Items getting accidentally flushed down the toilet are more common than you might think. Whether it’s a child’s toy, a phone, or even something as simple as a paper towel or feminine hygiene product, these situations can quickly go from bad to worse, depending on how they’re handled. The good news is that taking the right steps right away can help prevent a small mistake from turning into a costly repair. Here’s what to do next if something gets accidentally flushed down your toilet.

Don’t Flush Anything Else

If you’ve accidentally flushed something down the toilet that shouldn’t have been flushed, the worst thing you can do is flush again. While it’s just an initial reaction and seems like a quick fix, another flush can actually push the object further into your plumbing system. Once the object is deep into your plumbing system, it’s much harder to remove. 

What starts as a simple mistake can quickly turn into a much more frustrating clog if the item gets stuck and begins to catch toilet paper and other debris. In some instances, this can even cause water to rise and overflow, leading to messy and costly water damage. Don’t risk a bigger problem occurring in your plumbing; stop flushing immediately and assess the situation before taking action.

Turn Off the Toilet’s Water Supply

If it looks like there may be a chance the toilet could start to overflow after something gets accidentally flushed, turn off the toilet water supply. This will help prevent the tank from continuing to fill because something is stuck in it. It will also ensure that no water spills over onto your bathroom floor, creating potential water damage. 

Most toilets have a small shut-off valve that is located behind the base, near the wall. Acting quickly can make a big difference, especially if the water level is rapidly rising. If the valve is difficult to turn, avoid forcing it and consider shutting off your home’s main water supply instead. Taking this step quickly gives you control of the situation and helps prevent unnecessary water damage.

Try to Remove the Item Safely

If you can see the item that was accidentally flushed still in the bowl, it may be possible for you to remove it safely and carefully. Start by putting on rubber gloves and gently reaching in to grab the object, being careful not to push it further down the drain. If it’s just out of reach, a toilet auger may help, but it’s important to use it slowly and without force.

Avoid using makeshift tools like wire hangers or repeatedly plunging. Doing that can damage the toilet or lodge the item deeper into the plumbing system. If the object isn’t able to be retrieved easily or has already disappeared, the best thing to do is stop and consider calling a professional before a more serious issue starts.

Avoid Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes

When something gets accidentally flushed, it’s easy to panic and try a quick fix. However, certain DIY attempts can actually make the situation worse. Overusing a plunger, for example, may push the object deeper into the pipes and create a more stubborn blockage. Chemical drain cleaners are another common mistake, as they’re not made to break down solid items and can damage your plumbing system over time.

Instead of attempting to fix it yourself, potentially turning a minor issue into a major one, it’s best to avoid these common mistakes. Instead, move on to safer solutions, like calling a professional plumber if the item won’t come out easily.

Know When to Call a Professional Plumber

If the item has disappeared into the drain, the toilet isn’t functioning properly, or water is starting to back up, it’s time to call a professional plumber. These are all signs that the object may be lodged deeper into your plumbing system, where it can’t be safely removed without the right tools and experience.

Continuing to use the toilet or attempting more aggressive DIY fixes can make the problem worse, and even lead to complete blockages or water damage. A professional plumber can quickly locate and remove the obstruction, check for any additional issues, and ensure your plumbing system is working properly again.

Why Choose Us?

When it comes to protecting your home’s plumbing system, choosing a team you trust makes all the difference. At S&B Plumbing, we offer a full range of services to ensure that every job is handled with precision and care. Whether you’re dealing with an urgent repair or routine maintenance, you can expect reliable service and a customer-first approach every step of the way. Contact us today to book your appointment.

As a homeowner, hopefully, you never have to worry about a pipe burst in your home. However, it’s always a possibility, and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. Knowing what steps you should take when you have a pipe burst in your home could mean the difference between a quick fix with minimal damage and a significant amount of water damage that could cost you thousands. So, here are the things you should know and the steps you should take if there is a pipe burst at your home.

