I flushed an empty toothpaste bottle down the toilet about two days ago. What do I do?

Question

It's backing up now.

It's flushing very slowly right now and every time I think it's going to back up it doesn't. One of the answers said that there was no way a snake could work, is that true? We're college kids and honestly can't afford a plumber.

Answer 1

The toilet may be plugged. It needs to be removed and checked. If the toothpaste bottle has passed through the toilet you need to call a plumber that has a mechanical snake device to push the toothpase bottle through and or grind it up. Obviously waste has been piling up against the bottle and not passing. If you are handy, removing the toilet requires few tools and a new wax seal. You can rent the mechanical snake and do that yourself too. The best advise is to call a plumber if you have any doubts at all. At this stage a plunger is likey too late. The bottle may be dislodged by the plunger but will likely get stuck again unless it is near the top of the toilet. It needs to be removed or ground up and pushed through to the sewer cleanout location. If none of these work you will not like the idea of finding the likely location of the bottle and removing it by cutting into the line. That could mean breaking concrete too.

Answer 2

This will be good training for you when you have kids in the future. First turn off the water supply to the toilet. Then flush it to drain as much water as you can. Disconnect the water supply. Loosen the bolts on either side of the base. lift toilet from floor and tilt it foreward. reach through the bottom until you find the obstruction and remove it. Then reinstall the toilet in reverse order. You may need a new wax ring where the toilet meets the drain otherwise it may leak when flushed. These are available at most hardware or plumbing stores. Good Luck. Just do it, it's not that hard.

Answer 3

Is that the only drain that is slow now? If other drains, i.e. the sink or shower are slow draining...then the item is farther down the drain line. If the toilet is the only one affected the blockage is closer to the toilet. Look for the clean-out. It is a screw-on cap that is fitted to the main drain line, it is pvc plastic (or pot metal if the line is really old), most of these screw on caps are 4-6 inches in diameter and can be screwed off with a large adjustable wrench, pipe wrench or chanel lock pliers. Once you locate the clean-out, open it up. Try putting the garden hose in the clean-out (or in the toilet if you cannot find or access the clean-out) and push toward the blockage, do not turn the water to the hose on yet. Once you reach the blockage, crimp the garden hose, turn the water on and work toward the blockage. Crimp and un-crimp hose to make it pulse, flex and shoot water while working the hose through the blockage. It may take some time and work, but this method does work in many instances and may save you some grief. Good luck.

Answer 4

First thing that you need to do is learn somthing about life. You never put ANYTHING in a toilet other than toilet paper. ANYTHING else is a potential problem. Sorry to be so blunt, but your wording says that you did this on purpose.

Second, this is a major problem and must be dealt with. It is unlikely to go away by itself.

As suggested, you can try to reach in to snag it. It is unlikely you will suceed at that. The next step is to remove the toilet and go from the bottom.

If you have DIY skills, you can do that, if not, call someone. There are instructions on the forum to do it, but it requires some skills and tools.

Personally, I would not try the snake idea. I wouldn't want to push the thing further down. It will never disintegrate, not in your lifetime. There is a chance that it will sit there forever, waiting to snag more things and back up again.

If I were to guess, I would guess that you are renting so you don't care what happens in the future. Either way, fix it, don't just cover up what happened. You will sleep better knowing you did the right thing.

Answer 5

OK first of all she delivered a baby herself at 14. Why would she have a baby at 14. Who was the father? Why didn't anyone notice her tummy growth. I feel that if world is coming to like 14 year Olds having babies and trying to flush them down a toilet whats the point anymore. Couldn't she have just told her mother. I know her mother would be mad but i know she would help her make the right decision like going to a hospital. Her mother would take this as a ♥ hate situation. Why didnt she take this seriously? So Sad :(

Answer 6

If it is backing up, you will have problems until it is out. You may have to bring in a plumber .If anything ever falls into the toilet get a rubber glove to remove it. It can cost you a lot just fixing the problem.

Answer 7

Try a plunger!! If that doesn't work go to your hardware store and either buy a snake............or maybe you can rent one......that may work for you. If not call the plumber....$$$$$$$$$$ unless you are handy then you can take off the toilet and diy.
Good Luck....

Answer 8

It maybe stuck in the toilet and has not made it to the drain yet. take the toilet up and look in the botton. You should be able to get it out this way.

Answer 9

C all a plumber and do the necessary arrangement to take the item out or try to push the same towards the tank.

Answer 10

Probably is hung up in the stool. Would pull it find some one with a small hand, they may be able to reach up inside and get it out.
go in from the botton.