Kids and their toys—sometimes they end up in the most unexpected places, like your toilet! If your little one has sent a racecar (or any other toy) on a watery adventure, you might be wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some tips on how to handle this situation and when it’s time to call in the plumbing cavalry.
Step 1: Don’t Panic!
First things first—don’t panic! This is a more common issue than you might think, and with the right approach, you can often resolve it without too much hassle.
Step 2: Try to Retrieve the Toy
If you can still see the toy in the toilet, grab some rubber gloves and try to fish it out. You might be able to reach it with your hands or use a pair of tongs to pull it out. Be gentle, though—you don’t want to push it further down the drain!
Step 3: Use a Plunger
If the toy is out of sight but hasn’t gone too far, your trusty plunger might just save the day. Place the plunger over the toilet drain and give it a few firm pushes. Sometimes, this is enough to dislodge the toy and send it back into view where you can grab it.
Step 4: Try a Toilet Auger
For those stubborn toys that won’t come back up with a plunger, a toilet auger (also known as a plumbing snake) can be your next best friend. Insert the auger into the toilet drain and carefully turn the handle to work it through the pipe. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to hook the toy and pull it out.
Step 5: When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve tried all the above methods and that racecar is still nowhere to be found, it’s time to call in the pros. Here’s when you should pick up the phone and call Aqua Knight Plumbing at 630-755-0583:
- The Toilet is Clogged: If the toilet is backing up or draining slowly after you attempt to retrieve the toy, it’s likely that the toy is still stuck and causing a blockage. A plumber can use specialized tools to safely remove it without damaging your plumbing.
- You Hear Strange Noises: Gurgling or bubbling sounds from your toilet could mean the toy is stuck somewhere in the pipes, creating air pockets and causing blockages. Don’t ignore these sounds—they’re a sign it’s time to call a plumber.
- Multiple Toilets Are Affected: If flushing one toilet is causing issues in another (like water backing up or slow drainage), the toy might have made its way into a more critical part of your plumbing system. This is a job for a professional.
- You’re Unsure About DIY: Not everyone feels comfortable with DIY plumbing, and that’s okay! If you’d rather leave it to the experts, we’re here to help.
A Plumbing Emergency Can Be a Learning Moment
Let’s face it—kids love to explore, and sometimes that curiosity leads to unexpected situations like a racecar in the toilet. But these moments can be a great opportunity to teach your child about what can and can’t go down the toilet (hint: only toilet paper!).
Call Aqua Knight Plumbing for Fast, Friendly Help!
At Aqua Knight Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—whether it’s a toy car, action figure, or something even more surprising, we’re ready to help you get your plumbing back on track. If you need help retrieving a flushed toy or dealing with any other plumbing issue, give us a call at 630-755-0583. We’ll have your pipes clear and your worries flushed away in no time!