How to Tell If a Pipe Has Burst

A pipe burst isn’t always obvious right away, but there are several warning signs homeowners can watch for. One of the most common indicators of a burst pipe is a sudden drop in water pressure. If your faucets or shower start to lose water pressure without explanation, it could mean water is escaping somewhere else in your plumbing system before it can reach your faucet or shower head.

Another major red flag is when water is visible somewhere it shouldn’t be. This could manifest as water pooling under sinks, damp spots on floors, or water stains appearing on ceilings and walls. Another thing you might notice is paint bubbling or drywall warping, all signs that water has been leaking for quite some time. In the more severe cases, a pipe burst can lead to mold and mildew growth and a musty odor.

Catching these signs early is key to minimizing damage. If you notice any of these symptoms or a combination of them, it’s important to act quickly before the pipe burst gets worse.

What to Do Immediately After a Pipe Bursts

When you identify a pipe burst in your home, jumping into action could be the difference between a small inconvenience and major water damage. The first and most important step is to immediately shut off your home’s main water supply. Doing this will stop the flow of water and prevent further flooding. Before a pipe burst starts to cause damage to your home, find where this valve is located, usually in a basement, crawl space, garage, or near the water meter, so you are able to act quickly.

The second most important step to take is to turn off the electricity if water is near outlets, appliances, or electrical panels. Water and electricity are a lethal combination; taking this step is a critical safety measure. If you’re unsure or can’t access your breaker box, avoid the area and wait for a professional.

Once you turn the water off, drain the remaining water from your plumbing system. You can do this by turning on all faucets and flushing toilets to relieve pressure in the pipes and reduce continued leaking. After doing that, shift your focus to containing the water and minimizing damage. Use towels, buckets, or even a temporary patch, like pipe tape or a clamp, if the pipe burst is visible and accessible.

If possible, try to locate the source of the pipe burst, but don’t cut open walls or attempt to make any major repairs on your own. At this point, controlling the damage should be your main priority. Lastly, call a professional plumber as soon as possible. Burst pipes more often than not require proper repair or replacement, and acting as quickly as possible can help prevent long-term issues like mold growth or structural damage.

What Causes a Pipe to Burst

Burst pipes typically occur due to pressure buildup or weakening over time. One of the most common causes is freezing temperatures. When water expands inside the pipe, when freezing, it creates just enough pressure to crack the pipe. Aging pipes also make plumbing more fragile, increasing the risk of pipe bursts. Additionally, high water pressure puts constant pressure on pipes, which leads to failure. Clogs or tree root intrusion could also cause pressure to build up, resulting in a burst pipe.

How to Prevent a Burst Pipe in the Future

If you haven’t had to experience a burst pipe in your home, you may be wondering how you could prevent one from happening. Preventing a burst pipe in your home comes down to reducing overall stress on your plumbing system.

One of the most important steps you can take is insulating exposed pipes, especially in colder areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, or exterior walls. Insulation will stop the water from freezing and expanding inside the pipe during the freezing winter months.

You could also prevent your pipes from freezing by letting your faucets slightly drip during very cold weather. This keeps water moving through pipes, reducing pressure buildup. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature is also a big part of protecting your pipes from freezing and bursting. Taking these preventative measures can go a long way in protecting your home from a burst pipe.

Why Choose Us?

At S&B Plumbing, with over 25 years of experience, we are dedicated to taking care of your plumbing problems quickly. We understand that plumbing issues can be stressful, and attempting to get a plumber to make a one-time visit to fix the problem can feel impossible. At S&B Plumbing, we’re able to handle 90% of your plumbing problems within a single visit. If you want to learn more about our services or book an appointment, contact us today.

Winter weather can often cause frustration for homeowners. Shoveling snow, watching for flooding and leaks, and working to prevent plumbing emergencies this winter are all possible when you take the proper steps. Scheduling home maintenance and having your plumbing inspected by our experts at S&B Plumbing can prevent disasters later. This blog has gathered some common plumbing emergencies that happen in the winter and how you can avoid them or solve them after they occur.

