OK, for starters I warn all that this has nothing to do with HT, but because I am panicking, I am turning to the folks I know of with the broadest knowledge base.

Tonight I was working in my upstairs bath, for some reason my wife decided she wants to re-do it...Long story short, I was removing the toilet and then the valve when suddenly my pliers fell out of my hand and of all places, they fell perfectly into the toilet drain.:eek::confused::mad:

I quickly blurted out a handful of expletives and now I am stuck. The pliers vanished from view, however, based on what I heard, I dont think they fell all the way to the bottom, to the basement, the the theater wall which I would have to cut open, in order to access the trap from there. So yeah, hopefully they only fell to the area under the tub, but I really have no clue as I cant see past the bend.

Is there anything I can really do? I assume that I HAVE to get them out of there, but the question is how? Is it worth messing with myself, or is it just time to bite the bullet, blurt a few expletives and pay a professional with a camera and hopefully a long claw arm that can retrieve the pliers.

Help me please before I go mad! thanks all for any information you can provide.

Well, well, well,

There are many things that come to mind as far as puns, jabs, one liners, and such, but I will spare you the agony as you have probably suffered enough at the hands of your SO. I would think that one you would NEED to get the tool out of the drain due to potential clogging problems down the road. So how to get those pliers out of there.

What about using a pluming snake to get to the pliers and pull them out that way? Or you could call your local rental place and see if they have the camera or the plumbing tools to help you.

As I am cheap and only call for a "professional" when all else fails I will try to "fix" the problem before I call for help.

If you think that the pliers are just a short distance away you could use a wire coat hanger and try to "fish" the pliers out of there too.

Or something like this (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_13888_13888). My FIL had one of these at one time and it was amazing how much pull it had. Might be something to think about.

Hopefully I have given you some options and help calm your nerves in the process. I feel your pain my brother.

Regards,

RTROSE

I have never had to deal with anything like this so I am really speculating here. I wonder if you could take a drain snake and fasten a magnet on the end. Obviously the idea would be to run the snake/magnet down the drain until you hit the pliers and hope the magnet would latch on well enough to let you pull the pliers back out. It might be hard to find a strong enough magnet that is also small enough to fit down the drain. If you have a Harbor Freight nearby, that would be my first stop. Woodcraft stores carry small neodymium magnets that might work.

This seems like a long shot but it might be worth a try. Good luck. I am afraid you will need it. l

If you have a friend that has a marine fish tank they usually have really strong magnets to clean the algae off the front glass ... I have one that could easily retrieve a pair of pliers .... they use rare earth magnets

so strong that if they could break your fingers if the 2 pieces snap shut on your hand :eek:

http://www.algaefree.com/floating.html

How big were the pliers? The trap for a toilet is in the toilet, so it should be a straight shot to get them. Also the pipe diameter for a toilet is usually bigger than for a shower. I am willing to bet you could put a coat hanger in there to feel how far down they are and then use a magnet to retrieve if they are metal.

And yes, they do have to come out.

HMM, magnet and coat hanger is the common theme. I guess I will pick up a camera from Lowes tomorrow and return it when um, it wasnt what i needed? they will never know...fun fun. I feel that is first just to see if I cant locate them. ARGH!

If the tool is still in the trap, then a small hand (woman or child) might be able to reach in there and grab it. Otherwise, I vote for rare-earth magnet + snake also. You can get some very strong small magnets if you look around (might find some at Lowes or Home Depot). Just make sure you very securely attach the magnet to the snake. If the tool has fallen down the stack, then you might be able to grab it through a cleanout with a magnet.

In the future, I suggest you attach a lanyard to any tool before you use it in the toilet. :) Safety first, you don't want to lose your little friend in the bottomless pit :)

I think ease of recovery will depend on how far down the tool has fallen.

Most all hardware stores have an extendable "wand" with enough magnet power to attach to and hold to gently pull something the size of pliers - probably NOT a pipe wrench.

I paid around $7 for the one I use (mainly to pull screws or a small screw driver from the dark innards of a pinball machine component where I often drop things) but I just tested the magnet strength on pliers and large screwdrivers and it works well.

This tool extends to about 14 inch length so it would have to be attached to something longer - plumber's snake probably best - or simple nylon cord - BUT be sure to attach it well - like with duct tape - or you could be trying to retrieve two tools.
Best of Luck

OK, I actually have personal experience with this problem. Before I go any further let me point out that nothing other than liquids should be sent downstream until the pliers is removed.

There is a curved path out of sight in the toilet, Your pliers is probably waiting there patiently to be rescued. I would NOT try to snake the toilet because you might force the pliers past the trap in your efforts.

