Dropped a screw removal tool down drain.

Ryde41

Ryde41

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How do you get something out of a shower drain? I dropped a tool down the drain...now all I see is a dark hole and a little water, no tool. I need a high powered magnet. Any suggestions ...is the tool gone forever or will it stop things up later? I know I need to call a plumber but I was wondering if anyone had some advice before I tell my husband his twenty dollar drill bit just fell down the drain.....? help....



How do I get that thing out of there???
 
It should be in the trap straight down from the drain.
The trap is a "J" shaped piece of pipe...
 
Underneath the shower is a P-trap, which will prevent the bit from going further. If the shower is on the first floor the P-trap will be accessible from the basement (if you have a basement). If it's a glue-together trap it will have to be cut out and replaced.

You might have the right idea about using a magnet. Most places that sell tools sell a small magnet on the end of a thin telescoping rod. This would probably work to get it out too. Another alternative is a tool called "mechanical fingers" that you could try.

Either of these tools can be found at most auto parts stores.
 
Thanks. I'm thinking the magnet would have to be pretty high powered to pick up that fairly heavy drill bit. Where's a high powered magnet when you need one?..I could bend a hanger and tie it on the end ..but I have no magnet. I had a nickel plated shower drain and wanted to change it to the oil rubbed bronze. That cost 18 dollars. Then the screw broke. 20 dollars for screw remover (now in drain). A plumber will probably cost $150 dollars. SOO..my new drain cover will end up costing around $200.00. I need to go lie down....
 
Magnets on a telescoping rod are available at most any auto parts store and they don't cost very much. Handy gadgets to have around anyway. I'd sure try that before cutting the P trap out.
 
drill

If you have a shop vac with a small hose it will suck the water out, and maybe the drill bit also, but at least you would be able to see it. Then a piece of gum on a stick might retrieve it. There is little possibility that it went around the trap and into the drain pipe.
 
No, we're not newlyweds. We've been married 25 years. I have good news! I found a piece of magnetic stripping. I taped it to the end of a telephone cord. Then I manuevered it down the hole with a hanger...and a "higher power" blessed me with that 20 dollar drill bit! I'm so thrillled! I still have a broken off screw but now I can start all over. THANKS!
 
Just to see you smile
I'd do anything that you wanted me to
When all is said and done
I'd never count the cost
It's worth all that's lost
Just to see you smile


Tim McGraw
 
It may be even simpler. The bit should be right below the surface of the water in the trap. Find a kid, say 4 yrs old, with small hands. Remove the drain cover/grate. Put a glove on the kid, and have him/her reach in and grab it. Reinstall grate. Get kid an ice cream cone, or other favorite treat.
 
Great job!

I did almost this same thing installing my shower, I dropped the little brace you tighten up the Oatey no calk drain with right into the trap. I bought a tiny little horseshoe magnet in the science project drawer at blue box by all the screws (~$2). I tied some twine to it and dropped it in, worked great! Feels good to work around something like that.

Marty
 
You see, more marriages are broken up over crazy stuff like that ;)
I was a newlywed for 24 years and 11 months, happily so, cause he didn't know everything, :D
 
happy

Try 54 years and see if you are still a happy newlywed. But the reason it works for you is that you admit that he at least knows SOMETHING, even if not everything. My wife says her husband may know everything, but if he doesn't then the grandson fills in the gaps.
 
hj said:
Try 54 years and see if you are still a happy newlywed. But the reason it works for you is that you admit that he at least knows SOMETHING, even if not everything. My wife says her husband may know everything, but if he doesn't then the grandson fills in the gaps.
Click to expand...

WOW, 54 years! Here I thought you were a man in his 40's! You sound quite a bit younger, that is great. :)
 
Marty53 said:
Great job!

I did almost this same thing installing my shower, I dropped the little brace you tighten up the Oatey no calk drain with right into the trap. I bought a tiny little horseshoe magnet in the science project drawer at blue box by all the screws (~$2). I tied some twine to it and dropped it in, worked great! Feels good to work around something like that.

Marty
Click to expand...

I dropped the Oatey tool inside the drain. Used a refrigerator magnet, tied it with tooth floss, taped it a bit to hold the floss in place. Carefully inserted that into the drain and successfully got the tool out. Job was done in less than 5 minutes.
 
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