Symptoms
- Clog appeared right after a child was in the bathroom
- Plunging doesn't seem to help or makes it worse
- Water level stays high with little to no drainage
- You know or suspect something specific was flushed
Likely causes
- CommonToy or small object flushed by a childSmall solid objects don't break down and lodge firmly in the trap's curve.
- CommonNon-flushable wipes or hygiene productsThese don't disintegrate like toilet paper and can jam tightly in the trap.
- PossibleExcess paper combined with an objectPaper can wrap around a solid object, making the blockage worse.
What to do
- Stop flushing right away to avoid pushing the object further down or causing an overflow.
- Put on gloves and, if the object is visible and reachable, try to retrieve it directly by hand or with pliers.
- If it's not reachable, use a toilet auger, which can sometimes hook and pull an object back rather than push it through.
- Avoid using a plunger first on a known solid object, since it can wedge it in tighter.
- If the object won't come out, the toilet may need to be removed from the floor for access, which is a job for a plumber.
- Talk with kids afterward about what should and shouldn't go in the toilet to prevent repeats.
Tools and parts
- Rubber gloves
- Toilet auger
- Pliers
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the object can't be retrieved with an auger, since they can pull the toilet to access the trap directly.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.