The sure fix for this problem is tho remove the toilet and turn it upside down and jiggle it around and the pliers should come out. Removal and installation of toilet is skill that every DIY homeowner needs to acquire and now you have a chance to practice.

First get a gallon of pine scented chlorine bleach and pour it in the toilet and flush it down stream. I don't know if this actually does anything but it takes the psychological sting off of the fact of where your travels are taking you.

Then, turn off the water supply and give the toilet a big flush and that will suck a lot of the water out. Then using a sponge get what was left in the tank and the bowl.

Disconnect the water supply. Now if you have a strong helper you can probably carry it outside in one piece and turn it every which way on the front yard so that your neighbors can get a chuckle.

I usually do this by myself so I like to take the tank off first. Then there are just two bolts holding the toilet to the floor. With luck the nuts haven't rusted to the bolts (Hack saw). You lift the toilet straight up and you will discover that the toilet is mated to the drain pipe with a big wax donut. You need to clean that away and replace with a fresh one.

Now if you want to save some effort put an old rubber mat in the bath tub or shower and you can do your upside down jiggling in private. Be aware the the toilet base can be pretty heavy and awkward so if you don't have a lot of upper body strength you better take it out to a clear space. Because you could do some real damage to your tub.

I found that using a large garbage bag works perfectly to wrap up the patient to carry it though the house, if you have members of family who wouldn't appreciate a parade.

Just to check:

The pliers fell IN the toilet? or they fell in the hole in the floor where the toilet was?

If number 1 (pun intended), then it is no problem as Biggie describes above...if number 2(haha), there is no trap to stop it..they'll fall where gravity takes them to a turn bend.

Do you remember the plumbing path?

You could alway use a snake and very gently feed it down until you get to them...to just let you know what you are dealing with...

for reference:

http://img2.timeinc.net/toh/i/a/baths/toilets-01.jpg

Only biggie would post a cut-away pic of a toilet. :D

After re-reading the original post I think the toilet is removed so now it gets interesting. As for my first post, never-mind.

That sucks :(

I would second the notion of trying to snake it out, but what if you do push it farther down the pipes like Big said. I dunno, I would probably call a plumber, that's easy for me to say though, he's also our snow removal guy so his number is on speed dial and it would probably only cost me a beer :D

You may need a snake with fiber-optic camera to locate and retrieve the pliers. I like the magnet idea.

The pic of the cut away toilet confused me. Did the plyers fall inside the toilet or the 3" drain the toilet sits on?

IF its in the drain "pvc" then you will have to go and cut them out of the pvc. Not really any way around it. If in the toilet ?...Good luck.

Did the plyers fall inside the toilet or the 3" drain the toilet sits on?


I was removing the toilet and then the valve when suddenly my pliers fell out of my hand and of all places, they fell perfectly into the toilet drain

If they had fallen into the toilet only my wife would flush it to see if they would jump out. I was originally mis directed by some of the early feedback myself.

rare earth magnet on electircal fish tape, lots of length :)


OR.


open the clean out downstairs, and pour water down there until they come through.



I'd try the fish tape first.

open the clean out downstairs, and pour water down there until they come through.

Or cut out a section of pipe in the basement, give the misses a 5 gallon bucket of water, insert net, mop up the mess.

two items you'll need

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411JxYnNtrL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
http://www.fire-rescueoutfitters.com/fire_police/rain/fpslicker.jpg

This could be a great YouTube video.

http://www.fire-rescueoutfitters.com/fire_police/rain/fpslicker.jpg




LOL that dudes pose cracks me up!

Well, I must say this is the reason I love this site. While not HT related, I can still get lots of ideas and that is the calming part.

Well I have wonderful news. Today I picked myself up one of these:
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=2310-21&CategoryName=SC%3a+Plumber%27s+Top+Tool+Choices
(http://www.milwaukeetool.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=2310-21&CategoryName=SC%3a+Plumber%27s+Top+Tool+Choices)
I figured if I was going to get the pliers of even find then for that matter, I will need a way to look past the first bend.

So the fun began, I stuck the camera in and to my delight, I located the pliers not all too far down the pipe. I guess they didnt fall as far as it sounded when they fell in. Thank goodness. Well, both HD and Lowes did not have magnets suitable for the job, or the guys helping me had no idea what I was looking for but either way, I found an alternative solution. I tracked down a wire hanger and it was time to do some fishing. The pliers were plier end first and the handle was closest to me. As I slowly inched closer, I used the camera to keep the pliers in view and to see where I was with my hanger.

