A Woman's Guide to Plumbing: What to do When You've Dropped Your Rings Down the Drain

So maybe this hasn't happened to everyone. Maybe some people are detail oriented and have one of those neat little ring holders above or near their sink. I don't and may never truly learn my lesson. Besides, those things can fall over leaving even the most prepared person in this awful situation, so nobody is truly safe from the age old tragedy of losing a ring (possible your engagement or wedding band!) down the drain. The feeling you get when this happens is something like your soul being sucked in to the drain right along with your precious stones. Since the majority of my attachment to the ring has more to do with its meaning or sentimental value than the actual price of the piece, losing it only makes me feel worse. Then the second wave of dread hits you. Now you have to explain to your honey that the token he spent a gazillion man-hours busting his butt to buy, you know the one that symbolizes your never-ending and undying eternal love for one another, is gone. Forever. Never to be seen again. You're not a plumber, you're not even sure exactly where that pipe leads and your definitely not looking forward to your journey to the center of the earth after it. Fortunately, there is a way!

About a year ago, this happened to me. The two rings pictured are a promise ring and an anniversary gift from my boyfriend of then six and a half years. I wear these two rings every day regardless of my outfit and I have the tan lines to prove it. I remember that fateful day like it was yesterday. I had placed the rings by the sink, like I always do to take a shower. When I went to put them on a little while later, the anniversary gift ring jumped straight out of my hand and into the air. Despite my desperate attempts, the millions of years of evolution which had afforded me 8 fingers and 2 opposable thumbs failed me in that instant and I watched in slow motion horror as the ring fell straight into the drain. Nothing but net.

After what seemed like a huge period of time filled with panicking over how I could possibly tell the love of my life what I'd done, I resolved to get my ring back. Enter me with my superwoman cape. The great thing about most sinks, whether in the kitchen or bathroom is that the pipes under the sink are very curved and usually form a "U" shape, at the bottom of which sits your prized possession.

To get into this cave of wonders, you can use one of two tools: a wrench (a big one) or a piece of grippy mat. You know, those things you put down in your cabinets or silverware drawers to keep things from sliding around. In place of a grippy mat, sometimes a towel or washcloth and a really strong grip will work. You need to unscrew the two ridged bits on either side of the lowest point, where your ring sits. Remember, lefty loosey. This will take muscle. I used a grippy mat and my pipes were plastic, but those suckers were locked in tight and it took a good bit of yelling and cursing to get my pipes open. However, when I was finally able to remove the section with my ring in it and fish my jewel out (be prepared, that part can be pretty ugly) I felt like the most accomplished woman on Earth.

Reassemble the piping with a righty-tighty motion, and voila. You have officially saved yourself from an aneurysm and added a year your life by avoiding the gut-wrenching stress that goes along with losing a valuable. Hopefully, I was able to help avoid a sinking feeling (I love a good pun) and a very awkward dinner conversation with the hubby. Good luck in your ventures!