For many parents, the reality is that children love to experiment. It is not abnormal for a child to find a piece of jewelry or perhaps even an electronic item and throw it down the drain. In a situation like this, you may fear that all hope is lost.
So, what can you do when your child flushes something important down the drain? You may actually be able to retrieve the item, but there are a few things you need to know first.
Check the Toilet Bowl First
The first thing you should do is put your (gloved) hand in the toilet and see if you can find the item. It could still be in the toilet bowl, just out of sight. Reach as far into the toilet as far as possible, trying to get into all the nooks and crannies.
In some cases, you can still catch an item that has been flushed by removing the toilet from its place. This can be a lot of work, and it is likely not something you want to do on your own. Not only do you have to remove the toilet, but you have to put it back in place and ensure there are no leaks. This is a tall order.
Plumbers May Retrieve Valuables
If you don't feel up to the task of moving your toilet to retrieve an item that has been flushed, you may need to call a plumber to help you. It is important to call a plumber as quickly as possible to move your toilet and see if the item is accessible. If not, you can turn to a plumber to see if they can use other tools to retrieve the item.
If you are waiting for a plumber to retrieve something flushed down the toilet, make sure you do not flush again or use the toilet in the meantime. In fact, you might even want to turn off the water supply to prevent further plumbing from causing further problems. You can also scoop any remaining water from the toilet bowl.
Call a Plumber Today
Plumbing services can often help you retrieve items or prevent them from causing serious issues in your plumbing. If you want to retrieve an item or see if there is anything that can be done to remedy the situation, call a plumber today.
For any plumbing issue you run into, contact a professional in your area.