What Happens When Kids Flush Toys Down the Toilet (and How To Prevent It)

If you’ve got a toddler and a toilet in the same house, chances are, you’ve had at least one weird object disappear down the loo. 

As soon as kids realise that their bathtub rubber ducky, can also swim in the toilet, the combo can make a dangerous mix. But beyond the chuckles and stories you’ll be telling your mates for years, there’s a real risk. 

You can get blocked drains, costly repairs, and even overflows.

So, let’s break it down. Why do kids keep turning the toilet into a science experiment, what kind of trouble it can cause, and what you can actually do to stop it before you’re ankle-deep in regret (and other stuff)?

Why Do Kids Flush Things?

Your toddler’s ‘science experiment’ on a Monday morning can feel like pure evil. 

But kids are super curious. For them, the toilet is something like a mini pool and a magic portal combined. All they have to do is press a button and it disappears!

They’re also learning about cause and effect. What happens if I flush Mum’s mascara? 

And on some level, it’s about control. The toilet becomes a place where they can make something happen all by themselves which, for a toddler, is kind of a big deal.

What Can Go Wrong?

Toilets are built to flush human waste and toilet paper. That’s it. When you start introducing foreign objects into your pipes, things can go south.

Here’s what can go wrong:

1. Blocked Toilets

This is the most obvious one. Even a single toy can wedge itself in the S-bend and block everything behind it. This is the cause of many other problems and can make the toilet a lot slower to flush.  

You may also be able to tell if there is a blockage from the gurgling noise that comes from the toilet/

2. Backed-Up Drains

If the object makes it past the toilet and into the pipes, you might be looking at a main line blockage. The wastewater, instead of now leaving your home, can flow back into the drains. 

It’s important to treat backups as soon as possible, to prevent any potential damage or health risks. And for those in Rockhampton with a septic tank, this is even more important.

3. Damage to Plumbing

Hard objects and the flowing water can put pressure on your pipes. This pressure over time can damage the pipes, leading to further repairs.

Things That Get Flushed

You’d be surprised how common this is. These are some everyday items that end up in the toilet:

• LEGO pieces
• Action figures
• Rubber ducky
• Socks and undies
• Phones
• Wallets
• Food
• Jewellery

If it fits in a toddler’s hand, it can end up in the bowl. 

Signs That Something’s Gone Down the Drain

Not every child will proudly admit to flushing their car keys. Some play innocent. So how do you know something’s off?

• The toilet isn’t flushing properly
• The water rises too high (or drains too slowly)
• Gurgling sounds after flushing
• A weird smell coming from the bathroom

If you notice any of these, it’s best to call a plumber. Fishing around yourself can sometimes make the situation worse.

How Can I Prevent it?

We’re not miracle workers. But there are definitely a few things you can do to reduce the risk of having to explain to your wife why there’s a rubber duck in the toilet.

1. Child Locks on Toilets

There are actually toilet seat locks made for this exact reason. They’re cheap, easy to install, and will stop your little one from lifting the lid unsupervised.

You could put a baby gate on the bathroom door. Or if your child is very small and is unable to reach the handles or open doors, maybe just locking/closing it could be enough.

2. Teach the Toilet Rules Early

Once your kid is old enough to understand, start laying out the basics. Something like only pee, paper, and poo go in the loo. Keep it simple but clear. 

4. Supervise When Possible

Especially during toilet training, keep an eye on your little one. You’ll not only avoid toilet disasters but can reinforce those rules in real-time.

If It’s Too Late, Don’t Panic

If your kid’s already flushed something and you’re already hearing some of those signs, no need to panic.

A licensed plumber will have the tools (and the stomach) to check what’s going on without damaging your pipes. They will be able to fix your toilet to get it working again. But most importantly, we might even be able to save the toy.

You can get a free no-obligation quote today. Apply here in seconds.

And if all else fails, at least you’ll have a great story for their 21st.