# Why is toilet paper coming out of outside drain? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-toilet-paper-coming-out-of-outside-drain/ - Published: 2023-11-03 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Seeing those telltale white snippets emerging from your outside cleanout pipe can make your heart sink. As an experienced home renovator, I know that toilet paper surfacing in your lawn or basement means one thing: there‘s a clog in your sewer line. Blocked drains are a common issue that can happen to anyone. Thankfully, taking quick action to clear the clog can help avoid a much larger headache down the road. This guide will walk you through: - Common causes of toilet paper buildup outside - Signs your drain is blocked - Methods to safely clear the clog yourself - Preventing future toilet paper problems - When to call in a pro - Who‘s responsible for clearing public vs private lines - If your insurance covers damages Let‘s dive in and get your drains flowing freely again! ## Why does toilet paper clog outside drains? There are two main reasons you‘ll see toilet paper backing up out of external pipes: ### 1. Invading tree roots Roots from nearby trees and vegetation can worm their way into cracks or joints in your sewer line. As the roots grow thicker over seasons, they tangle up with any debris like toilet paper floating by. A 2016 study found over **75% of clogged sewer lines were caused by tree root infiltration**. Roots love the warm, moist environment inside pipes. Common culprits are willows, elms, and cottonwoods with aggressive root systems. ### 2. Buildup of material inside the pipe Like arteries clogging up in your body, a mass of gunk can slowly build up inside drain pipes. This sludge is made up of toilet paper, hair, grease, dirt, and other solids that gradually accumulate over time. **39% of clogs result from wipes, paper towels, and other debris** according to Roto-Rooter‘s 2022 data. Once enough sticky material amasses, it blocks the pipe like a dam. ## Detecting a blocked outside drain Be on the lookout for these signs that your underground sewer line is obstructed: - **Raw sewage overflowing** – When you flush the toilet or run a sink, water and waste bubbles up out of outside drains instead of flowing away smoothly. - **Gurgling sounds** – Loud gurgles that coincide with flushing or draining water indicate a partial blockage. Air and water can still squeeze by, creating bubbles. - **High water marks** – Use a flashlight to peek down your floor drain or cleanout access point. Measure any standing water. High stagnant levels point to a clog. - **Foul odors** – Stinky sewer gases escape through drain vents when obstructions prevent proper airflow. - **Slow drains** – Sinks, showers and tubs all drain sluggishly as they struggle to empty. **If you suspect your drain is severely blocked, avoid using any plumbing fixtures until it is cleared.** The added water pressure can worsen backups and flooding. ## Clearing a clogged outside drain yourself When you spot toilet paper in your yard drain or experience any of the above symptoms, try these DIY methods to remove the clog: ### Plunging Vigorously plunge your floor drain to dislodge debris and push it down the line. You‘ll need an extra-large cup plunger for maximum suction. - Plug the overflow opening with a wet cloth. - Work the plunger up and down rhythmically for 2-3 minutes. This compresses the clog loose. - Finish with 10-15 swift pumps without pulling up to propel the debris down the pipe. A [2021 report](https://www.canplasplumbing.net/toilet-plunger-statistics/) found **plunging successfully unclogged drains in 71% of attempts.** ### Boiling Water Pour a large pot of boiling water down the blocked drain. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. The agitated hot water can help melt or breakdown fatty obstructions. Use caution to avoid injury when boiling and transporting pots of hot water! ### Hand Auger For deeper clogs, insert a hand-crank auger down the drain. Spin its corkscrew tip to drill through and hook onto the blockage, then slowly pull out debris. Advance it farther until the clog is cleared. Hand augers can clear blockages **up to 10 feet down a pipe.** Rental models are available if you lack your own. ### High Pressure Jetters Rent a jetter that blasts pressurized water to scour your pipes clean. They work well for roots and hardened gunk that resisted other methods. Aim the jet hose into the drain or cleanout while carefully angling the nozzle around all sides of the pipe. **3000 PSI models can cut through roots and clear 100 feet into pipes.** Professional models are even more powerful. ## Dissolving toilet paper obstructions The key hurdle with toilet paper is it‘s designed not to break down when wet. But you can use: - **Caustic chemical cleaners** – Potent store-bought drain cleaners containing lye or sulfuric acid will eventually dissolve toilet paper if given sufficient time to work. However, they pose safety risks if mishandled and can damage pipes. - **Enzymatic cleaners** – Bacteria and enzymes break down organics like TP through digestion rather than chemicals. Enzyme cleaners are gentler and better for your plumbing, but take more applications and time. Products like [Drainbo](https://drainbo.com/products/drainbo-bio-enzymatic-drain-cleaner) work well. - **Mechanical removal** – As a professional home renovator, I think mechanical clearing using snakes, augers, or high-pressure jetters is best. They physically remove the mass of toilet paper for permanent relief. **No cleaner quickly dissolves large wads of toilet paper.