If you’re like me, you’ve probably had at least one object end up in your toilet’s trap. Have the kids tried flushing toys? Knocked something off the shelf into your toilet? While it’s definitely not a fun experience, it’s not as daunting as it may seem to remove the object. In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of how to remove objects from a toilet trap.
Key Takeaways
The simplest method to remove an object from your toilet trap is to reach down there wearing long sleeve gloves. From there, there are various tools you can use like plungers and augers if the object isn’t easily budging.
4 Methods to Remove Objects From A Toilet Trap
As much as you might want to call a plumber when toilet clogging happens, the following steps can easily remove most toilet objects and clogs. If the blockage seems to be further down the pipes, you will need to get professional help for sewer line cleaning.
1. Reach Into the Toilet Trap and Grab the Object
When objects that shouldn’t be flushed fall into the toilet bowl, it is advisable to grab the item from the toilet rather than flush it. Most people prefer to flush these objects, but this usually leads to more problems clogging the toilet trap.
Yes it might not be what you want to hear, but the first thing to try is reaching down there and grabbing the object. Yes, even if it means unclogging a toilet with poop in it. Long gloves are your friend in this situation. So stock your washrooms with reusable toilet gloves that we can use to pick up fallen objects from the toilet bowl hygienically.
2. Hook the object with wire
If you can see the object, but can’t quite get a good grip on it with your hands, next try try removing the object with a coat hanger. Simply straighten out the hanger and use the hook end to grab onto the object and pull it out. It might take a little bit of manoeuvring, but it’s definitely cheaper than the cost to unclog a drain calling a plumber if this method does the trick.
3. Use a Toilet Plunger to Dislodge the Object
Toilet plungers should be in most toilets since they come in handy whenever the toilet clogs, and they are easy for anyone to use. For those who are yet to get a toilet plunger, a toilet brush and plunger combo is a good space saver and addition to your bathroom.
4. Use a Toilet Auger
If the plunger didn’t dislodge the object, then we’re getting serious! The next step, toilet augers are specifically designed to go through toilet blockages in cases where extreme toilet clogging has occurred. The best augers for toilet clogs are shaped to provide a seal around the toilet bowl, so a regular sink plunger won’t cut it.
I would recommend using the RIDGID 59802 K-6 TOILET AUGER as it is corrosion resistant and has large handles that make it easier to bore through any amount of toilet clog.
Types of Objects That Get Stuck in Toilet Trap
With so many items being brought into the toilet area these days, it is very common for these things to fall off into the toilet bowl and cause severe clogging. The following are the most common items that usually lead to toilet clogging in most households. We should be careful when using them in the washroom.
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Plastics
Most toiletries are made from plastics and are usually found above or next to the toilet bowl. The proximity of items such as toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste, and shampoo bottles makes it easy for such items to find their way into the toilet trap.
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Cutlery
Cutlery in the toilet! It is a common practice among some households to dispose of food leftovers into their toilet. In such cases, cutleries such as spoons, forks, and knives may end up being dumped together with the leftovers leading to clogging of the toilet.
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Kids Toys
Children love their toys. This symbiotic relationship between children and toys has made them go everywhere with them. This has proved problematic, especially when they visit the washroom, as it is highly likely for the toys to fall off into the toilet bowl leading to clogging accidentally.
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Tissue Paper and Paper Towels
The misuse of tissue paper has been a common practice. It is easier for most people to use large amounts of tissue to clean some spillage in the washroom and end up flushing it in the toilet. Similarly, paper towels which are very helpful in personal hygiene often end up being disposed of in the toilet. This has led to unwanted clogging in the toilet trap.
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Jewelry
Most people take bathroom visits as an opportunity to freshen up their looks. When we take off that jewelry for easy handwashing, we risk it falling into the toilet.
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Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Toilet bowl cleaners like drop-ins are easy targets to fall into the toilet bowl. This is because they are usually kept within the toilet area, so they risk finding their way to the toilet if they are kept around loosely.
How to Keep Objects From Falling Into the Toilet
Now that we know the most common items that result in toilet clogging, it is high time to familiarize ourselves with the best way to prevent these items from finding their way into our toilets.
1. Clear the Toilet Shelves
While this is an unpopular thing to recommend, it is advisable to clear the toilet shelves from items that can’t be flushed, such as baby wipes, diapers, napkins, and even most feminine hygiene products. The presence of such items makes it easier for a person to flip them accidentally, and they may fall into the toilet.
2. Install Proper Lightning in the Toilet
Adequate lighting makes every item in the toilet to be easily visible. This may make it harder to knock over any item that can cause blockage into the toilet bowl accidentally. It is extremely important to install proper lighting as this largely prevents toilet clogging.
3. Use Proper Toilet Seat Height
Toilet bowls are of different heights, and it is essential to install the appropriate one for the targeted people. Low toilets may make the user strain when getting toiletries like tissues, which may lead to them accidentally knocking off some of these items into the toilet bowl. Raised toilet seats can be helpful for elderly to use comfortably. It is essential to get the right toilet size to bring comfort and prevent avoidable toilet clogging.
4. Upgrade Toilet Accessories
Using towel bars and permanent tissue holders will prevent these items from falling into the toilet. Most toiletries should be kept in well-designed cabinets on the opposite side of the toilet bowl.
Conclusion
To conclude, the question about how to remove objects from toilet trap is quite common in many households. Luckily, as we have seen, it is easy to prevent objects from falling into the toilet in the first place. Even when it happens, you can easily unclog your toilets removing the object with the methods mentioned above. If that object is just not budging or you have any blocked drain cleaning needs, you’re in the right place! Get an obligation free quote with Best Plumbers Club today.