As I first reached the pliers, I was under them and this caused me to push them farther down the drain (1-2"). I was super nervous as I did not know where the point of no return was (the stack?), so I backed off and tried again. This time i was along side the pliers, but was unable to get to the front, so I twisted the hanger and got under them a little and they jumped closer to me this time. Then it was attempt number 3. You know what they say, third times a charm. I managed to get the hanger all the way to the front of the pliers. then, with the help of my trusty camera I watched as I twisted the hanger into position down in front of the pliers. It was D-day!

I slowly started to pull both the hanger and camera out of the hole, watching as the pliers crept closer to the opening. Finally I shined a light into the opening and I could see the pliers ever so slightly. Now it was time to convince the wife that she needed to help. Because my hand would be a tight squeeze, I needed for her to go in. While she went for a glove I took the risk of pulling a little more on the pliers and I got them even more into view. The wife returned and it was her time to shine, in she went. As she grabbed a hold, we pulled everythign out at once, her arm, the camera, my super expensive wire fish and....wait for it...:

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb60/smakovits/Misc/IMG_13961.jpg

Life is better now and I can sleep easy knowing I saved some money by not panicking and calling a plumber right away. No youtube video needed...

Big, as you said every DIY home owner should learn to put in a toilet...I have decided that in my theater bathroom I will attempt to install the toilet myself, and see how things go.

Big, as you said every DIY home owner should learn to put in a toilet...I have decided that in my theater bathroom I will attempt to install the toilet myself, and see how things go.

The first year in my first house the misses managed to flush the toilet paper holder down the hatch in our only bathroom. There after, the thing would back up with great frequency that was only resolved with plunger duty. After accusing her of eating too much fiber she confessed to the flushing mishap.

At a family event a new to me Uncle hearing our story said he would come over and help me out. Little did I imagine that meant he would show up with all the tools to take the toilet to the backyard for an exorcism. In the process I got a tutorial on the fine points of toilet anatomy and overcame my fear of the taking out and installing what up until that time an unmovable white object.

In the process I got a run down of all the family lore with a toilet in the story including how one of my new uncles (who was a bookie) managed to crack his commode by tightening the bolts too tight and also how the same Uncle hid his wallet from the hooker in Las Vegas (More toilet humor) only to discover later that she had found it and made it much lighter.

It was a day I'll never forget.

Sounds like a cool new uncle:D

HEY! I was first to post and the first to provide the "winning" idea for fishing out the offending pliers. What do I win?????

To make it easier I'd settle for a Guinness Draft if we ever should meet.

Glad it all worked out as planned. I too agree with Big. Every DIYer should learn to tackle the porcelain "Throne" they look much more intimidating than they actually are. Good practice none the less.

Regards,

RTROSE

Sounds like a cool new uncle:D

That was 1976, and unfortunately he has passed but his memory still inspires. I assume you mean the Uncle who helped not the bookie who has also passed but isn't often missed.

HEY! I was first to post and the first to provide the "winning" idea for fishing out the offending pliers. What do I win?????

I am thinking a trophy... Say one made of wax... and say maybe in the shape of a... I don't know... a ring???

Just think smak, you have a fishing story to tell the grandkids and it wasn't "one that got away".:D

HEY! I was first to post and the first to provide the "winning" idea for fishing out the offending pliers. What do I win?????

To make it easier I'd settle for a Guinness Draft if we ever should meet.

Glad it all worked out as planned. I too agree with Big. Every DIYer should learn to tackle the porcelain "Throne" they look much more intimidating than they actually are. Good practice none the less.

Regards,

RTROSE
YES, thank you very much. You didnt win just a single draft, you wont an entire six pack of the can or bottles with the mysterious plastic ball instide which is supposed to make it pour like a draft, so think of it as six draft guiness'.

I cant tell you all how appreciative I am of all the support I received. Last night I was going insane, just thinking about it while watching tv till 3 am, tonight I was able to enjoy some playoff hockey knowing that my pliers were now resting comfortably on the bathroom floor. I guess maybe I should was them off. Or, show them who is boss and because they were in such a hurry to leave me, toss them in the trash and go out to pick up a new pair. Although I do like those, they seem the perfect size.

Glad to hear it all worked out Smaks. When I first read your post my heart sank for you. So maybe now your wife won't go all out with a $$$$ bathroom upgrade because she'll feel bad for your troubles ;).

Ok,



Here is another idea. I like these sort of things but look into getting one of these shadow boxes

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/41v6mxk80FL_AA260_.jpg

put the pliers in it with a short description and you have a great remembrance of your ordeal and a great conversation starter, plus you get to keep your old tool and then get a new one to replace the one on "display". It's a win-win.

Regards,

RTROSE

BTW I appreciate the offer of an entire six pack...Thank you.