Retrieving Something Precious May Require A San Jose Plumber
It happened in a fraction of a second, and you can still see the scene replay in your head. Thanks to slick soap or just a moment of inattention, something fell out of your hand and went right down the drain. Are you doomed to have to call a plumber to fix this issue? Actually, getting it out could be easier than you think! Here are some steps to take:
The Steps
In most instances, the item falls into the p-trap, which is the u-bend shape in the pipe under the sink. Its main purpose is to trap sewer gasses and keep them from entering the home, but the added benefit is that it also catches lost treasure. To get the piece out, you need to:
- Clear the area under the sink.
- Turn off the water shutoff valves under the sink.
- Loosen the nut attaching the p-trap to the pipes. If they are plastic, you shouldn’t need a wrench. Be careful not to damage the nuts, or you may require professional plumbing repair.
- Place a small bucket under the trap.
- Remove the trap, and keep it upright until it is over the bucket. Then dump the contents into the bucket and find your lost item.
- Reassemble the trap, tighten the nuts, and turn the water on.
Although this process is often successful, sometimes the nuts are difficult to loosen, the p-trap is not accessible, or for some reason the object has been carried further down the pipe and into the drain line. In these situations, turn off the water to keep your item from being washed away, and then call a plumber.
Emergency Plumber Knows Pipe Disassembly and Reassembly
Allstar Plumbing can address all your plumbing needs, from jewelry rescue to rooter services. We offer fast, professional services and pride ourselves on excellent customer satisfaction. Give us a call at (408) 282-7020 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
