Have you ever flushed the toilet, then heard a clattering noise coming from the pipes? Chances are, it’s an object that has gotten lodged in the toilet’s trap. Whether it be your toothbrush or small toys left lying around by your children, having something stuck in there can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable.
It is important to know how to remove object from toilet trap. In this blog post, we will discuss how to remove objects from your toilet trap safely and efficiently so that you can get back to having a fully functional plumbing fixture again.
Read on to discover some best practices for dealing with objects stuck in the toilet’s trap.
Tools You Will Need
- Plunger
- Safety glasses
- Bucket
- Glove
7 Easy Steps Guide on How to Remove Object From Toilet Trap
1. Put on Your Safety Glasses
If you’re cleaning a clogged toilet, the most important things to put on before getting started are safety glasses and gloves. Safety glasses can protect your eyes from any objects that may unexpectedly fly out of the toilet when using a plunger.
While gloves can shield your hands from bacteria and other dirt that may come in contact with them during the process. Taking these precautions will ensure you’re safe and it makes for a much more pleasant experience when it comes to unclogging that toilet!
2. Place Your Bucket
Replacing the wax seal on your toilet may be daunting, but it is an important step in protecting your home from water damage. Connecting a bucket to the bottom of the toilet helps you complete this job with ease and confidence. While taking apart the toilet, place the bucket underneath the fixture to capture any leaking water from the trap.
This does double duty: it prevents water from becoming a hazard on your floors, and it also acts as a receptacle for small parts that might be needed to reassemble the toilet. An essential part of home maintenance, putting forth this effort now will save you time and money down the road.
3. Put a Plunger
Before you use a plunger for a clogged toilet, it is important to make sure that it is placed securely and tightly over the opening of the bowl. A tight seal will help create suction when you start plunging, which can help remove any blockages in your pipes. This will often require pushing down firmly with both hands to ensure there are no air holes around the edges.
You should also use an ample amount of toilet bowl cleaner or other lubricants if needed to assist in loosening any clogs for better results. Taking these precautions can reduce plumbing issues in the future by helping you unclog your toilet quickly and more effectively.
4. Create Enough Suction
Plunging a toilet is an easy process for removing objects from the drain trap. All you need is a plunger and a few minutes. Start by making sure the plunger has been placed firmly onto the floor of the bowl, without any water leaking around it.
Then begin plunging in an up-and-down motion for about 30 seconds to produce enough suction that can draw out the stuck object. In some cases, it may work on your first try; otherwise, gently move the plunger side to side before giving it another plunge. Keep plugging until you feel like you have finally managed the clog.
Once done, flush the toilet to check if there is still a blockage, and repeat when necessary.
5. Remove the Visible Object
After you’ve finished plunging, take a look at the bowl to make sure the object is visible. If everything appears clear, then you can remove it by hand or with a pair of tongs. Be sure to exercise caution as you handle the object to avoid splashing and contamination.
Once the object has been removed, dispose of it in the appropriate location. Double-check that both the plunger and the area around it are cleaned up before returning them to their original locations for future use.
6. Use a Snake or Auger to Dislodge
If the object blocking your toilet is out of eyesight, it’s time to break out the snake or auger to clear away the clog.
To use either tool safely and effectively, first shut off the water supply valve to prevent any more water from entering the bowl. Then remove any water already in the bowl with a wet-dry vacuum or bucket, and use a wire coat-hanger (or another similar device) to fish out as much of the object as possible.
Once you’ve reached an impasse, it’s time to bring out either the snake or auger for deep-cleaning action: feed them slowly into the drain until you feel some resistance and then continue rotating/pushing until you have dislodged and retrieved the pesky debris.
7. Flush Your Toilet and Monitor
After successfully removing the clog, it’s important to flush the toilet and check that everything is functioning normally as intended. This occurs by flushing the toilet at least two or three times consecutively to make sure that water continues to flow down all the while.
Doing so also helps gauge how well the issue has been addressed, whether there are still issues with drainage or any blockages left behind. Once you know everything is working properly and smoothly, immediately return your tools in order. That way you’ll be ready should any future problems arise!
By following these steps and using the right tools, you can easily remove objects from your toilet trap. As a precaution, it’s always best to check with a professional plumber if you’re not comfortable attempting this repair yourself. In any case, we hope that this guide helps you restore order to your plumbing system and get back to enjoying a fully functional fixture!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Use a Plunger to Remove an Object From a Toilet Trap?
Using a plunger to remove an object from a toilet trap can be a little intimidating but with the right tools and a few steps, it is not too difficult. Start by using some plumber’s tape to cover the toilet drain opening and create an airtight seal for your plunger.
Then use steady, upward pressure and plunge the clog out of the trap. You may need to repeat this several times if the clog is stubborn. If necessary, you should also remove any visible debris or obstructions that could interfere with proper plunging.
With some patience and the proper technique, you can easily remove almost any object from a toilet trap with just a plunger.
How Do You Use a Snake or Auger to Remove an Object From a Toilet Trap?
Unclogging a toilet trap is easier and more efficient with the right tools. A plumbing snake or auger is an effective tool for helping remove any blockage in the drain pipes. Inserting the flexible cable into the toilet trap and twisting it around, you can pull out any object that may be causing a clog, like pieces of toilet paper or toys that were accidentally flushed down the toilet.
This requires little to no effort on your part and can reduce any fear you may have of having to reach your hands into the traps. Once everything’s been pulled out, flush again and your problem should be solved!
What Should You Do if the Object is Still Not Visible After Plunging?
If you find yourself in a situation where the object you were trying to remove from a drain remains elusive even after plunging, try using a plumber’s snake or auger. A plumber’s snake is a length of a metal cable with an auger on the end which is designed to reach deep into crevices and tight spaces that plunging cannot reach.
The auger drills through any blockage found and dislodge it so the water can flow freely again. If these measures don’t resolve the situation, it may be time to call in a professional plumber. They have specialized equipment and expertise to quickly figure out what is causing the problem.
How Can You Tell if the Clog Has Been Successfully Removed?
One of the most reliable indicators of a successful clog removal is if you can hear water rushing down your pipes. If the line still appears blocked after you complete the cleaning process, try running hot water for a few minutes to see if it has any effect.
In addition, test out a few fixtures around your house to make sure they are draining properly. If the clog isn’t causing an issue but hasn’t been fully cleared yet, repeat the steps of your chosen clog removal method until the line is fully optimized.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! If your toilet becomes clogged and you need to remove an object from the trap, remember these simple steps. The next time you drop your keys down the toilet, or your child’s toy ends up in the bowl, you’ll know exactly what to do.
You should carefully determine how to remove object from toilet trap. With a little patience and the right tools, you can remove any object from your toilet trap without having to call a plumber.
