Clip from flapper dropped down overflow tube

[NoPlumber]

My little would-be-plumbers were adjusting the toilet flapper's chain length. Somehow the clip which attaches the chain to the flapper was dropped down the overflow tube. They haven't flushed the toilet since the clip dropped down the tube. Help. What should we do?

 

[Terry]

You can try to suck it out using a vac.

Or get another flapper and try again.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[NoPlumber]

So, it won't hurt anything to leave the clip down the tube? It would be much easier to replace the flapper, I think, than retrieve the clip, but I was concerned it would damage the toilet when it is flushed.

 

[hj]

clip

Pretend it never happened and use the toilet normally. It will not cause any problems regardless of where it winds up.

 

[NoPlumber]

Thank you both very much! I appreciate the help. I'm a new first-time homeowner and can see I have much to learn.

These forums are a great resource. Thank you, Terry, for providing them.

 

[Verdeboy]

You can also use a piece of bailing wire or even a paperclip to make that connection. As long as it holds and doesn't cause the flapper to stick in the up position.

 

[Mike Swearingen]

You can use a small magnet on a string to fish it out of the overflow with.
Or just forget about it. I doubt that it will harm anything.
Mike

 

[hj]

clip

Probably stainless steel so it may not be magnetic.

 

[Mike Swearingen]

You're right. Didn't think of that. LOL