Quck answer
To get flushed keys out of the toilet, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent further flushing.
2. Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
3. Use a plunger to create suction and try to dislodge the keys.
4. If the keys are still stuck, try using a toilet auger or a wire coat hanger to retrieve them.
5. If all else fails, you may need to remove the toilet from the floor to access the keys.
Remember to exercise caution and consider calling a professional plumber if you are unsure or uncomfortable with attempting these steps yourself.
Perhaps your young child has recently discovered the thrill of flushing objects down the toilet, and unfortunately, your keys were within reach. Or maybe you accidentally dropped them into the toilet at an inconvenient time. Regardless of how they ended up there, the most important thing is to find a way to retrieve them.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will be able to recover your keys, especially if they have been carried deep into the plumbing system. However, if they are within reach, there are a few do-it-yourself methods that may help you get them back.
Initial Steps to Take
Before attempting to retrieve the flushed keys, it is important to prevent any additional water from flowing into the toilet bowl. To do this, locate and turn off the water supply using the shutoff valve. This valve is typically found where the toilet’s tubing meets the wall. Simply turn it clockwise to close it.
Emptying the water from the bowl may make it easier to retrieve the keys and may be necessary if you decide to remove the toilet altogether. You can manually remove the water using a plastic cup or use a wet/dry vacuum to suction it out. However, if the keys are ideally located in the toilet’s trap, just out of sight but still reachable, you may be able to retrieve them without draining the bowl.
It goes without saying that you should wear a pair of long rubber gloves before reaching into the toilet.
Retrieving the Flushed Keys
With your gloves on and the toilet seat raised, the first step is to simply reach down as far as you can through the toilet hole to see if you can feel the keys. The distance you can reach will depend on the toilet’s design, the size of your arm, and the size of the keys. If this method doesn’t work, try using a flexible magnetic pickup tool to maneuver through the hole. If the keys are located in the trap, you should be able to feel the magnet attracting the key ring.
Another option is to use a clawed toilet snake to search for and retrieve the flushed keys. However, it is important to avoid using homemade toilet snakes for this purpose, as they are more effective for pushing clogs further into the plumbing rather than removing objects.
The Final Option
If you have exhausted all other options and absolutely need to recover your keys, you can attempt to remove the toilet to see if they are stuck in the trap or the closet bend (the pipe just below the toilet). Removing a toilet requires two people. With the water valve turned off and the bowl empty, disconnect the toilet connector tube from the wall. Have a bucket ready to collect any remaining water in the tube.
Carefully slice through any caulk that is sealing the toilet to the floor using a utility knife. Take off the caps from the nuts that secure the toilet to the floor (use a screwdriver if needed) and remove the nuts with pliers. Then, with the help of someone, you should be able to lift the toilet off the floor. It would be ideal to have a third person hold a piece of cardboard under the base of the toilet while you lift it, just in case the keys fall out so they don’t fall into the hole in the floor.
Place the toilet on its side (if possible, remove the tank first depending on the model) and reach inside the trap to check if you can find the keys. If not, use a flashlight to peer inside the closet bend. Then, reinstall the toilet with the assistance of your helper. Lift it back into position, screw the bolts back on, reconnect the water, and apply new caulk to the base.
