Kid Flushed Something? Here's What to Do (And When to Call a Pro)

It happens to every parent. One minute everything's fine, the next your kid is proudly announcing they flushed their favorite action figure, a sock, or something you really don't want to think about down the toilet.

Don't panic. This is one of the most common calls we get at Drain Guys Chicago, and in most cases, the situation is very fixable — as long as you handle it the right way.

Step 1: Stop Flushing Immediately

This is the most important thing. The moment you realize something went down that shouldn't have, do not flush again. Every additional flush pushes the object further into your sewer line, making it harder and more expensive to retrieve.

If the toilet is actively overflowing, turn off the water supply valve at the base of the toilet (turn it clockwise). This stops the water flow and prevents flooding.

Step 2: Assess What Was Flushed

Not all flushed objects are created equal. The approach depends on what went down:

Small, soft items (washcloth, small sock, underwear): These sometimes pass through on their own but can also get caught at bends in the pipe. A plunger might work, but be careful — aggressive plunging can push the item deeper.

Hard objects (toys, toothbrushes, bottles): These will not dissolve or pass through. They will get stuck at the first bend or joint in your drain line and create a blockage that gets worse over time.

Multiple items or unknown objects: If your kid has been on a flushing spree and you're not sure what all went down, call a professional. A sewer camera inspection is the fastest way to see exactly what's in the line and where it is.

Step 3: Try a Plunger (Carefully)

If you're dealing with a single soft item and the toilet is still draining (just slowly), a plunger can sometimes do the trick.

Use a flange plunger (the kind with the extended rubber lip) — not a flat cup plunger. Create a tight seal and use firm, steady plunges. Avoid violent plunging, which can push the object further into the line.

If 10-15 plunges don't resolve it, stop. You don't want to make things worse.

Step 4: What NOT to Do

• Don't use chemical drain cleaners. They won't dissolve a toy or a sock, and they can damage your pipes — especially if you have older clay or cast iron sewer lines common in Chicago homes.
• Don't try to use a wire hanger or improvised tool. You can scratch the porcelain, damage the wax seal, or push the object into a worse position.
• Don't ignore it. A partially blocked toilet will eventually become a fully blocked toilet, and that usually happens at the worst possible time.

Step 5: When to Call a Professional

Call Drain Guys Chicago if:

• The toilet won't flush at all after the incident
• You hear gurgling from other drains in the house
• Water is backing up into the bathtub or shower
• You're not sure what was flushed or how many items went down
• A plunger didn't resolve the issue

We use sewer camera inspection technology to locate the exact position of the object in your drain line. From there, we can determine the best removal method — whether that's a professional-grade auger, hydro-jetting, or in rare cases, accessing the line from a cleanout.

The Good News

In the vast majority of cases, we can retrieve the object and clear the line without any damage to your plumbing. It's a routine call for us, and we've pulled out everything from Hot Wheels cars to entire rolls of toilet paper.

The key is acting fast and not making the problem worse before calling for help.

If you're dealing with a clogged toilet or you suspect something is stuck in your drain, call or text Drain Guys Chicago at 312.284.9764 — the local plumbing and drain-cleaning team Chicago families trust.