the pipe away from the sink. Turn it over the bucket to see if anything falls out. If no item appears, check the interior of the tube before replacing it.

3. Make Use Suction

A bathtub or shower drain poses more of a challenge since you'll be unable to access and dismantle the P-trap. The first step is to remove the drain cover, which often has small screws keeping them in place. Once it is removed, shine a flashlight into the drain. Bring out a vacuum if you can't see the jewelry and know the item won't be attracted to a magnet. Place the thinnest hose attachment into the drain as far as it will go. Make sure the device is on the wet setting and turn it on. Leave it running as you remove the hose while holding it upright, then turn it off and check its container to see if your jewelry is there. 

If you're still struggling to recover the jewelry in your drain and need the help of a plumber, contact Kauai Maintenance & Construction in Kalaheo, HI. They have assisted local homeowners with plumbing issues since 1986. In addition to repairs and maintenance, they install new pipes and fixtures, including sinks and toilets. Their team is also available 24/7 to help you deal with urgent problems. Visit the website to learn more about their services, or call (808) 635-5040 to speak with a plumber today.