Imagine the surprise of discovering a toy stuck in your toilet. It is a situation that many of us might face at some point. In such a situation, we might wonder, “How to get a toy out of the toilet?”
While there are several methods to take a toy or object out of the toilet, I don’t recommend all of them. In my opinion, you can remove a toy from the toilet either with your hands (when it is visible and reachable) or use a drain auger to pull it out (when the toy gets deeper into the toilet or is simply not reachable with your hands).
Don’t worry, I will dig deeper into these 2 methods of removing a toy from a toilet to ensure that your bathroom remains functional and pleasant.
Signs A Toy Is Stuck In Your Toilet
If you suspect that a toy might be stuck in your toilet, there are several signs to look out for. Keep in mind that these signs could also indicate other plumbing issues. So, you should investigate further if you notice any of the following signs.
- Visible Blockage: In some cases, you might be able to see a part of the toy stuck in the toilet drain. This is a clear sign that there’s an obstruction.
- Slow Draining: If water is draining slowly from your toilet bowl after flushing, it could be a sign that there is an obstruction. Perhaps, a toy is partially blocking the drain.
- Gurgling Noises: Unusual gurgling or bubbling noises coming from your toilet when you flush or use water in nearby fixtures can suggest that air is trapped due to an obstruction.
- Water Backing Up: If water starts to back up in the toilet bowl when you flush, it is a strong indication that there is a blockage in your plumbing system.
- Water Level Changes: If the water level in your toilet bowl is higher or lower than usual after flushing, it might be due to an obstruction interfering with the normal water flow.
- Repeated Overflow: If your toilet consistently overflows or water pools around the base after flushing, there could be a blockage deep within the plumbing.
- Frequent Clogs: If your toilet is consistently clogged even after normal use and plunging, there might be something obstructing the drain.
- Unusual Flushing Behavior: If the flushing behavior of your toilet changes, it could be due to an obstruction affecting the water flow. In such cases, you will notice weak flushing or incomplete flushing.
- Foul Odors: A stuck object in the toilet drain can trap sewage and waste. As a result, foul smells will emanate from the toilet or other drains.
How To Get A Toy Out Of The Toilet: The Correct Methods
If a toy you have flushed stays in your pipes for a while, it is more likely to build up a clog and harm your toilet. But don’t worry if this happens. You can quickly remove a toy or an object from your toilet by following any of these methods.
Take The Toy Out Of The Toilet With Your Hands
Removing a toy from a toilet with your hands can be a bit unpleasant. But if the toy is within easy reach and you are comfortable doing so, you can follow these steps:
● Gather Supplies
Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands and maintain hygiene. Also, you might want to have a plastic bag or a container ready to place the toy in once you retrieve it.
● Turn Off The Water Supply
Locate the water supply valve behind or near the toilet and turn it off. This prevents accidental flushing while you’re working.
● Assess The Situation
First, carefully look into the toilet bowl. After that, assess the position and location of the toy. Make sure you can easily reach it with your hands.
● Retrieve The Toy
With your gloves on, reach into the toilet bowl and grasp the toy. Once you grab the toy, gently pull it out. Just be cautious not to push it further down the drain.
● Place The Toy In A Bag Or Container
Once you have successfully retrieved the toy, place it in a plastic bag or container. This is important for hygiene. In addition, it prevents any water or mess from getting onto your hands or the surrounding area.
● Dispose Of The Toy
Put the toy in a trash can. If it is still in good condition, you might be able to clean and sanitize it for future use. However, it is still not recommended since it is unhygienic for your child.
● Turn On The Water Supply
After you have removed the toy and cleaned it up, you can turn the water supply back on.
● Flush And Check
Before using the toilet again, flush to make sure the water flows smoothly without any issues. This will confirm that the toy hasn’t caused any further blockages.
● Wash Your Hands
After completing the process, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. It is very important to maintain cleanliness.
Take The Toy Out Of The Toilet Using A Drain Auger
A drain auger is also known as a plumber’s snake. Using it can be an effective way to retrieve a toy stuck in a toilet if it is not easily reachable.
Here is a step-by-step process to guide you:
● Gather Supplies
Make sure you have a drain auger on hand. You can find these at hardware stores or online. Additionally, wearing rubber gloves is a good idea to maintain hygiene.
● Turn Off The Water Supply
Just like before, turn off the water supply valve, which is located near the toilet. This precaution will prevent accidental flushing while you work.
● Extend The Auger
Extend the auger’s cable by rotating the handle on the auger’s drum. Extend enough cable to reach the blockage in the toilet’s drain.
● Insert The Auger
The auger’s cable is designed to navigate through bends and obstacles in the plumbing. So, carefully insert the tip of the auger into the toilet bowl’s drain opening. Then, gently guide it down the drain while turning the handle.
● Locate And Engage The Toy
As you navigate the auger down the drain, you should feel resistance or contact with the toy. Slowly turn the handle to engage the toy and hook it with the auger’s tip.
● Retrieve The Toy
Once the toy is securely hooked, gently pull the auger back while continuing to turn the handle. The toy should come out with the auger’s cable.
● Clean Up And Reassemble
After successfully removing the toy, clean up the area around the toilet. If you removed any components to access the toilet’s drain, make sure to reassemble them properly.
In addition, clean and sanitize the toy if it is in good condition. Otherwise, throw it away.
● Repetitive Steps
If you have followed and applied all the steps until now, then turn off the water supply line and wash your hands as you did in the previous method. Don’t forget to check whether the water flows smoothly while flushing.
Things to Avoid When a Toy Is Stuck In Toilet
When dealing with a stuck toy in a toilet, there are certain actions you should avoid. Doing so will prevent further damage to your plumbing system. When removing a toy or an object from your toilet, don’t do the following things.
- Avoid flushing the toilet in an attempt to dislodge the toy. Flushing might push the toy further into the plumbing. Thus, it will be more difficult to retrieve.
- Do not use sharp or hard objects to try to push or break apart the toy. This can scratch or damage the toilet bowl and pipes. Further, this will lead to leaks or other major issues.
- Avoid using chemicals like drain cleaners to dissolve the toy. Usually, these chemicals are not effective in retrieving a toy or object from the toilet. Rather, they are harmful to your plumbing system.
- Don’t use tools that aren’t meant for plumbing purposes. Inserting random objects or tools down the toilet can worsen the situation.
- Avoid forcing the toy with excessive pressure or strength. Applying too much force can damage the toilet’s porcelain, seals, or pipes.
- Don’t disassemble the toilet unless you have experience with plumbing and know what you are doing. Incorrectly reassembling toilet components can lead to leaks and other problems.
- There are high-pressure hoses or devices meant for unclogging drains. However, avoid using them to remove a toy from the toilet if you don’t have proper knowledge and training.
- Ignoring a stuck toy can lead to more serious plumbing problems over time. So, it is best to address the issue as soon as possible.
- Avoid applying improper DIY methods you find online. Some of these methods might cause more harm than good.
- If you have tried the above methods and are unable to recover the toy, do not delay in seeking professional help. A plumber has the skills and tools to handle the situation properly.
Bottom Line
So, next time you find a toy stuck in the toilet, remember the straightforward steps of how to get a toy out of the toilet. Acting calmly, using the right tools, and seeking help when needed can save you from plumbing troubles. Ultimately, this will keep your toilet running smoothly.