Summarize this article:

First, locate the valve on the side, behind, or towards the bottom of the toilet. Then, turn the valve clockwise several times until it won't turn anymore. This will turn of the toilet's water supply, which will help you avoid any flooding and keep the toilet from flushing while you work. If you can't find the valve or if the valve is stuck in place, you'll likely need to turn off the water to your house for a short time. In most cases, you can do this by switching off the water supply from the control unit, which is usually located in the basement or an interior closet. Most toilets have a water tank in the back behind the bowl that has a removable lid. Carefully lift the lid to remove it from the tank and set it aside. This will allow you to easily access the inside of the tank, and will help keep the lid from falling off or getting crack when you remove the toilet. Using a wet vacuum or small container, vacuum or scoop out all the water from both the tank and the toilet bowl. This will keep any water from spilling or splashing onto you or the bathroom floor, and will make the toilet lighter and easier to lift. You can also use a baster to suction water out of the tank and bowl. In most cases, your toilet will be connected to the floor by at least 2 bolts or screws. Using either a wrench or a screwdriver (depending on whether your toilet has bolts or screws), unscrew the bolts or screws from either side of the bottom of the toilet. This will disconnect your toilet from the floor and enable you to remove it from the ground. Set the bolts or screws aside in a safe place so you'll be able to use them later to re-secure your toilet into place. Locate the large bolt that attaches the water supply line to the back of the toilet's tank. Then, twist the bolt counter-clockwise until it comes undone and the water line is detached. The water line bolt is usually a large plastic bolt with ridges to make it easier to grip and unscrew. In order for you to be able to look up inside the toilet to retrieve the flushed item, you'll need to lay the toilet on its side. To do this, find a grip on either side of the toilet that feels comfortable and secure. Then, carefully lift the toilet up away from its spot on the ground. Lay it down on its side carefully. Porcelain toilets can be very heavy. Therefore, you may want to get someone to help you lift the toilet and get it safely down on its side. You may want to lay a towel or blanket down on the ground so that your toilet will be protected when you lay it on its side. With the toilet is laying on its side, check inside the waste opening to see if you can find and reach the flushed item. If you can see the item, you should be able to reach it with your hands or with any other retrieval device. The inside of the waste opening may be dark, so it can be helpful to have a flashlight on hand to help you see into the toilet. In addition to the waste opening, you may also want to look at the wax ring that runs along the bottom of the toilet, as very small items, such as a piece of jewelry, could've gotten caught on the wax ring. Carefully turn the toilet back upright and lift it back into place. Reconnect the toilet to the ground by twisting the bolts or screws back into the bottom. Then, reconnect the water line and twist the valve counter-clockwise to turn the toilet's water supply back on. Flush the toilet once or twice to refill the tank and bowel, and then your toilet should be ready to use again.
Turn off the toilet's water supply. Take the lid off the toilet's tank. Remove all the remaining water from the tank and bowl. Unscrew the bolts or screws from the bottom of the toilet. Detach the water supply line from the tank. Lift the toilet and lay it on its side. Look inside the toilet to retrieve the flushed item. Put the toilet back and re-secure it into its place.