Your toilet’s clogged, and your child’s favorite new toy has also gone missing? Well, that’s surely a recipe for disaster. Having little kids around the house means this will happen, if not often, then at least once or twice until they grow up. In this article, we will walk you through getting a toy out of your toilet and how to prevent your child from throwing it in the first place.
Getting a toy out of the toilet is a step-by-step process. Use a plunger or your hands to get a toy stuck inside the toilet. You need to start by removing the water from the toilet and then try using an auger or a hooked object to take the toy out. Be wary that an object stuck inside the toilet can damage the plumbing system.
First, don’t panic. If you have little kids in the house, the toilet is always an intriguing place for them. They are more than likely to venture into the bathroom and throw things down the toilet. Since you can expect this to be a regular occurrence, you should know exactly what to do and have the tools to do it on hand.
How to Remove a Toy Stuck Inside Your Toilet
Follow the steps listed out below to safely remove a toy from the toilet without damaging your plumbing system:
1. Remove water from the toilet bowl
Use a cup or milk carton to remove water from the toilet bowl. This step will allow you to have good visibility to decide if it can be removed by hand.
2. Use gloves to pull the toy out
Whether you can wear gloves and remove the toy by hand will depend on the size and type of the toy. Usually, a smaller toy doesn’t get stuck in the drain and can be taken out by hand. However, we understand that the idea may be a little uncomfortable for some, which brings us to our next options.
3. Fish the toy out with a hook
Ever used a bent coat hanger for fishing out a barbie doll? The idea sounds absurd and a little funny, but it’s worth trying. Any hooked object or even a real fishing hook can do the job.
4. Plunge it out
If the toy in question is not visible, it’s time to take the plunger out. You need to be careful with this method because you might lose the toy forever. Worse, you can plunge too hard, damage the toilet, and cause an overflow of stuff you don’t want to see on your bathroom floor.
5. Try a Drain Cleaner
Your toy’s kid might be stuck with another clog in the drain. Buying a chemical drain cleaner and using it can do the trick. These cleaners are usually bad for your plumbing system, but they can be used sparingly in situations such as these to unclog the toilet.
6. Use an auger or a snake
If the toy is lodged deep inside the toilet, it might be worth a trip to the hardware store to get a snake or an auger. Insert one end of the auger or snake into the toilet and start twisting. If you feel that something is stuck on the other end, you need to gradually pull it out. You’ll retrieve that lost toy in no time.
7. Call a professional
If all else fails and you have no way of getting that toy out, it’s time to call a plumber and let him do his job. He’ll have all the necessary tools to get the toy out without damaging your plumbing system.
Signs that a Toy is Stuck In Your Toilet
The first sign is your toddler telling you they chuck a toy down the toilet. However, they won’t tell you and simply cry for that toy more often than not. Other signs include:
- Overflow of water from your toilet
- A raw and foul smell of sewage originating from the toilet
- Weird sounds like gurgling from the toilet
How to Prevent Your Kid from Throwing Things Down The Toilet
Of course, prevention is better than cure. In this case, the best way is to simply prevent your kid from throwing anything in the toilet in the first place. Here are a few ways you can stop them from clogging up the toilet with their toys:
1. Have a conversation with them
We feel this works best; talk to them and explain what happens when they throw things in the toilet. Explain that not only does it damage the toilet, but they can also end up losing their favorite toy forever.
2. Install a lid lock
Lid locks are all the rage for toilets nowadays. A simple one bought online for $20 can save you all the hassle of getting a toy stuck in the toilet. You can simply unlock the toilet for your child if they need to use it for real. Otherwise, it can remain locked and out of their access.
3. Use a reward system.
Reward systems like star charts work great when trying to teach your kids new habits or get them to do things the right way. Give them a star or a small reward every time the toilet is flushed properly, and there is no toy thrown in there.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can cause a toilet auger to not work?
Cable rotation allows the snake to pick up the clogs or debris. The thumbscrew on the auger needs to be tight and firm for the cable to rotate properly. If the thumbscrew is loose, the auger will not work. So, if it’s not rotating properly, the auger won’t work.
2. What chemical can unclog a toilet?
Use a combination of baking soda and vinegar to unclog a toilet. The mixture is supposed to fizz and create a chemical reaction that usually unclogs your toilet easily.
3. Can dish soap unclog a toilet?
Dish soap can mix with the water in the toilet and help unclog the toilet by dislodging the debris.
Final Thoughts
Getting things out of the toilet can be a challenging and unpleasant experience. However, as parents or even grandparents, you’re bound to come across a situation like this. It’s best to have the necessary tools to get the job done. However, if you feel like you will damage your plumbing system, your best option is to call a professional. We hope that this article helps you easily get a toy out of the toilet.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.