Most parents of young children know that when they notice the home has become too quiet, usually, that silence indicates someone, somewhere, with small hands has or is doing something they shouldn’t be.

So, if you’re a parent and you find that your child has flushed a toy down the toilet – don’t panic just yet.

Follow these tips for dealing with a toy flushed in a toilet.

What Happens If a Toy Gets Flushed Down the Toilet?

The worst-case scenario: It can cause a major clog in your toilet or sewer line, and if not taken care of properly, can damage your toilet or plumbing. The more likely outcome: It may temporarily clog your toilet, and possibly a few tears from the small culprit nearby.

The important part is to act quickly and with the right tools to remove the toy!

How to Get a Toy Out of the Toilet

Fortunately, most cases of a toilet clogged with a toy can be resolved on your own.

However, this isn’t your usual clog. Using tried and true toilet unclogging methods can make the situation worse. Why? Because you’re not trying to break up a clog, you’re trying to remove the item causing it.

To prevent any damage to your toilet or plumbing, follow these tips for properly removing a toy stuck in the toilet.

If the Toilet Is Overflowing

If your toilet is overflowing due to the toy being stuck, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the water at the nearest valve. Most toilet water valves are located on the wall behind the toilet.
  2. If you’re unable to turn or locate the valve, remove the tank lid and lift the float inside the tank. This will stop water from filling into the tank and bowl. If you can, rig the float to stay in that position before proceeding.
  3. If you can’t stop your toilet from overflowing, call your local Benjamin Franklin plumber.
  4. Put on a pair of gloves.
  5. Clean up any water that has overflowed to prevent water damage or mold growth. Place towels around the base of the toilet to collect any additional water.
  6. Use a cup to remove some water from the bowl and put it in a bucket or down the shower or tub drain. Then, try to dislodge the toy with the following steps:

Related Content: What to Do When Your Toilet Is Overflowing

Removing a Stuck Toy in a Toilet

Here’s how to unclog a toilet with a toy in it:

  1. Put on a pair of gloves.
  2. If you can see the toy, reach down the drain to retrieve or loosen it.
  3. If the toy isn’t visible, but further down the drain, use a flange plunger if you have one to loosen and remove the toy. This type of plunger has a smaller cup and a curved flap below the lip. This helps create a good seal inside the drain and therefore creates enough force to remove an item stuck inside it.
  4. The next option is to try using a drain snake with a hook or circle at the bottom. This type of drain snake is intended to retrieve items, not break up clogs. Another option is to use a bent wire hook to dislodge the toy from the drain.
  5. Once the toy is removed, test to see that the toilet is working properly and there’s no damage or leaks. Complete a few test flushes using toilet paper, making sure there are no clogs, overflowing water, or strange noises.

Watch Out for Signs of a Serious Clog

Initially, it may be hard to tell whether the toy stuck in the toilet is retrievable, or if the damage requires professional attention.

For the latter, watch out for these signs of a more serious clog:

  • Loud gurgling noises coming from the toilet.
  • Leaking around the base of the toilet.
  • Consistently low water levels.
  • Sewage smells coming from the drains.

If you’re unable to retrieve the toy and you notice these signs of a serious clog, call your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for emergency toilet services.

Preventing Future Toy in the Toilet Mishaps

Accidents happen, especially with kids around the home! However, the best way to prevent the issue from happening again is with the right preventative methods.

  • Put a child lock on the toilet.
  • Keep the bathroom door closed.
  • Place a baby gate in the bathroom doorway.
  • Teach your kids about what can and can’t go down the toilet.
  • Keep the toilet lid down if you find the issue is that a dog or cat puts toys in the toilet.

If the issue isn’t just a toy in the toilet, but a frequent problem with your toilet itself …

Related Content: 5 Signs You Need a New Toilet

Get Your Toys Out of the Toilet and Back in the Toybox with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Whether that toy just won’t come out – or your toilet is still giving you trouble, your local Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can help! Our licensed plumbers are available 24/7 to provide quick, reliable toilet services. Call us at 1-877-BEN-1776 or book an appointment online.