Kid Flushed Something? Drain Guys Chicago Explains What To Do Next

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.