If you’ve ever heard a suspicious “clink” while cleaning up after snack time, you know the dread of realizing something important—a ring, a toy, or heaven forbid, your house key—just went down the sink. It happens more than you’d think. In fact, I’ve fished out everything from plastic dinosaurs to retainer cases in my own house. The good news? You don’t have to panic—or call for residential plumbing services just yet—every single time. Here are some practical, I’ve-been-there steps to save the day and (hopefully) avoid a flood.
Step One: Don’t Run More Water!
First thing: freeze! Tell the kids, your spouse, the cat—everybody—don’t turn that faucet on. Extra water can send that lost item straight past the trap and into the great plumbing unknown. If you act quickly, there’s a good chance whatever dropped in is still within reach.
Step Two: Use Your Eyes and a Flashlight First
Depending on your sink and the size of the item, you might be able to see what’s blocking the drain. Shine a flashlight down and check if you can spot it. Sometimes, a pair of kitchen tongs, tweezers, or even those long, bendy “grabber” tools can snag the culprit without much fuss.
If you’re wary about scratching or damaging your pipes, wrap a bit of tape around the ends of your tongs. It’s not high-tech, but it protects both the lost item and your sink. Bob Vila’s site has a quick guide for rescuing small objects from drains using household tools.
Step Three: Try the Plumber’s Trick—Check the P-Trap
If the item can’t be seen or grabbed, it may be sitting in the bend of the pipe just under the sink (the “P-trap”). Grab a bucket, a wrench (or big pliers), and an old towel. Place the bucket under the P-trap to catch any water or gunk. Then, gently loosen the slip nuts that hold the trap together and remove it. In most cases, the lost item will plop right out. (Fair warning: there may be gunk. That’s just part of life.)
Quick side note: Remember to screw the trap back on tightly and check for leaks. Family Handyman offers an easy step-by-step on P-trap removal—super visual and beginner-friendly.
What If You Still Can’t Find It?
Sometimes the toy (or ring or Lego head) gets swept past the P-trap—and trying to go deeper into your home’s plumbing is usually best left to the pros. At this point, don’t reach for harsh chemicals or do kitchen-sink acrobatics with coat hangers. That’s when calling local residential plumbing services is your safest move—plumbers have the tools and know-how to recover the item without risking a bigger problem.
Teach the Kids (And Yourself!)—A Little Prevention Goes Far
Next time, try keeping a drain strainer in the sink—cheap, easy, and a total lifesaver when it comes to rings and playthings. And hey, if your kids are curious types (aren’t they all?), give them a gentle demo of what not to do.
Dropping stuff down the drain is a rite of passage in every lively household. With a calm approach and a little know-how, you’ll usually be able to save the day—and maybe find a few forgotten treasures along the way.
