Flushing something down the toilet may be heartbreaking considering the possibility of never seeing the object again. But, in the event that you find yourself in this unfortunate scenario, a few easy steps can help you find and salvage your item.
In most cases when you flush something down the toilet it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is lost to you forever. There are several easy steps that you may use to retrieve your item. Below are some of the ways that you may use to retrieve an object that you may have just flushed;
1.Using rubber gloves
It is first important to note that even though you may have flushed an item, it is not guaranteed that it is completely flushed, some items may only be partially flushed, especially heavy sold objects. So check to see if you can still view the object on the bottom of the bowl, if yes, use some rubber gloves to fish out the item from the bowl. be sure to clean or decontaminate the item that you have just fished out.
2. Try using a plunger
In the event that you have flushed an object that is not visible in the toilet bowl, try using a plunger to help dislodge it from the pipes. When using a plunger, make sure that you put it inside of the toilet bowl to work and do not rest it on the rim of the bowl. Make sure to put in enough pressure and pull up gently so as to dislodge any object trapped in the pipes. This method will work if the item is still stuck inside the toilet pipe.
3. Using a bent wire hanger
If the item that you have flushed is not visible using a plunger, try using a bent wire hanger to fish out the object. Make sure to use a wire hanger that is bent enough to go down the toilet and retrieve the item. Take care to ensure that there are no sharp edges on the hanger as this may scratch your toilet bowl. Also ensure that you do not put the hanger too far in the toilet as you may end up untwisting the hook. A wire acts like a hook when fishing out the item. It is important to consider if the wire will damage the object before using this option.
4. Contact a professional plumber
When you have tried all the other methods and none of them seem to work, you may consider calling a professional plumber. Professional plumber will be able to use special equipment to retrieve your object from the pipes. If the item is expensive, it may be worth paying a small fee to ensure that you get it back in your hands. The steps herein will give you hope not when or if any of these instances happen. but knowing how to deal with the situation. At Liberty Plumbing, our professionals can use plumbing video inspection to help locate precisely where your item is and how to remove it.
Why you should consider a plumber
1. The item may be expensive
If the item is expensive it is better not to risk damaging it further by doing so yourself. a plumber is best suited to deal with these issues. Also, in the event that you have broken something, a plumber is able to remove the item without causing further damage.
2. To avoid breaking your toilet bowl nd flooding your toilet
In the event that you are not careful, even the slightest pressure exerted on a blockage may cause your toilet bowl to crack. This can lead to flooding of your toilet and in turn major damage. A plumber is best suited to carry out this job as well.
3. To ensure that you do not make a big mess
In the event that you try to use methods like plunging or fishing the item out, there is a possibility that you may end up getting water everywhere. The water can accumulate in your toilet causing a huge mess. A plumber can use special equipment to help break the item free and remove it instead of doing so yourself and risking a mess.
Bottom Line
Flushing an item down the toilet should not be your biggest worry. A few simple steps can help you to recover your item, without causing further damage to your home. However, if you happen to have tried all of the methods and none of them worked, it is best to call a professional plumber.
