Don't Call a Plumber
Retrieving Items That Have Fallen Down the Drain
Step One: What You Need
You should be able to retrieve some items using a lighted screwdriver with an extending magnetic end. However, if your jewelry is made of precious metal, you may also need a pair of 8-inch slip joint pliers, some sealant tape and a bucket.
You should be able to retrieve some items using a lighted screwdriver with an extending magnetic end. However, if your jewelry is made of precious metal, you may also need a pair of 8-inch slip joint pliers, some sealant tape and a bucket. 
Step Two: Before You BeginOnce you realize you’ve dropped something down the drain, do not run the water. Instead, turn off the water using the valves under the sink.
Step Three: The Easy Grab for Magnetic Metals
Remove the drain stop or pop-up stopper in the sink. For costume jewelry or other small metal objects, extend the magnet on the lighted screwdriver into the drain until it hits the bottom of the trap.
Remove the drain stop or pop-up stopper in the sink. For costume jewelry or other small metal objects, extend the magnet on the lighted screwdriver into the drain until it hits the bottom of the trap. 
Then, move the magnet back and forth, until you feel the lost item attach to the magnet. Next, slowly retract the screwdriver and your lost object. Step Four: Plumbing for Non-Magnetic Objects
For fine jewelry or other nonmagnetic items, place a bucket underneath the sink below the u-shaped curve where the pipe trap is.
For fine jewelry or other nonmagnetic items, place a bucket underneath the sink below the u-shaped curve where the pipe trap is. 
Next, use pliers or a wrench to loosen the large nuts on either side of the trap. Once those nuts are loose, remove them by hand.
Then pull the trap off the pipe. It may be dirty, but your item, along with a little water, should spill right out into the bucket. Home Improvement Tips From Barbara K
Get ideas and advice that can improve your home. Check out more from AOL How-To Coach Barbara K, plus get additional tips and information on improving your quality of life from all of our AOL Coaches.
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Step Five: Putting It All Back Together
Replace the trap and tighten the nuts, without over-tightening. Now adjust the valves underneath the sink to turn the water back on. Finally, turn both faucets on and check underneath the sink for leaks at the trap.
Replace the trap and tighten the nuts, without over-tightening. Now adjust the valves underneath the sink to turn the water back on. Finally, turn both faucets on and check underneath the sink for leaks at the trap. Extra Hint:
To Test for Leaks
Run the faucet to check for leaks underneath the sink. If you find one, first try tightening the nuts a bit. If that still does not work, you will need to turn off the water valves again, empty out the pipes, unscrew the nuts, wrap some sealant tape around the leaking part of the pipe and reassemble.
