So, my 3 year old sent his kid-sized toothbrush down the toilet. It's maybe an inch or two shorter than an adults' toothbrush. I bought a flexible parts grabber (like you see at auto parts stores) to see if I could get lucky and pull it out. No luck, but I gave it a shot. I doubt a snake would do much of anything. So, my plan is to pull the toilet and see whether it's stuck in the toilet's bends.

Any more simple ideas on how to get it out, or do you think I should I even try? If you think there's a good chance it's not going to cause a problem and just works its way out, then I can think of a lot better ways to spend a Saturday.

Thanks for your help, God knows I need it.

 

You should have a toilet snake there. I've captured quite a few flushed items.

Homeowner Toilet Auger-BC40030 - The Home Depot

 

Is the commode flushing ok? When my kids were little, more than once they flushed the toilet paper holder down the commode

In my case I had to remove the commode and take it outside to back flush it with a garden hose.

 

As Pete says, try a toilet auger first. There is a good chance that will get it. If not then pull the toilet.

 

We have to pull a stool every year or two in our units for something like this. I would definitely try the auger first, as suggested, though.

 

So, after I've tried the auger, does everyone agree I should not just see if it sorts itself out? Someone was telling me if it clears the toilet I'm probably okay. But I'm definitely leaning toward not taking that advice. It's just water in the toilet at the moment and I know I'd discover it's stuck in the toilet after "solids" are introduced. Or, even if it works itself through the toilet there's no guarantee it will not cause it will not be a bigger, more expensive issue if it doesn't make its way through my house's old plumbing to the street. I'm assuming everyone agrees, but let me know if otherwise. Anyone want to adopt a kid?

Thanks for your help.

 

Hey, kids are a lot of fun - especially when you are a grandparent and get to send them home when you get tired

I'd be inclined to keep an eye on it and if you notice it's not flushing like it should - then pull it.

 

Put a large wad it TP in toilet and see if it sticks. TP will dissolve after a while so you won't have the mess when you pull toilet if necessary .

 

I would take out the toilet asap. If that thing gets lodged down stream it will be expensive to unclog if it hasn't already moved on and maybe waiting to get caught at the next elbow.

 

Agreed - it will be an intermittent clog if the toothbrush is stuck.