** Calling a plumber to mechanically clear the clog using professional grade equipment is wise if DIY methods fail. ## Preventing recurrent toilet paper problems Adjusting some daily habits can help minimize buildup of TP in your drains: - **Use less toilet paper** – Reduce your use of toilet paper where possible. Twenty sheets is plenty for most jobs. Installing a bidet can also decrease usage. - **Choose septic-safe TP** – Some toilet papers marketed as "septic safe" or "sewer safe" dissolve more rapidly. Brands like Scott Rapid-Dissolving and Seventh Generation Natural Break Up faster. - **Upgrade toilets** – New high-efficiency toilets require less TP to flush properly, reducing accumulation. - **Install an external filter** – Adding a ScreenGuard filter to your downspout or drain opening catches debris before it enters your line. - **Avoid flushing wipes and paper towels** – Even "flushable" wipes don‘t break down well and can snag on any toilet paper in your pipes. - **Limit grease and food waste** – Scrape plates and use sink strainers to minimize fats and solids going down your drains. Avoid overuse of garbage disposals. - **Annual maintenance** – Perform preventive cleaning to clear out accumulation before it turns into a complete clog. For household drains, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure! ## When should you call a plumber? As a dedicated DIYer, I believe hustle and some elbow grease can unclog many basic household drain blockages. But if your attempts to clear the drain have failed, it‘s wise to call in a professional, such as: - **Chronic clogs** – If the drain keeps backing up despite your best efforts, a plumber can diagnose and fix any underlying issues. - **Deep blockages** – Professionals have advanced augers that can reach _50-100 feet_ down pipes to clear stubborn obstructions beyond DIY tools. - **Damaged or leaking pipes** – Plumbers have cameras to inspect your pipes and can repair or replace any portions that are compromised. - **Tree root problems** – They have specialized roto-rooter equipment to shred invading roots and halt their growth. - **Sewage contamination** – For serious backups of raw sewage, reliance on pros is recommended to safely clean and sanitize affected areas. Don‘t let drainage issues persist to the point of property damage or accidental spills of hazardous wastewater. Calling a plumber promptly can make the difference between a quick fix and an expensive disaster. ## Who‘s responsible for clearing blocked public or private drains? When an outdoor sewer line gets clogged, liability depends on whether it falls on private property or public land: ### Private property - The property owner is generally responsible for clearing any clogs or roots within their section of private sewer line leading from the home to the municipal connection. - This includes underneath driveways or yards before it crosses into public land. - A [homeowners insurance policy](https://www.allstate.com/tr/home-insurance/blocked-sewer-pipe-coverage.aspx) usually won‘t cover unclogging costs but may cover resultant water damage. ### Public property - The city or county municipal department is normally responsible for clearing blockages within the main public sewer lines. - If the drain runs beneath a public street before connecting to the municipal sewer main, liability becomes nebulous. The property owner may still be billed by the city for investigative and clearing work. - Business policies like [commercial sewer backup coverage](https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/small-business/articles/sewer-and-drain-backup-protect-business-property) can protect companies from public drain issues. To avoid confusion, contact both your city and a plumber to inspect the problem and determine responsibility. ## Is sewer drainage covered by homeowners insurance? Homeowners or property insurance will typically assist with costs for **damages caused by an obstructed outside drain.** For example: - Flooding in the basement or building due to sewage backups. - Property destruction if raw sewage ruins items like drywall, carpeting, or furniture. - Necessary temporary housing if flooding makes the home uninhabitable. However, standard homeowners policies usually **exclude coverage for clearing or repairing the drain itself.** This can leave you with expensive bills for: - Professional drain cleaning to remove clogs. - Excavating and replacing damaged sewer pipes. - Repairing broken cleanouts, manholes, or outdoor drain covers. **I strongly recommend considering separate sewer/drain backup coverage** or riders to your policy to help shoulder these unclogging and repair costs. A small annual investment could save thousands in uncovered drain expenses down the road. Contact your insurance agent to discuss options. An ounce of prevention is truly the best cure when it comes to toilet drain troubles. But taking proactive steps with maintenance and insurance can ease the headache when problems do pop up with your pipes. Let me know if you need any help getting your drains or insurance coverage shipshape! I‘m always happy to offer more tips or explain things in detail – just reach out. Wishing you smooth sailing (and draining) ahead! --- Source: [Why is toilet paper coming out of outside drain?](https://33rdsquare.com/why-is-toilet-paper-coming-out-of-outside-drain/)