Dealing with a lack of hot water, flooding, or sewage backup while the weather is harsh can be extremely frustrating. Let us help take care of your home with S&B Plumbings’ 24-hour emergency plumbing services.

Common Winter Emergencies

While this list may not cover all of the possible plumbing emergencies you could see, these are some of the most common ones we treat during the winter months.

• Frozen pipes (both indoor and outdoor)
• Clogged Drains
• Faulty Water Heater
• Outdoor Drain Damage
• Sump Pump Backup
• Flooded Basements
• Frozen Septic Tanks

1- Make Sure Pipes Are Insulated

The easiest way to ensure that pipes don’t freeze is to make sure they are properly insulated. Indoor and outdoor pipes will both need proper insulation to avoid freezing and especially if you are away from your home for long periods during the winter. Preventing plumbing emergencies this winter can be avoided by preventing frozen pipes.

When pipes freeze, they can burst, causing more damage to your home. Let the faucet drip while you are not in your home, or have a plumber inspect your pipes to ensure they are not frozen already. 

2- Unclog Drains

Clogged drains are a common plumbing problem throughout the year, but fixing them in the winter can be even more difficult. Severely clogged drains can lead to major pipe damage, which usually needs to be dealt with by tearing up your yard or getting the pipes inside the floor or walls. This process can be messy and put you out of your normal routine. 

Homeowners often turn to commercial drain cleaning products to help their drains drain properly, but these products may not get to the root of the problem. Working with a licensed plumber to prevent plumbing emergencies this winter will save you time and money in the long run. 

3- Schedule Water Heater Maintenance

Plumbers offer water heater maintenance to ensure that it works properly, heats your water properly, and does not damage your home. Old water heaters will not provide the amount of hot water you need throughout your entire home and are prone to breaking and possible explosions. Water heater explosions can cause damage to your home and injuries to family members. Proper water heater maintenance will help keep your home comfortable and safe. 

4- Fix Existing Leaks

To prevent plumbing emergencies this winter, fix leaks before the weather gets colder. Fixing leaks sooner rather than later will also help prevent frozen pipes and flooding. Our plumbers can help you find pipe leaks in your home and take care of them before they take over your home. S&B Plumbing can help give you advice about common signs of pipe leaks or potential pipe leaks. 

5- Allow Warm Air To Circulate

For indoor pipes, allowing your hot air to reach them will prevent frozen pipes. Opening cabinets especially under the sink or in your bathrooms can help hot air circulate around the pipes and help them stay in working order. Heating your home and pipes properly will help prevent plumbing emergencies this winter. 

6- Avoid Antifreeze

If your pipes do end up freezing, homeowners may take drastic measures to salvage them. Some may assume that antifreeze can help your pipes get back to working order, but antifreeze is really harmful to the environment, humans, and animals. Putting antifreeze in your pipes can allow it to get back to our water sources, or into the soil which can damage the health of all those around us. 

7- Use A Heat Cable, Space Heater, Or Heating Pad

Frozen pipes can be remedied or helped by heating them up with household items. If you haven’t previously installed pipe insulation or a heating cable, using a space heater, hairdryer, or a heating pad around your pipes can help to unfreeze the pipe. When using heat to unfreeze the pipe, make sure to remove flammables from around the piping and take all safety precautions to prevent burns with hot metal. 

If you have damaged frozen pipes, the best step to take is to contact a plumber to replace them. S&B Plumbing can repipe your home easily and get your home back to full function. 

Prevent Plumbing Emergencies This Winter With S&B 

Our full-service plumbers can help you prevent plumbing emergencies this winter. With 24-hour emergency services and multiple plumbing services, you can have peace of mind when it comes to your home. Plumbers can help with drain clogs, frozen pipes, sump pumps, sewer line issues, and more! Trust our local company to protect your home this winter. Contact us today!