Can You Unclog Paper Towels in Toilet? The Complete Guide
Uh oh, it looks like you’ve got a clogged toilet on your hands. I know how frustrating that can be, especially if the clog is caused by flushed paper towels. Not to worry – with some determination and elbow grease, we can get your toilet unclogged.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about clearing paper towels from a clogged toilet. I‘ve been doing home renovations for over 10 years, so I‘ve tackled my fair share of toilet clogs. With my step-by-step instructions, we‘ll have your toilet flushed properly again in no time.
Here‘s what we‘ll cover:
Click to expand table of contents
Alright, let‘s start by going over why paper towels cause problems in your toilet.
Why Paper Towels Cause Bad Clogs
I‘m sure it‘s tempting to toss a used paper towel into the toilet instead of the trash. However, this causes major issues down the line.
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are engineered to be extra strong and durable. They‘re designed to stand up to messes, not break down in water.
When flushed, paper towels can easily get stuck and clump together in drain pipes. Here are some stats on paper towel clogs:
- In a survey by Roto-Rooter, paper towels were the #1 cause of toilet clogs out of all materials flushed, causing 30% of clogs.
<img src="https://imgur.com/BukCqgg.jpg"
alt="Chart showing paper towels cause 30% of toilet clogs"
style="width: 450px;"/>
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Paper towels require 2-6 weeks to fully dissolve in toilet water, compared to toilet paper which breaks down within a few minutes.
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Wadded up paper towels put extra strain on plumbing systems and require more water to flush properly.
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports over 21,000 toilet overflow incidents annually caused by improper materials being flushed.
So for the sake of your plumbing, always toss paper towels in the garbage can instead of the toilet. I know it takes an extra couple seconds, but it‘ll save you the hassle of unclogging pipes down the road!
Next, let‘s go over the signs that point to a paper towel clog.
Signs Your Toilet is Clogged with Paper Towels
Here are some clear indicators that a wad of paper towels is likely causing your clogged toilet:
✔️ Backed up water in the bowl that drains slowly or not at all
✔️ Gurgling sounds coming from toilet and drain pipes
✔️ Sewage odors wafting from the bowl
✔️ Toilet overflows when you flush
✔️ Leaking water around the base of the toilet
✔️ Water and waste backing up into nearby sinks and tubs
If you notice these after flushing paper towels, it‘s almost certainly the cause of the clog. But not to worry! In many cases we can clear it at home without a plumber.
Now let‘s go through the steps to get your toilet unclogged.
Methods to Clear Paper Towels from Your Toilet
When dealing with a paper towel clog, start with the least invasive options first. Here are some methods we can try:
Try Plunging
A forceful plunge with a toilet plunger is typically the first go-to for clearing clogs. Here‘s how to get the best results:
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If the bowl is empty, fill it with 2-3 inches of water first to create a seal.
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Use a standard flanged plunger, not a flat sink one. The ridges allow suction.
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Make sure the plunger fully covers the drain hole.
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Plunge vigorously 10-15 times to dislodge the clog.
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Flush to test if the clog cleared. Repeat plunging as needed.
The rapid plunging motion can help break up the wadded paper towels and send the clog down the drain. Give it some solid effort! The water will splash around, so keep some towels handy to clean up.
Use a Closet Auger
If plunging doesn‘t seem to work, the next step is using a closet auger (also called a toilet auger or drain snake).
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Start by removing the tank lid for access. Set it aside safely.
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Insert the coiled auger end into the toilet bowl drain. Feed it down as far as possible.
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Turn the handle to spin the auger through the clogged mess, shredding and pushing it down.
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Carefully remove the auger once the clog is clear.
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Flush to confirm you have success. Follow up with more plunging if needed.
The spinning wire on the auger helps shred and hook paper towels to clear even stubborn clogs. It takes some muscle to crank the handle, so apply steady force. Removing it slowly avoids breaking wires.
Drain Cleaners
If plunging and augering fail to open the clog, chemical drain cleaners formulate specifically for toilets may dissolve the blockage.
Look for ones containing sodium hypochlorite – the active ingredient in bleach. To use:
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Read all label safety directions carefully first.
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Remove any water from the toilet bowl.
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Squirt a generous amount directly into the drain.
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Let it sit for as long as the directions state.
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Flush multiple times once it has sat.
The sodium hypochlorite helps dissolve organic gunk like paper towels. Repeated small doses work better than one big one. I don‘t recommend using drain cleaner more than once a month to avoid pipe corrosion.
Hot Water
If you don‘t have an auger or plunger on hand, try flushing the clog using very hot tap water:
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Bring a large pot or bucket of water to a near-boil on the stove.
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Allow it to cool slightly before slowly pouring it into the toilet bowl.
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Repeat flushing with hot water a few times.
The hot water helps dissolve and loosen the clogged mess. Be cautious not to scald yourself! Wear gloves and keep kids away. This method works best for minor clogs.
Remove the Toilet
For extremely stubborn paper towel clogs, fully removing the toilet may be needed to access the drain. This is best left to professionals, but determined DIYers can try:
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Turn off water valves and empty the tank/bowl completely.
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Disconnect the supply lines. Have towels ready to catch water.
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Unbolt the toilet from the floor flange and carefully lift it out.
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Inspect the drain and auger out any clogs you find.
