Dropped a Flange Bolt Down the Toilet Connection Drain

[typesh]

Hello. While replacing a new wax ring on my toilet, one of the 3.5 inch flange bolts fell down the toilet connection drain. I tried reaching down the pipe, but could not find the bolt. Is this going to cause a problem if left alone or do I need to contact a plumber? Thanks

 

[Dunbar Plumbing]

Use a shop vac and see if you can retrieve it. A magnet will not work since it is brass.......but they are making some knock off parts these days that look like brass and are really metal.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[typesh]

Use a shop vac and see if you can retrieve it. A magnet will not work since it is brass.......but they are making some knock off parts these days that look like brass and are really metal.

I tried using my mini shop vac and inserted the hose as far as it would go, but did not have any luck. I tried using a magnet on the other bolt, but it didn't work.

Do you think this will cause any blockage problems if left alone?

 

[Dunbar Plumbing]

Yes, it can but you don't want to pay a plumber to fish this out because it can become time consumbing on many fronts.

If you have a clear shot to a clean out beneath this toilet, I would open a cleanout and stick the shop vac hose down as far as you can. If you toilet drain goes a long distance horizontally....the bolt is still up in the long run.

Sometimes waiting for a clog may be the cheapest route.

 

[Verdeboy]

They make a claw pickup tool for retrieving stuff in drains.

 

[Mikey]

I would start with a mirror and flashlight to see if it can be seen before shoving anything down the drain, which might do nothing more than push the bolt further out of reach.

 

[Plumber1]

If it's gone down and out of reach, I would forget it. I don't believe it will ever be a problem...........