Kid Flushed Something? Drain Guys Chicago Explains What To Do Next
When a child flushes a toy, toothbrush, or mystery object down the toilet, panic usually follows—and fast. Before you grab a plunger or try to fish it out yourself, there are a few important steps you should (and shouldn’t) take. In this guide, Drain Guys Chicago breaks down what to do next, how to prevent further damage, and when it’s time to call in a professional before a small mistake turns into a major plumbing repair.
By Megan A. Dutta, CEO, Drain Guys Chicago
If you’re a parent, you already know that toddlers are tiny rebels with zero fear and infinite curiosity. They test boundaries, explore textures, and they absolutely believe the toilet is a magical water slide for anything they can fit into their hands. Every week at Drain Guys Chicago, we get calls from parents whispering into the phone, “My kid flushed something… please tell me this is fixable.”
Don’t worry—you are far from alone. I even had to call Felix, our owner, to come assist when my own tot threw every single one of her bath toys in the toilet and flushed.
Today, we’re breaking down the top five things kids commonly flush down toilets, why these objects cause immediate or long-term plumbing issues, and exactly what to do when your toilet clogs because your child flushed something they shouldn’t have.
Whether you're searching “toddler flushed toy down toilet,” “how to fix a clogged toilet,” or “plumber near me in Chicago,” this guide covers it all—in parent-friendly language, not tech jargon.
Toys: The #1 Thing Kids Flush Down Toilets
From rubber ducks to tiny trucks, toys top the list of things children “accidentally” (more like proudly in my case) send swirling into the porcelain abyss.
Why Toys Cause Toilet Clogs
Toys don’t break down in water. They wedge into the toilet trap or get stuck deeper in the drain line. Even if the toilet still flushes at first, the toy becomes a blockage point where toilet paper and debris start collecting.
What To Do When a Kid Flushes a Toy
1. Stop flushing immediately.
Every flush pushes the toy further down.
2. If you can see it, try to grab it with gloves.
Gloves are key—you don’t want your bare hands in toilet water.
3. Skip DIY tools like coat hangers.
They scratch porcelain and push objects deeper into the abyss.
4. If you can’t see the toy, call Drain Guys Chicago.
We have the retrieval tools to remove things safely without damaging your toilet. Call or text 847.850.9653.
Baby Wipes and “Flushable” Wipes (HINT: They’re not flushable!)
Toddlers love wipes—wiping themselves, wiping the toilet, wiping whatever they can think of. And, of course, they love to flush those wipes even more.
Why Wipes Cause Major Toilet Problems
Even wipes labeled “flushable” do not dissolve like toilet paper as they're made from synthetic fibers (like plastic) and binders that don't break down quickly in water. They stay intact, tangle together, clump with grease, and create massive rope-like clogs in both toilets and sewer lines.
Signs Your Toilet Is Clogged With Wipes
Here are some common signs your toilet is clogged with wipes.
Slow flushing
Gurgling noises
Backups in multiple bathroom fixtures
What To Do Next
Here’s what you should do next:
Attempt to plunge if the clog is shallow.
If multiple drains are backing up, you need professional drain cleaning.
For wipe blockages, we often use hydrojetting to clear the line.
The Classic Toddler Move: Too Much Toilet Paper
Potty-training toddlers have two settings: One square or an entire roll.
Why Excess Toilet Paper Causes Clogs
Toilet paper is designed to dissolve—but not all at once. A giant wad can get stuck fairly easily, especially in older toilets with weaker flush power.
What To Do When Toilet Paper Clogs the Toilet
Try plunging first. TP clogs respond well to plunging.
Teach the “3-square rule” or pre-tear squares for beginners.
Consider upgrading the toilet if this becomes a weekly ritual.
Toothbrushes and Hair Accessories
Mornings, even with the best routine, are chaotic with kiddos. Everyone is running around getting ready for work, school, daycare, etc. The kids are distracted and then all of the sudden, something like a toothbrush is in the toilet..
Why Toothbrushes Cause Serious Clogs
A toothbrush is long, rigid, and perfectly shaped to get lodged in the toilet’s S-curve. Even smaller objects like hair ties and barrettes can wrap around tissue in the toilet, creating a larger obstruction.
What To Do Next
Turn off the toilet’s water supply.
If you can’t see the object, do not try flushing again.
Professional tools (and sometimes a camera inspection) help locate the item.
Small Objects Kids Throw in the Toilet
This category includes the most random items we’re called to retrieve. Among the things Chicago toddlers have flushed: crayons, fruit snacks, candy wrappers, slime (SO. MANY. SLIME CALLS.), rocks, coins, string cheese (yes, really), earrings, etc.
Why These Objects Cause Drain Problems
Unlike toilet paper, none of these items dissolve. They get trapped in bends and can harden or swell over time, leading to slow drains and repeated clogs.
