How To Dissolve Toilet Paper In A Sewer Line

Having a clogged sewer line can be an absolute nightmare. In my own experience, it happened twice in just two years. And with costs running up to thousands of dollars each time, I was determined not to let it happen again! 

Thankfully, after doing some research, I discovered many effective yet relatively simple ways of dissolving toilet paper in a sewer line.

And today, I’m here to share my findings so that you never have to face such an expensive hassle again!

How Frequently Do Toilet Paper Clogs Occur?

Toilet paper clogs occur more frequently than you expect. Many wonder how something seemingly harmless as toilet paper, can cause a major plumbing issue.

In actuality, the combination of toilet paper buildups and other debris, such as feminine hygiene products or hair, become trapped in the piping over time, creating a clog. 

Luckily, when these types of issues occur, warning signs usually alert homeowners to the problem before it becomes too severe.

For example, if water backs up into other areas of the house or starts to gurgle when flushing the toilet, a clog may be forming and should be addressed immediately.

Why Do Sewer Blockages Occur Due to Toilet Paper?

Why Do Sewer Blockages Occur Due to Toilet Paper?

Toilet paper is designed to be strong and durable enough to clean your body, but unfortunately, it’s not always strong enough to break down easily in the pipes beneath your toilet. As a result, it builds up over time and causes a blockage. 

Many assume toilet paper won’t clog their drains since it breaks down in the water. However, the more compact pieces of paper can get wedged between other debris and build into bigger pieces.

In addition, many materials today use plastic that doesn’t break down in the water, making the blockages worse. 

Taking these steps can help reduce chances of clogs: ensuring you only flush soft materials like toilet paper instead of wipes or nappies; emptying containers for slop regularly; and reducing the amount of toilet paper used in one flush.

Also Read:

Where To Donate Toilet Paper | Everything You Need To Know

Will Toilet Paper Decompose by Itself?

Toilet paper has become a must-have item on hand recently, but many people are concerned about what will happen to it once its usefulness is gone. Will toilet paper decompose by itself? 

Well, let me give you this good news most toilet paper is made from wood pulp and does biodegrade on its own; however, regular two-ply TP tends to take longer than one-ply. 

Toilets papers without waxes or additives may begin to break down faster when exposed to certain environmental conditions such as moisture and heat.

However, the breakdown process can take several years to occur completely. In some cases, adding “microorganisms” (such as bacteria or fungi) can speed up the process dramatically. 

While biodegradability is certainly something to consider when looking for options, recycled materials can also be a great alternative to reduce waste and lessen our environmental footprint.

Also Read: Are Toilet Brushes Recyclable

How To Dissolve Toilet Paper In A Sewer Line | Pro Methods

How To Dissolve Toilet Paper In A Sewer Line

1. Use Plunger

Nobody likes to think about clogged bathroom drains and how to unclog them, but it’s a certainty at some point.

Using a plunger is the most effective way to deal with toilet paper-related blockage in the sewer line. 

It’s easy enough to do and doesn’t take much time, and it’s the only surefire way of clearing out the pipe.

It works by forcing pressure into the blockage, breaking up any debris or muck along its path, and pushing it further into the drainage system. 

Aside from being potentially messy, it can be done without any major hassle or cost associated with more complicated tools or solutions.

So when you need to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line, reach for your trusty plunger!

2. Try Epsom Salt

Unclogging a sewer line full of toilet paper can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Good To Read: How to Flush a Clogged Toilet

Epsom salt is one of the most effective (and least invasive) ways to dissolve toilet paper in sewers.

Mix one cup of Epsom salt with two quarts of boiling water and pour it down the drain. 

The heat from the water allows the salt to penetrate quickly and begin breaking down the tissue. After that, running cold water will help flush out any dissolved residue.

This process can be repeated multiple times if needed, as there won’t be any pattern you can follow when solving this issue.

Epsom salt is also very affordable and effective; it is a small investment for peace of mind when dealing with a clogged sewer line!

3. Pouring Hot Water And Dish Soap

Another easy way to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line is to pour hot water and dish soap down the drain. The heat helps to break down the debris faster.

While the dish soap adds lubrication for better flow throughout the pipes. 

The combination of hot water and dish soap helps break apart any clumps of toilet paper and any other blockages that may have developed in your sewer line due to buildup over time. 

So if you’re faced with stubborn clogs, reach for some hot water and dish soap to get your drains back up and running smoothly!

