If something falls into the toilet, do not flush. If you can still see the item and reach it safely, put on gloves and take it out; if it has already gone down, stop using that toilet and have it checked before it causes a clog.
Phones, toys, toothbrushes, jewelry and caps fall into toilets more often than people think. A quick, calm response can be the difference between a simple fix and a stubborn blockage. Small children are often curious about what happens when something is flushed.
If You Can Still See It
Leave the handle alone. A flush can pull the item into the toilet’s internal passage, where it is much harder to reach.
If the object is sitting in the bowl and you can grab it, wear rubber or disposable gloves and lift it out. Afterward, wash your hands well with soap and water and clean the item before using it again. For electronics, keep in mind that water damage is a separate concern from the toilet.
If It Has Already Gone Down
Once an item passes out of sight, it may be stuck inside the toilet, farther along the drain, or it may have passed through. You often cannot tell which without a closer look.
Stop using that toilet if you can. Each flush may push the object deeper or catch waste and paper on it, which can build into a clog. If the bowl drains normally for now, that does not prove the item is gone. If there is another bathroom in the home, use that one until the toilet is checked.
Why Plunging Is Not Always the Answer
A plunger is made to move soft blockages. A hard object, like a toy or a bottle cap, may get pushed farther in instead of coming back up. That can make it harder to remove and may lead to a toilet that clogs again and again.
Avoid chemical drain cleaners too. They will not break down solid objects, and they can make later work more dangerous. Do not try to take the toilet apart or remove it from the floor yourself.
When to Call for Help
Call a plumber if the toilet drains slowly, the water rises after a flush, or you know something solid went down and you need to use the toilet. A plumber can work to locate and remove the item and check that the toilet drains properly afterward. It helps to tell the plumber what the item was, about how big it is and when it went down.
If the toilet starts to overflow, stop flushing, keep children and pets away and avoid touching the water. In a Bronx apartment, let the super know, especially if your building has shared drain lines or this is the only bathroom.
Did something drop into your toilet? Our clogged toilet repair can help remove it and get things flowing again. Call (929) 209-6183 any time, day or night.
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