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Reinstall the toilet with new gaskets and hardware.
Removing the toilet gives you clear access to pipe blockages. But proceed very carefully to avoid water damage mishaps. Only attempt toilet removal if you‘re very handy.
Alright, you‘ve got this! With some perseverance, I‘m confident we can get your clog cleared. Now let‘s go over some "plunger-less" methods in case you don‘t have one.
Unclogging Without a Plunger
No plunger? No problem! Here are some handy unclogging methods to try without a plunger:
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Pour very hot water from the tap directly into the bowl.
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Use a wire clothes hanger to hook and pull up clogs.
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Try an expandable metal snake to grab debris.
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Mix 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar and pour down the drain. Cover for 5 minutes before flushing.
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Use a bucket to manually flush by rapidly pouring water into the bowl.
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Elevate the tank lid slightly with a stick to increase siphon pressure.
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Block the overflow tube with a rag to get more force per flush.
With some clever tricks, we can mimic plunging motion and pressure to dislodge the clog without a plunger. Improvising with household items goes a long way!
Can Chemicals Dissolve Paper Towels?
When it comes to using chemicals to dissolve paper towel clogs, some options are safer than others:
✅ Enzymatic cleaners specifically formulated for toilets can slowly dissolve paper and organic matter given enough time (8+ hours). Look for the words "enzymatic" or “bacteria based” on the label.
❌ Caustic soda (lye) mixed with water can dissolve paper towels, but presents high risks like pipe corrosion. Only attempt if you have industrial experience handling hazardous chemicals.
❌ Boiling water can crack porcelain toilet bowls. Allow hot tap water to cool slightly before pouring into the toilet.
❌ Bleach alone does not dissolve paper towels quickly enough to effectively clear clogs. However, small amounts can be used to disinfect toilets.
❌ Vinegar and baking soda offer minimal dissolving power, but can help break up minor clogs.
Slow-acting enzymatic cleaners are your best bet for chemical dissolution of paper towels. But avoidance is key – toss those towels in the bin!
Next let‘s go over when it‘s time to call in a drain cleaning professional.
Call a Plumber When:
If you’ve tried all the home remedies without success, it may be time to bring in a pro. Here are some signs it’s time to call a plumber:
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Water overflows from the toilet bowl repeatedly
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Foul sewage odors won’t go away
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You’ve plunged, snaked, and used chemicals to no avail
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The clog appears lodged deep in the main drain line
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The toilet needs to be removed to access clogs (high risk of water damage)
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Multiple bathrooms/drains are backing up
Plumbers have high-powered tools like hydrojetters that blast away stubborn clogs. They can also snake drains much further than a DIY auger allows.
While a plumbing call isn’t cheap, consider it an investment in your home‘s plumbing and your family‘s health. Sewage backup is an urgent problem.
Alright, we‘re in the home stretch! Let‘s talk about preventing this from happening again.
Preventing Future Clogs
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of toilet unclogging. Here are some habits to avoid future clogs:
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Never flush paper towels – always toss them in the trash. It takes just a few extra seconds.
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Also avoid flushing any wipes, cotton balls, tissues, or dental floss, even if labeled "flushable."
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Limit toilet paper to just 2-3 sheets per flush. Avoid flushing entire empty rolls.
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Install a bathroom trash can near the toilet to make disposal easy.
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Have your pipes professionally inspected each year to catch any issues.
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Pump your septic tank every 2-3 years if you have one.
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Buy septic-safe, single-ply toilet paper designed not to clog easily.
Developing better bathroom habits will spare you future clogged toilets. Just remember the golden rule: when in doubt, throw it out (in the trash)!
FAQs About Paper Towel Clogs
Here are some quick answers to your most common questions about unclogging paper towels:
How long does it take for paper towels to dissolve in the toilet?
It takes approximately 2-6 weeks for a single paper towel immersed in toilet water to fully dissolve.
Will boiling water or bleach dissolve towels in my pipes?
No – boiling water can crack porcelain, while bleach alone won‘t dissolve them quickly enough.
Can plunging push the clog further down the pipes?
It‘s very unlikely, since paper towels tend to cling to pipe walls rather than travel down. Plunge away!
Should I unclog at night or during the day?
Nighttime is best when water usage is lower. Clogs can soak longer undisturbed.
Is it safe to use a drain cleaner monthly?
No, monthly use is too frequent and may erode your pipes over time. Limit use to once every 3-6 months maximum.
What dissolves paper towels best?
Enzymatic cleaners designed specifically for toilets are your best bet. Look for “enzymatic” or “bacteria-based” on the label.
Got any other questions? Feel free to reach out! I‘m always happy to help.
Key Takeaways
Phew, that was a lot of info! Here are the key tips to remember:
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Avoid flushing paper towels down the toilet at all costs. Toss them in the trash instead.
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Try plunging forcefully to dislodge clogs. An auger is the next step if that doesn‘t work.
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Hot water and enzymatic chemicals can help dissolve paper towel clogs over time.
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Call a professional plumber for severe overflowing or persistent clogs.
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Stay diligent in your bathroom habits to prevent future clogs.
Whew, we covered a lot! Let me know if you have any other questions. I hope these tips make it easy to clear out those pesky paper towels from your toilet. Now that you know what to do, you‘ve got this! Just remember I‘m always happy to help if any plumbing issues come up.
