Updated: 05/07/2025
As many parents have learned, it is quite common for kids to place their toys in the toilet and even flush them. Don't panic when you discover a toy in the toilet. Their creativity and ideas for good playtime are endless. Unfortunately for the parents, family, or caregivers, you could face an even bigger problem: figuring out how to get a toy out of the toilet.
How to Get a Toy Out of Toilet - 9 Practical Ways
To remove a toy from the toilet you should do the following:
1. Remove Water From the Toilet
You can take a cup and begin removing the water in the bowl one scoop at a time. Coffee cups and milk cartons work well for this, as do empty soup cans. Once you have taken enough water out of the bowl, you will be able to determine whether you can pull the toy out using a glove. This is a great option if you do not want to stick your hand into the toilet. Be careful not to scratch the porcelain when using any tools, as this could lead to costly repairs.
2. Pull the Toy Out if Visible With Gloves
Depending on the toy in question, you may be able to pull your son or daughter’s new doll or toy car off the water directly (let’s just hope you’re not dealing with a stuffed animal.) Smaller toys often don’t get lodged in your toilet’s drain, making it easy to just reach in and grab them. However, we understand the idea of reaching hand-first into even clean toilet water is a no-go for some people. If the toy is not easily visible, watch for signs of a blockage that may indicate a more serious issue. This brings us to our next option...
3. Create a Hook to Fish the Toy Out
Ever gone fishing for a G.I. Joe? It’s not such a bad idea! If your child’s toy is sticking out of the drain enough that you can see it, but far enough down where you can’t grab it with your hands, you may want to use a wire coat hanger as a makeshift tool to fish it out. Bend the coat hanger for better maneuverability and be cautious to prevent scratching the porcelain. Any strong enough hooked object should also work for this task—you could even use an actual fishing hook!
4. Use a Plunger
If you cannot see the toy your child threw in the toilet, it’s probably time to get a plunger. Be careful, however, as using a plunger can push the toy further down the drain, complicating the situation. Flushed toys that are stuck in your toilet’s drain may be lost forever if you go this route. Plunging too hard can also damage your toilet, and even if you are plunging for a toy, you might not like what else ends up coming out of your toilet drain.
5. Loosen the Toy Up with a Drain Cleaner
Sometimes, a flushed toy can become entangled with another clog in your toilet. Unlike toilet paper, toys do not break down and dissolve in water, which can complicate the clog. When this happens, you can consider using a store-bought drain cleaner. The chemicals in most store-bought drain cleaning products are extremely bad for your pipes and drain, however, so make sure to use them sparingly, and if possible, purchase an all-natural drain cleaning solution.
6. Use a Snake or Auger
For toys and other objects lodged deep in your plumbing system, you will probably want to use a snake or auger to pull them out. It is important to use careful technique when using these tools to avoid damaging the toilet. While many homeowners do not have this equipment on hand, you can easily find one at your local hardware store. Just insert one end of the snake/auger into your toilet drain, and start to twist. If you feel something on the other end, slowly start to pull it out. If all goes well, you’ll be retrieving that missing Barbie in no time! Of course, if you don’t want to purchase a snake or auger, you can always…
7. Contact a Plumber
Shall you have tried all options and still no luck, you may need to call a plumber. Calling plumbers are the best option to get a toy out of the toilet and prevent any damage to your drains. Plumbers are equipped with the tools and products to deal with even the toughest clogs, and if your child’s new toy does get lodged in the toilet.
Step by Step - How to get a stuck toy out of the toilet
- Use a plunger: A plunger can create enough suction to dislodge the toy. Make sure to use a flange plunger for a better seal.
- Try a plumbing snake: A plumbing snake can reach deep into the toilet and hook onto the toy, allowing you to pull it out.
- Use a shop vac: A shop vac is highly effective in removing obstructions from toilets, such as toys. It can prevent damage while efficiently resolving plumbing issues. Simply place the hose into the toilet bowl and create a seal around it to maximize suction. This method is versatile and can be used in various DIY situations.
- Call a professional plumber: If the above methods fail, it might be best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing any damage to your toilet.
At Wallner Plumbing Heating Air, our skilled plumbers can provide all the toilet services in Redding you need! Call for service now in Redding at (530) 223-5622 or send us a message online.
