Bath toys are a staple in homes with kids. They make bath time fun and usually help keep things calm enough to get everyone clean. There are some cases where these toys can create serious plumbing problems if you are not paying attention. It is not always obvious which ones are the problem, and once they cause a clog, fixing it can be a real hassle. Plumbing Idaho Falls is there for when the unexpected happens.
Small Toys That Slip Down the Drain
The most common issue comes from toys that are small enough to fit into the tub drain or fall into the overflow opening. These are often things like plastic animals, building blocks, or small action figures that get mixed in with bath time items. Once they are in the drain, they can create a partial blockage that builds up over time. You might not notice at first, but the water starts draining slower and eventually backs up. At that point, you are looking at more than a plunger to fix it.
Toys With Suction Cups
Suction cup toys can seem harmless. Kids stick them to the tub or wall, and they stay out of the way. But over time, suction cups can break down and detach. This happens especially after repeated exposure to hot water and soap. If a piece comes loose and ends up near the drain, it can get pulled into the pipes. These pieces are flexible and can wedge in tight spaces, which makes them hard to retrieve without disassembling part of the plumbing.
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Toys That Trap Water
Anything that fills with water is at risk of growing mold inside. Some bath toys are hollow and have a tiny hole for water to squirt out. Those holes are also where water gets in and stays trapped. That water ends up full of soap scum and bacteria. When the toy breaks or is squeezed hard, that gunk can get pushed into the drain. Over time, that buildup contributes to clogs. Worse, the inside of the toy can start to break down, and pieces can break off into the drain.
Foam Letters and Shapes
Foam letters are popular because they float and stick to the tub wall. The problem is that they break apart over time, especially when chewed on or bent. Those small pieces fall into the tub and get rinsed down the drain. These particular pieces do not dissolve, and they can stick to other debris inside the pipe. Enough of them, and you have got a clog that needs to be pulled apart by hand.
When to Call a Plumber
If you notice the tub draining slower than usual, or if there is a gurgling sound, it might be more than soap buildup. A licensed plumber can use a camera to see what’s stuck in the pipe. They have tools to pull out toys or pieces without damaging the system. If toys keep ending up near the drain, a plumber can also install a drain guard that stays in place more securely than standard covers. The key is catching these problems early, a few small toys now can turn into a big plumbing bill later.
