Strange Items Found in Household Plumbing

When you’re dealing with a blocked pipe, it can often be something like a hair clump or grease.

Yet, for a few fortunate plumbers, they encounter far more unexpected and bizarre items lurking amongst the pipes. Some of these items can be surprising and enlightening, but at least they show you that everything once has been flushed down the drain.

1. Dentures

Every so often, a plumber finds a strange object down the drain. One plumber recounted finding both upper and lower dentures causing a toilet clog, much to the homeowner’s relief, and horror. 

I’m sure the plumber would have had an enjoyable call-out. I’m not so sure about the homeowner when he had to use his dentures again!

2. Children’s Toys

Children are known for experimenting and testing the boundaries. And their most notorious experiment is discovering the ‘magical pond’ in the bathroom.

Plumbers have discovered all sorts of toys lodged in pipes. But nothing beats the classic floating rubber ducky, going for a bit of an adventure. Despite the comedy of this all, these items can cause significant obstructions, leading to repairs.

3. Jewelry

The worst feeling is when you lose your wedding ring.

Now imagine that feeling times by a million when you discover that it’s now down the toilet.

Whether slipped off during handwashing or accidentally knocked into sinks, jewelry can become lodged in pipes, needing some professional retrieval. 

4. Food Items

I’m gonna be honest. I have no clue how this happens. Plumbers have discovered whole chickens and whole fruits blocking pipes. Having parts of the fruit block the pipe is understandable. But a whole fruit? And a chicken?! 

If this has ever happened to you, let us know. I’m interested to see how it happened.

5. Socks and Clothes

Occasionally, laundry-related items like socks and underwear find their way into plumbing systems, These absorbent fabrics can block pipes effectively. But nevertheless, they give a good story to tell afterward.

6. Electronics

When people used to read the newspaper on the loo, now they’re on their phones. And sometimes their fingers slip.

Plumbers have retrieved items ranging from iPhones to electric razors from blocked pipes.  I’m not so sure that they would be able to be used afterward. 

7. Hair Extensions and Wigs

Hair is a well-known culprit for drain clogs, but entire hair extensions and wigs are on a whole new level. These items can entangle with other debris, forming significant blockages that impede water flow. 

Keep wigs out of the toilet, they look better on your head anyway.

9. Credit Cards and Wallets

Your wallet has all the important cards that you need. But for some people, the toilet has it. In some instances, their toddler flushed it and others might have done it accidentally.

These objects can obstruct the flow of water, making it clog or drain slower. Whatever the case though, the only thing guaranteed is that you’ll get a heart attack when you realise what happened.

10. Animals

Plumbers have sometimes done tasks that weren’t exactly in their job description. Sometimes small rodents, frogs, and even snakes can end up in pipes. They can give you a bit of a shock but don’t try to handle anything dangerous if you’re not a professional.

It’s better to have a snake in a pipe than a poisoned person.

A Little Bit of Care Goes a Long Way

Being more careful can help you not only stop the clogs. But it can prevent you from finding your only pair of dentures covered in toilet water… or a not-so-waterproof phone glitching out.

Kids can be quite adventurous, so educating your children could be pretty helpful for your pipes.

And finally, it’s probably best to leave the phone until after you’re done in the toilet. One slip is all it takes.

Household drains are designed to handle specific types of waste. Foreign objects not only jeopardise the plumbing system but can also lead to costly repairs and potential health hazards. By being mindful of what goes down the drain and educating all household members, many of these unusual and problematic incidents can go a long way.

If you’ve accidentally flushed down your phone and can’t get it out, we’re here to help. Get a free quote today.

Let’s make plumbing something you’re proud of.