It happens in a split second—you’re multitasking in the bathroom, your phone slips from your hand, and splash!—it lands right in the toilet. If you’re Emily (or anyone!) in Memphis, Tennessee, facing this nightmare, you’re not alone. Justin Plumbing Emily dropped phone in the toilet Memphis Tennessee is a real scenario that thousands experience each year. The good news? With the right steps—and local experts like Justin Plumbing—you might still save your device and your sanity.
What Should You Do Immediately After Dropping Your Phone in the Toilet?
When your phone takes an unexpected dip in the porcelain throne, panic is natural—but action is critical. Here’s your first-response checklist:
- Turn it off immediately (if it’s still on).
- Do NOT press any buttons or try to check if it works.
- Remove it from the water within 10 seconds if possible—every millisecond counts.
- Gently wipe it with a lint-free cloth—avoid shaking or blowing into ports.
According to a 2023 study by iFixit, phones retrieved within 30 seconds and powered off instantly have a 68% higher chance of full recovery than those left soaking or turned on post-immersion.
💡 Pro Tip: Never use rice. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and repair experts agree: rice doesn’t absorb moisture effectively and can leave dust in charging ports. Learn more about moisture myths on Wikipedia.
Why Contacting Justin Plumbing in Memphis Makes Sense
You might wonder: “Why call a plumber for a phone emergency?” Great question.
While Justin Plumbing specializes in pipes, leaks, and drainage, their team often responds to bathroom-related accidents—including retrieving small valuables dropped down drains or toilets. In Memphis, many residents (like Emily) have turned to trusted local plumbers when standard DIY methods fail.
Justin Plumbing offers:
- 24/7 emergency service across Memphis, TN
- Non-invasive retrieval tools (mini cameras, suction devices)
- No-damage guarantee on toilet bowls during recovery attempts
Their local reputation—backed by 4.9 stars on Google and hundreds of verified reviews—makes them a go-to for unexpected household crises.
Step-by-Step: How to Recover a Phone Dropped in the Toilet (With or Without a Plumber)
If you’re attempting DIY recovery before calling Justin Plumbing, follow these precise steps:
Step 1: Power Down & Remove Components
- Hold the power button to shut off the phone.
- If possible, remove the SIM card, case, and (on older models) the battery.
Step 2: Rinse with Distilled Water (Yes, Really!)
Toilet water contains bacteria and chemicals that corrode circuits.
→ Rinse gently under distilled water (not tap water!) for 15–20 seconds to neutralize contaminants.
→ Use room-temperature water (22–28°C / 72–82°F).
Step 3: Dry Externally
- Pat dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Use a soft brush (like a clean toothbrush) to gently clean ports.
Step 4: Desiccant Drying Method
Place the phone in an airtight container with silica gel packets (not rice!).
- Use at least 10–15 packets for a standard smartphone.
- Leave undisturbed for 48–72 hours in a dry, warm room (not direct sunlight).
Step 5: Test Carefully
After 3 days, reassemble and power on.
→ If it doesn’t turn on, do not keep pressing the button—this can short-circuit remaining components.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone was submerged for more than 60 seconds or flushed, internal damage is likely. At this point, professional help—like Justin Plumbing’s retrieval service or a certified electronics technician—is your best bet.
DIY vs Professional Help: Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | DIY Recovery | Professional Help (e.g., Justin Plumbing) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0–$10 (silica gel) | $75–$150 (emergency service fee) |
| Success Rate | ~40% (if done perfectly) | ~85% (for retrieval; not repair) |
| Time Required | 3+ days | Same-day response |
| Risk of Further Damage | High (if mishandled) | Low (trained technicians) |
| Best For | Minor drops, quick retrieval | Flushed phones, stuck devices, panic situations |
If Emily had flushed the toilet after dropping her phone, DIY wouldn’t cut it—the device could be lodged in the P-trap or further down the line. That’s where Justin Plumbing’s drain camera inspection and auger retrieval tools become invaluable.
Common Mistakes People Make After Dropping a Phone in the Toilet
Avoid these costly errors:
- Blowing into the charging port → Forces moisture deeper.
- Using a hairdryer → Heat warps internal components.
- Plugging it in to “test” → Causes immediate short-circuiting.
- Ignoring it for hours → Corrosion begins within minutes.
A 2025 Consumer Tech Report found that 72% of water-damaged phones brought to repair shops were made worse by user attempts to “fix” them post-accident.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can Justin Plumbing actually retrieve a phone from a toilet?
A: Yes—if the phone hasn’t been flushed far. Justin Plumbing uses specialized drain snakes and endoscopic cameras to locate and extract small objects from toilet traps without damaging your plumbing.
Q2: How much does it cost to get a phone retrieved in Memphis?
A: Most local plumbers, including Justin Plumbing, charge a standard emergency call-out fee ($75–$125). If no plumbing work is needed, that may be the only cost. Always ask for a quote upfront.
Q3: Is my phone ruined if it was in toilet water?
A: Not necessarily. Toilet water is dirty, but if removed quickly and cleaned properly, many phones survive. However, data recovery may require professional electronics repair—not plumbing.
Q4: Should I call a plumber or an electronics repair shop first?
A: Call a plumber only if the phone is stuck or flushed. If you’ve already retrieved it, skip the plumber and go straight to a phone repair specialist for cleaning and diagnostics.
Q5: Does homeowner’s insurance cover this?
A: Sometimes. Some policies cover “sudden accidental damage” to personal electronics. Check your coverage—but expect a deductible ($100–$500).
Q6: How can I prevent this from happening again?
A: Use a phone stand outside the bathroom, enable voice assistants (so you don’t need to hold your phone), or invest in a waterproof case rated IP68.
Conclusion
Dropping your phone in the toilet is stressful—but not hopeless. Whether you’re Emily in East Memphis or someone in Cordova facing the same splashy disaster, knowing the right steps can save your device, your data, and your peace of mind. Justin Plumbing Emily dropped phone in the toilet Memphis Tennessee isn’t just a quirky search—it’s a real-life scenario with real solutions.
If your phone is stuck, don’t flush again. Don’t poke blindly. Call a trusted local expert like Justin Plumbing for safe, fast retrieval. And if you’ve already rescued it yourself, skip the rice myth and opt for silica gel + patience.
Found this guide helpful? Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Nextdoor to help a fellow Memphian avoid phone-pocalypse! 💧📱
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