We’ve all experienced it in one form or another. It can happen in a variety of ways— your necklace charm suddenly slipping off your neck, your toddler tossing their beloved dino-toy across the room, and even an accidental swipe from the cat that knocks off your phone from the bathroom counter. It happens! Take a deep breath and relax; we’re here to provide relief if you’ve unintentionally sent something down the toilet.
How to Retrieve Something Flushed Down the Toilet
Figuring out how to recover something flushed down the toilet can be a tricky process. Fortunately, there are tried and tested methods you can use to retrieve items that have been inadvertently sent down the drain!
Don’t assume the item is gone for good if it slips down the toilet by accident – in most cases, retrieval is possible! If you can spot the object at the bottom of your toilet bowl, it means that either it only partially flushed or was never successfully removed from sight. If this is the case, equip yourself with some protective rubber gloves and delicately retrieve your item.
If the object is lost from sight, you may need to put forth some extra effort to get it back. Consider taking these steps for retrieval:
- First, put a plunger to use in order to see if some gentle force is enough to make the object visible. Occasionally, an unwieldy item will not be able to fit through the drainage system; utilizing a plunger could potentially break the object free and bring it to the top.
- If a traditional plunger fails to unclog your drain, you may want to try using a wire hanger that is bent. While this is a viable option, keep in mind that it does come with its risks. You could end up blocking your pipe or damaging the toilet bowl itself if you’re not careful. If you choose to experiment, form a small hook shape at the end and keep the remainder of the wire hanger as straight as possible. Utilizing a wire hook, delicately trace the top of your drainpipe and press down softly. Insert the hook, then rotate it as you start to pull upwards with a gentle motion. For metallic items, fasten a magnet on the head of your hook for optimal grip.
Remember: always use caution when attempting to retrieve something from your toilet bowl! This process should not be taken lightly; if done incorrectly, it could lead to severe plumbing issues that may require costly professional services.
What If You Can’t Retrieve the Object?
If you have tried all the available methods and cannot retrieve an item that has been flushed down the toilet, your only other option is to call a plumber like Bodenheimer Plumbing Services. A plumber can gain access to the drainage system in any home and should be able to find and remove the object for you.
Reliable Help from Bodenheimer Plumbing Services
If you’re in need of assistance, Bodenheimer Plumbing Services is here to help. We have years of experience with retrieving objects from toilets and can provide trusted advice for any plumbing emergency. Don’t let something that slipped down the toilet leave you panicking – contact us today and let us work our magic!
