Accidentally dropping your wedding ring down the drain can be a nerve-wracking experience. For many, the idea of losing such a sentimental item—and potentially spending hundreds on plumbing services with no guarantees—adds to the anxiety.

Fortunately, there are effective methods to recover your ring on your own. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process based on advice from John The Plumber, a trusted expert serving homeowners .

What You’ll Need to Retrieve Your Ring

To recover your ring from the drain, gather these supplies: 

1. A bucket
2. A rag
3. A wrench (if necessary)
4. Gloves (optional for cleanliness)
5. A Shop-Vac or wet/dry vacuum

How to Retrieve a Ring From a Sink Drain

If your ring has fallen into a sink drain, the first step is to shut off the water immediately. Avoid running water, as it could flush the ring further into the plumbing system or completely out of reach.

To retrieve the ring: 

1. Turn off the water supply to prevent any movement in the pipes.
2. Place a bucket beneath the P-trap (the curved pipe section under the sink).
3. Unscrew both sides of the P-trap carefully using your hands or wrench.
4. Check inside the P-trap and retrieve your ring.
5. Reassemble the trap securely by screwing it back into place.
6. Turn the water back on, and test for leaks by running water—confirm that no water drips into the bucket underneath.

How to Retrieve a Ring From a Shower Drain

Shower drains can be more complicated due to limited access to the P-trap. Since most shower setups lack direct reach to this curved pipe, start by removing the shower drain strainer or cover.

1. Use a Shop-Vac set to vacuum liquids and insert its hose into the drain opening. Turn it on, and attempt to suck out your ring.
2. If unsuccessful, you may need to locate the P-trap under the shower by accessing it through walls or ceilings.
3. As with sink drains, unscrew and inspect the P-trap for your ring.
4. However, unless you use a drain camera to confirm its location, you risk damaging walls without knowing if the ring is actually in the trap.

By following these steps, you can often recover your ring with minimal damage and avoid costly plumbing work.