What to do if Your Ring Falls Down the Drain

Wedding are bells are ringing — but then stop once your ring falls down the drain. Remain calm, though, since this happens more frequently than you think. If you’re up for the challenge, there is a way that you can retrieve your ring yourself — and here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Shut the Water Off

When your ring falls down the drain and the water is still running at full speed — shut it off immediately! By turning the water off, you’ll not only stop the ring in its tracks, but you’ll also be saving yourself the heartache of it traveling even further out of your reach.

Step 2: Locate the P-trap

Next, head under the sink with the following tools: a small bucket/bowl and a set of tongue and groove pliers. Once these tools are collected and you’re under the sink, you’ll need to locate the P-trap — which is the curved part of the pipe that connects the vertical drain pipe to the water source in the wall.

Step 3: Remove the P-trap

Before removing this essential piece, place the small bucket/bowl under the P-trap — since water and debris from the pipe are bound to fall out immediately (with your ring, too). Once this is complete, start removing the actual P-trap by unscrewing the bolts on either end just a tad bit, where you can remove it, and then remove the P-trap. After that’s complete, you’ll notice that the remnants will fall into the bucket and your ring will be there, too!

Step 4: Clean Your Ring

With a pair of pliers, while wearing a rubber glove, remove your ring from the debris in the bucket and then clean/disinfect it. Once it dries, you’ll have your precious ring back in no time!