Can a Toothbrush Clog a Toilet? Plumbing in Clinton, TN Story
Story time from Clinton
Some plumbing calls start with a leak. This one started with a missing toothbrush.
A little boy in Clinton had flushed his toothbrush down the toilet. If you have kids, you know how quickly a curious moment can turn into an “uh oh.” The family called us, and Bobby headed over with the right tool for the job.
He was able to retrieve the toothbrush. Crisis over, toothbrush accounted for, and one more reminder for all of us that toilets are surprisingly tempting places to drop things.
If your toilet has a clog or something stuck in it, you can schedule service with Friendly Neighborhood Plumber. We help homeowners in Clinton, TN and around Knoxville.
Can a toothbrush clog a toilet?
Yep. A toothbrush does not break down like toilet paper. It can get caught in the toilet’s built in trap or farther along the drain, leaving you with a toilet that will not flush properly.
If something solid goes down the toilet, here’s the short version: do not flush again, and do not try to force it down.
What to do if a toy or toothbrush gets flushed
First, give the toilet a break. Do not flush it again. Another flush can make the bowl overflow or move the object deeper into the drain.
If the bowl is filling up, turn off the water supply using the small valve behind or beside the toilet. Turn it clockwise gently. Then leave the toilet alone until the object is retrieved.
Skip the plunger if you know a solid object is stuck. It may push the item farther in, which can make it harder to get out. Drain cleaner will not dissolve a toothbrush or toy, either. A plumber can use the right tool to retrieve an object without trying to send it on a longer trip through your pipes.
If your toilet has already overflowed, we have a few steps to take when a toilet overflows.
A quick bathroom rule for kids
Toilets are for human waste and toilet paper. Toothbrushes, toys, wipes, and anything else that is not toilet paper belong somewhere else. Usually the trash. Sometimes a toy bin. Definitely not the toilet.
And if something does take an unexpected dive, try not to feel embarrassed. Kids are curious, and plumbing surprises happen in real homes every day. That is what plumbers are here for.
Friendly Neighborhood Plumber provides general plumbing services in Knoxville and surrounding communities. We are a local, family run team, and you can learn a little more about us or see what our neighbors say in our customer reviews.
A few quick questions
Can a toothbrush really clog a toilet?
Yes. A toothbrush can lodge in the toilet trap or drain because it does not break down like toilet paper. Stop flushing and call a plumber if it is stuck.
Should I use a plunger if my child flushed a toy?
If you know a solid object went down, it is better not to plunge it. You could push it farther into the drain and make retrieval more difficult.
Should I pour drain cleaner into the toilet?
No. Drain cleaner will not retrieve a toothbrush or toy. Stop using the toilet and call a plumber for help.
Do you serve Clinton, TN?
Yes. Friendly Neighborhood Plumber serves Clinton and nearby communities. Call or text 865-443-7617 or contact us online.
Need a hand with a clogged toilet?
If something has gone down the toilet and it is not flushing right, stop using it and give us a call. We will talk through what is going on and help you figure out the next step.
Call or text 865-443-7617. Neighbors helping neighbors.
