I`ve dropped a hair-clip about 1-2ins. in diameter,into
the toilet as it was flushing. The toilet seems to be
flushing properly so far, but I`m concerned about it
becoming problematic in the future. Is there something
I can pour into it to disintegrate it? It`s plastic.

speedball1

Hey Penn,  There is nothing you can put in the bowl that will desolve plastic, however you might not have to do anything. The hair clip might just have flushed on through and out the main sewer.  How I check to see if a bowl is clear is to wad a BIG chunk, (I'm talking 1/4 roll here) of toilet paper up and load the bowl.  Now flush.  Do it again with the paper thing.  If it starts to back up then you will have to use a closet auger to try and break up the blockage and send it on through.  If it takes the paper down without backing up then your bowl is clear and your worrys are gone.  If it's still down there after you test and you need further instructions on how to auger a toilet click on back and I'll be happy to help.  good luck,  Tom

Penne

Hello Speedball1,

Many thanks for your reply and advice. I tried what you
suggested, and there doesn`t seem to be a problem.
I am curious to know what the diameter of the pipe be,
(just after the toilet flushes and before the main sewer).
The whole system is probably about 8 years old.
Another question please....what is a closet auger???
Please excuse these basic queries, but I happen to be
one of those very home-maintenance challenged people!!
Thank you, once again for your help.

Cheers.......Penne

speedball1

Good morning  Penne,    Glad everything worked out well for you.   You asked about the diameter of the pipes that connect to the toilet.  ???   If you're on a slab and the pipes are underground the diameter is four inches.  If a first or second floor toilet the diameter may drop to three inches.  A closet auger is a snake that is made specifically for toilets.  It sends a cable through the entire bowl and trap extending a few inches below the floor line.  This cable has a crank on one end to revolve the cable and a auger tip on the other to auger into and remove any blockage that may be present.  A closet auger is a "must have" tool for a homeowner that wants to do their own repair to save on costs.  Hope this answers your question  Cheers,  Tom