What To Do Next
Never use chemical drain cleaners! They will corrode pipes over time.
If plunging doesn’t work, call a licensed plumber to avoid making the blockage worse. Even better, call or text Felix at Drain Guys Chicago: 847.850.9653.
When You Should Call a Plumber Immediately
Not all clogs are DIY-friendly. Call Drain Guys Chicago if:
🚩 Multiple fixtures (toilet + tub) are backing up
This suggests a mainline clog.
🚩 The toilet overflows or water rises dangerously high
Shut off the valve and call 847.850.9653 ASAP.
🚩 You can’t see the object
If it’s out of reach, you won’t remove it without professional tools.
🚩 The toilet keeps clogging after a toy or wipe incident
This means something is still stuck inside.
How to Prevent Kids From Flushing Things in the Future
Well, if I knew the secret to stop kids from flushing random objects down the toilet, I’d be a billionaire. Obviously there are no full-proof preventative methods, but these tips help dramatically:
Add a toilet lock during the toddler phase
Keep bathroom doors closed
Store wipes, toys, and toiletries out of reach
Teach toilet paper rules early
Let kids participate in flushing properly so curiosity doesn’t turn into experimentation
Final Thoughts (And When to Call Drain Guys Chicago)
Accidents happen, especially when curious toddlers and open toilets exist in the same household. If your child flushes something—whether it’s a toy, wipes, toiletries, or even jewelry—don’t panic. Don’t keep flushing. And don’t feel embarrassed. We’ve truly seen it all.
At Drain Guys Chicago, we’re parents and homeowners, too. We get it. And we’re here to help with: fast response times, transparent pricing, experienced technicians, and judgment-free service (seriously, your kid’s “flush art” is safe with us).
If you're dealing with a clogged toilet or you suspect something is stuck in your drain, call or text Drain Guys Chicago at 847.850.9653, the local plumbing and drain-cleaning team Chicago families trust.
Welcome to The Main Line
Expert drain cleaning and plumbing advice from Drain Guys Chicago. Learn how to prevent clogs, understand sewer line issues, and know when to call a professional plumber.
By: Felix Delgadillo, Owner & Founder
Welcome to The Main Line, the official blog of Drain Guys Chicago, a locally owned sewer, drain cleaning, and plumbing company serving the Chicagoland area.
I’m Felix, the founder and owner of Drain Guys Chicago. After years working in the field, I saw firsthand how often homeowners were confused, overcharged, or pressured into unnecessary repairs when dealing with clogged drains and sewer/plumbing problems. That’s exactly why I started this company—and why this blog exists.
Why We Started This Plumbing & Drain Cleaning Blog
Plumbing problems don’t happen on a schedule. When a drain backs up or a sewer line fails, people are stressed and looking for answers NOW. Unfortunately, that’s also when misinformation spreads the most.
The Main Line is here to change that.
In our blogs, we’ll share:
Practical drain cleaning tips from licensed professionals
Common causes of clogged drains and sewer backups
When you need a professional plumber—and when you don’t
What to expect from services like hydro jetting, camera inspections, and trenchless sewer repair
Honest advice from technicians who work in Chicagoland homes every day
No scare tactics. No upselling. Just clear, accurate information.
What “The Main Line” Means in Plumbing
In plumbing, the main line connects everything. When it’s clear, your sinks, toilets, and drains work properly. When it’s clogged or damaged, problems show up fast.
This blog works the same way. It’s the main line for information—helping homeowners understand what’s happening in their plumbing systems and how to make smart decisions before small problems turn into expensive repairs.
About Drain Guys Chicago
Drain Guys Chicago is a family-owned, local plumbing, sewer, and drain cleaning company. We specialize in:
Trenchless sewer repair
Drain cleaning
Sewer line inspections
Root removal
Preventative maintenance
Emergency plumbing services
We serve the City Chicago and nearby suburbs (Barrington, Elmhurst, Glenview, Lombard, Winnetka, and beyond) and we take pride in doing the job right the first time. We don’t subcontract work and we don’t recommend repairs that aren’t necessary.
Our approach is simple: Be honest. Explain the problem. Fix it correctly.
Who This Blog Is For
This blog is for everyone, whether you’re a homeowner who is dealing with a slow drain, a property manage who wants reliable plumbing info, or just searching for trustworthy plumbing advice in the Chicagoland area.
You don’t need to know plumbing terminology (that’s our job)—we believe every customer deserves transparency and education, not confusion.
Stay Connected
We’ll be updating The Main Line regularly with new posts covering real plumbing issues we see in Chicagoland homes and businesses. If you ever need professional help, Drain Guys Chicago is just a call away at 847.850.9653.
Thanks for being here and welcome to The Main Line!