Accidentally dropping a toy into the toilet can be a frustrating experience for both kids and parents alike. Not only does it disrupt playtime, but it can also lead to plumbing issues if not addressed properly.
In this guide, we will explore how to get a toy out of a toilet, ensuring a smoother resolution to this common mishap. Whether it’s a rubber ducky or a small action figure, there are effective strategies you can employ to recover your child’s favourite toy and keep your plumbing intact.
Why It’s Important to Remove the Toy Quickly
Removing a toy from the toilet promptly is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, leaving it in there can lead to potential clogs, which may require costly plumbing repairs. Toilets are designed to handle waste and toilet paper, not toys, and foreign objects can disrupt the plumbing system.
Additionally, a toy left in the toilet can become damaged or contaminated, making it unsanitary for your child to play with again. Furthermore, the longer a toy remains submerged, the more challenging it may be to retrieve as it can shift deeper into the plumbing. Acting quickly not only prevents damage and sanitation issues but also helps maintain peace of mind for both parents and children.
Tools and Materials Needed
To successfully retrieve a toy from the toilet, you will need a few basic tools and materials. Here’s a list to help you prepare:
- Rubber gloves: To protect your hands and maintain hygiene while working in the toilet.
- Tongs or a pair of long tweezers: Useful for reaching into the toilet and grabbing the toy without needing to put your hand directly in the water.
- Plunger: In case the toy is stuck or causing a blockage, a plunger can help dislodge it from the pipes.
- Baking soda and vinegar: This natural solution can help break down any debris or bacteria if needed and is a safe option for cleaning afterward.
- Bucket or container: For catching any excess water that may spill when you attempt to retrieve the toy.
- Flashlight: To help you see clearly inside the toilet bowl, especially if the toy is lodged deeper than expected.
Having these tools on hand will make the process more efficient and reduce the stress associated with the situation.
10 Methods How to Get a Toy Out of a Toilet
1. Use Your Hands (If Accessible)
The first and simplest method to retrieve a toy from the toilet is to reach in and grab it if it’s still visible and easily accessible. Before doing so, put on a pair of long rubber gloves to protect your hands from unsanitary conditions. If the toy is within arm’s reach, carefully pull it out without pushing it further down the drain. This method is the least invasive and can quickly resolve the issue if the toy hasn’t gone too far into the pipes.
2. Plunger Method
If the toy isn’t visible or is lodged in the toilet’s drain, using a plunger may help dislodge it. A flange plunger, which is designed specifically for toilets, is best for this task.
Create a tight seal around the toilet drain with the plunger and push down gently before pulling up with more force. The suction generated by the plunger can pull the toy closer to the surface or dislodge it entirely. After several attempts, check if the toy has moved or is visible for easier retrieval by hand.
3. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum, also known as a shop vac, is a highly effective tool for removing toys from a toilet. First, make sure the vacuum is set to the wet setting, and empty the tank beforehand. Insert the vacuum hose into the toilet bowl, trying to get it as close to the toy as possible.
Seal the edges of the hose with a towel or plastic wrap to create strong suction. Turn on the vacuum and allow it to suck out the toy from the drain. Be sure to check the vacuum canister afterward to confirm the toy was retrieved.
4. Coat Hanger Method
If you don’t have specialized tools available, a wire coat hanger can serve as a makeshift device to pull out a toy lodged in the toilet. Straighten the hanger, leaving a small hook at the end. Carefully insert the hooked end into the toilet’s drain, and try to snag the toy.
Be gentle to avoid scratching the porcelain. Once the toy is hooked, slowly pull it out. This method works best for toys that are not too far down the drain and are large enough to catch onto the hook.
5. Drain Snake (Plumber’s Auger)
A plumber’s snake, or drain auger, is a flexible tool designed to navigate through the twists and turns of a toilet drain. Insert the end of the auger into the toilet bowl and start cranking the handle to extend the snake deeper into the pipes.
The snake will either latch onto the toy or push it back toward the toilet bowl, allowing you to retrieve it by hand or with another tool. This method is effective for toys lodged further down the drain and offers more reach than a coat hanger or plunger.
6. Toilet Brush or Mop
In the absence of a plunger or specialized tools, a toilet brush or mop can be used to push the toy out of the drain. Insert the head of the brush or mop into the toilet bowl and gently push it toward the toy, aiming to dislodge or move it upward. Once the toy is loosened, you may be able to retrieve it by hand or by flushing the toilet. Be cautious when using this method, as it may push the toy further into the drain if not done carefully.
7. Baking Soda and Vinegar
If the toy is causing a partial clog, but you’re unsure whether it’s stuck or moving slowly through the drain, using a combination of baking soda and vinegar may help. Pour a cup of baking soda into the toilet, followed by a cup of vinegar. The fizzing reaction may help dislodge the toy, especially if it’s loosely stuck. After letting the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes, flush the toilet to see if the toy moves. This method works best if the toy is not too large and is only partially blocking the drain.
8. Remove the Toilet
If none of the above methods work and the toy is deeply lodged in the plumbing, you may need to remove the toilet to retrieve it. This method is more involved and requires turning off the water supply, draining the toilet, and unbolting it from the floor.
Once the toilet is removed, you’ll have direct access to the drain pipe, where you can physically extract the toy. While this may seem like a drastic step, it’s sometimes the only option for deeply stuck toys that can’t be reached with other tools.
9. Flush with Boiling Water
Using boiling water can help if the toy is lightweight or partially floating in the pipes. Boil a pot of water and slowly pour it into the toilet bowl. The force of the hot water may dislodge the toy and push it either back into the bowl or further into the pipes. Be cautious with this method, as boiling water can potentially crack older or fragile porcelain. After pouring the water, wait a few minutes and then flush the toilet to check if the toy has moved or been released.
10. Call a Plumber
If all other methods fail, or if the toy has caused a significant blockage, it may be time to call a professional plumber. Plumbers have specialized tools and expertise to handle more complicated situations, including toys stuck deep in the toilet or the pipes. While this is a last resort, calling a plumber can prevent further damage to your plumbing and ensure the toy is removed safely and efficiently. It’s better to seek professional help if you’re worried about damaging your toilet or if the toy has been lodged for an extended period.
Conclusion
In summary, retrieving a toy lodged in a toilet can be approached through various methods, ranging from simple tools you may have at home to more intricate solutions like removing the toilet itself. It’s essential to assess the situation carefully to choose the most appropriate method, keeping in mind the potential for causing further damage to the plumbing.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully retrieving the toy while minimizing mess and stress. Hopefully, this article gave you some helpful tips about how to get a toy out of a toilet successfully, so now that you have the proper knowledge on how to get the job done, why not give it a try today?
