How to Get a Diamond Out of a Drain

The plumbing trap beneath your sink holds water to prevent sewer gases from coming into your house. The trap, also known as a p-trap, uses gravity to hold the water in place. Gravity also works to hold dropped valuables, such as a diamond from a ring, in the trap. Fortunately, it only takes a few minutes to retrieve a lost item from the drain.

Instructions

1

Shut the water off immediately. The diamond is less likely to wash away when there is no water flowing through the pipes.

2

Locate the p-trap beneath your sink. The p-trap resembles a goose neck.

3

Place a bucket under the trap to collect water and debris. It's necessary for the trap to hold water; the bucket will prevent this water from pouring on you while you're under the sink.

4

Loosen the slip nuts on the trap using a pair of slip joint pliers. Once loosened, you will be able to finish unscrewing them by hand. Slide the slip nuts away to remove the p-trap.

5

Dump the water and debris into the bucket. Clean the trap with the small wire brush to remove any remaining sludge. Look for the diamond in the bucket.

6

Replace the trap in the reverse order in which you took it off. Call a plumber if you aren't able to find the diamond. A plumber can run a camera through the pipes.