How do I get an earring out of the trap?? - Big Big Forums

redrig · 09-26-2008, 10:43 AM

Ok, this morning I was combing my hair and pulled my earrring out and before I could shut the drain, down it went. AND, when I tried to get the stopper out, I managed to break it. And I can't see the earing looking straight down into the drain.

Does anyone know how to go about removing the trap under the sink? Any advice you have would be most appreciated!

cpbaby · 09-26-2008, 10:50 AM

From the Roto-Rooter website:

How To Remove The Trap
Removing the sink trap is a simple process. You'll need a bucket, a pair of slip-joint pliers and a wire brush that's small enough to fit inside your drainpipe. Then follow these simple steps:

Clear out the area under the sink and place the bucket beneath the trap.

Use the pliers to loosen the slip nuts located on each side of the trap. Once the slip nuts are loose, unscrew them by hand and push them to the side.

As you loosen the trap, the water that is trapped inside will gush out. Let it run into the bucket, along with any debris that has accumulated.

Once all the water and debris are out of the trap, remove it and use the wire brush to clean it thoroughly. Rinse it with hot water to get rid of accumulated greasy material, but don't forget – you'll need to use another water source because you've disconnected the drain.

After the trap has been cleaned thoroughly, set it aside and inspect the slip nut washers. Do they look stiff or cut? If so, replace them. Doing so now will save you a leak later on.

Once you are satisfied that the slip nut washers are ready, add pipe joint compound to the surface of each washer, and fit the trap back into place, making sure it is seated properly on either end. Holding the trap steady with one hand, slide one of the slip nuts back into place and tighten it. Then, slide the second slip nut back into place and tighten it.

Use the pliers to make sure the slips nuts are snug, but don't over tighten.
Turn on the faucet and check for leaks. You may want to put a sheet or two of newspaper under the trap to help you spot drops of water.

If a leak appears, you may have tightened one of the slip nuts improperly. Loosen each slip nut and try tightening them again, making sure they are aligned properly. Pipe joint compound will be especially helpful in avoiding leaks. It can be purchased at plumbing supply stores for use on certain types of pipe to help form an effective seal.

When the trap is secure and no leaks are apparent, turn on the tap and see if the drain flows smoothly. In most cases, removing the accumulated grease and debris from the trap will solve your problem.

Knowing how to remove a sink drain trap can come in handy in another kind of emergency, as well. Sometimes, items such as rings can fall into the sink and go down the drain. To reclaim your valuables, simply remove the trap.

redrig · 09-26-2008, 11:02 AM

Thank you!!!

Mom2-3boys · 09-26-2008, 11:43 AM

Good luck I had to do that recently too and when I got the pipe off I about lost it....there was some gunk build up and OMG it stunk

cpbaby · 09-26-2008, 01:41 PM

Oh, yeah, its NASTY in there, but she asked how to get it out, NOT how will the pipe look....or smell........lol.....We had to replace the pipes in the wall behind our bathroom sink all the way to the main sewer line and OMG, they were so full of crap from the 60+ years of build up......my finger wouldnt fit in there.