How to Retrieve an Item That Was Flushed Down a Toilet

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Obtain a plumbers snake.

   It's a coil of wire that you can unwind to clear stuck drains.
   
   If you don't have access to one, get a wire coat hanger and unwind it with a pair of pliers so you have a long piece of stiff wire. , If you can't grab onto it, don't push it further down or you might obstruct the waste pipe. , At the base of the toilet, there are metal bolts on each side held on with metal nuts that hold the toilet to the floor.(the bolts are hidden under removable caps)
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   Step 2: Push the snake or wire into the bowl and if possible

   If there is not, or the valve is seized, shut off the water to the entire house.
   
   The main water shut off should be in your basement where the water from the city enters your home. , If there is any residue left, clean it out with a sponge.
   
   You will need to drain the bowl with a cup and a sponge to remove all the water. ,, Lift it from the bowl, not the tank. (There will be some wax residue on the bottom of the bowl and the floor from the wax seal.) ,,,
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   Step 3: grab onto the object and try to pull it up and out.

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   Step 4: If the above doesn't work

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   Step 5: you'll have to remove the toilet.

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   Step 6: Shut the water supply off to the toilet; there should be a shut-off valve under or behind the toilet where the water supply for the toilet exits the wall/floor.

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   Step 7: Flush the toilet to drain the tank.

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   Step 8: Once the tank and bowl are free of water

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   Step 9: use a pair of pliers to loosen and remove the bolts holding the toilet to the floor.

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    Step 10: Having someone assist you

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    Step 11: lift the toilet from the floor.

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    Step 12: Place the toilet on its side so that you'll have access to the bottom

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    Step 13: Using the snake or coat hanger

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    Step 14: retrieve the item from the bowl.

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    Step 15: Once the item is removed

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    Step 16: reinstall the toilet (in the reverse order it was removed)

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    Step 17: turn the water supply back on to the toilet and allow it to fill.

Detailed Guide

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