Resist the Urge to Flush Again

When something valuable gets flushed, your immediate reaction might be to flush again in hopes of clearing a clog or retrieving the item. However, this is the worst thing you can do. Flushing again can push the item further down the drain, making it more difficult to retrieve. Instead, take a deep breath and avoid any further flushing.

Confirm if the Item Was Fully Flushed

Before taking any drastic measures, check to see if the item was completely flushed away or if it’s still visible. Sometimes, items can get caught in the toilet bowl or partially flushed, giving you a chance to retrieve them without further effort. Carefully inspect the toilet bowl to determine if the item is still within reach.

Shut Off the Water Supply

To prevent any accidental flushing or water overflow, the next step is to turn off the toilet’s water supply. The shut-off valve is usually found behind the toilet near the floor. Once it’s been located, turn it clockwise. Shutting off the water supply will stop any additional water from entering the toilet, which could push the item further down the drain.

Open the Toilet Tank

Once the water supply is turned off, remove the lid of your toilet tank to gain access to the internal components of the toilet and allow you to manually control the flush mechanism if necessary. Be careful when handling the lid, as they can be heavy and fragile.

Empty the Remaining Water

With the tank open, flush the toilet once to drain the water from the bowl and tank. Since the water supply is off, no new water will enter the tank. This step is essential to create a dry working environment and prevent any water from interfering with your efforts to retrieve the flushed item.

Loosen the Bolts

Next, you’ll need to remove the toilet from its position on the floor. Start by using a wrench to loosen the bolts that secure the toilet to the ground. There are usually two bolts, one on each side of the toilet base. Be sure to keep these bolts and nuts in a safe place, as you’ll need them to reattach the toilet later.

Carefully Remove the Toilet

Once the bolts are loosened, rock the toilet back and forth gently to start to break the wax seal. Lift the toilet straight up and place it onto a towel or plastic sheet to prevent any mess. With the toilet removed, you’ll have access to the drain pipe and hopefully, your lost item.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Plumber

While these steps might seem simple enough, removing and reinstalling a toilet can be a complex and messy task. A professional plumber has the experience and tools necessary to efficiently retrieve flushed items without causing damage to your plumbing system. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are equipped to handle issues like this with care. Our team can quickly assess the situation, remove the toilet, and attempt to retrieve your valuable item, all while ensuring that your plumbing remains intact. Call our office to schedule an item retrieval, inspection, or plumbing repair service.