4. Try Toilet Snakes Or Toilet Augers

If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, the last thing you want to do is attempt to dissolve the paper manually.

However, with some patience and savvy, you can use a toilet auger or snake to dissolve the stuck-in paper in your sewer line. 

To begin the process, start by flushing the toilet as much as possible – this helps move some of the water away and makes it easier for the cleaning tool to reach into tight spaces.

If possible, remove your tank’s lid so that it will be easier to pull any materials out. 

Then place an auger or snake into your sewer line and work through it until you can sense that you’ve made contact with whatever wedged itself in the pipe.

For tougher clogs, consider using special dissolving wipes instead of traditional tools like pliers or wrenches.

These wipes are designed specifically for breaking down thick clogs without damaging your pipes. 

With enough effort and attention to detail, you can successfully clear out your clog without needing professional help!

5. Use Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Hot Water

You can also unclog clogged pipes with a homemade remedy from your kitchen cabinets.

With a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water, dissolving that blockage won’t be an impossible task anymore. 

Simply mix the vinegar and baking soda and pour the mixture into the clogged drain, followed by some hot water for added pressure.

Let it sit for about 15 minutes before flushing it out with hot water to clear debris stuck down the pipe. 

This simple solution should help eliminate any harmful build-up of toilet paper clogging your sewer line.

Also Read:

Do Hotels Charge You For Clogging The Toilet

Does Bleach Remove Clogs Caused by Toilet Paper?

If your toilet is backing up or becoming clogged with toilet paper, it is natural to use bleach to help clear the issue.

After all, bleach is usually a great option for most sanitation and bathroom cleanliness problems. 

However, in this case, it is not worth the effort since most clogging causes are from things like toy parts or roots from nearby trees. 

While there are many claims that bleach can dissolve clogs caused by toilet paper, it is important to remember that this will only work if the clog is relatively new and small. 

It won’t be effective for more stubborn blockages requiring a plunger or snake instead.

How Do You Unclog a Toilet Full of Toilet Paper?

How Do You Unclog a Toilet Full of Toilet Paper?

You don’t need to panic if you’re dealing with a clogged toilet full of toilet paper.

Toilet paper usually dissolves in water and can be unclogged fairly easily with some simple steps.

Here are the steps you need to follow to get rid of the clog and have a functioning toilet again: 

Step 1: Turn Off The Water

Start by turning off the water supply to your toilet. This is usually located behind or below your toilet tank.

Turning off this valve will prevent more water from entering your toilet bowl as you work to clear the blockage. 

Step 2: Use a Plunger

Next, using a plunger, start plunging up and down vigorously for about 30 seconds at least 20 times.

Ensure that the plunger has a good seal around the drain opening to create pressure inside the pipe which will help loosen up any debris causing a blockage. 

Step 3: Manual Labor

If plunging does not work, grab some rubber gloves and prepare for manual labor!

Take out all visible pieces of tissue from around the edges of the bowl using either pliers or tongs (or whatever else works!).

Be careful not to drop anything into pipes if possible! After all visible wads are removed, reach into the bowl with hands (with gloves on!) and try removing as much stuck material as physically possible.

Especially working arms deep inside the drain hole if necessary – avoid getting close contact with sewage, however!  

Step 4: Manually Dig Out The Clog

Once done, manually dig out the clog, then run hot water through the drain hole, slowly pouring cupful until flushable materials appear gone.

Finally, turn back on the main supply line valve – use caution to avoid too much pressure coming into tanks forcing wads further downpipes!!!

Good To read: How To Adjust Toilet Flush Valve

Test flush again and ensure free flow before replacing the lid onto the tank/bowl! If everything looks fine after several flushes, then the issue is resolved!!!

How To Prevent Toilet Paper Clogs

How To Prevent Toilet Paper Clogs

Toilet paper clogs are one of the most common plumbing issues in modern households. Not only are they annoying to deal with, but they can also lead to costly repairs if left unresolved.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent toilet paper clogs before they become a major problem. Read on to learn more! 

1. Eliminate Excessive Flushing 

An important rule of thumb is to avoid flushing objects that do not belong down the toilet.

While it may be tempting to flush diapers and feminine hygiene products, they are not designed to break down in the water and can easily cause clogs.

In addition, try to limit the number of times you flush per use; flushing too often can increase the chances of a clog forming. 

2. Choose Appropriate Toilet Paper 

When selecting your toilet paper, choose brands specifically designed for septic tanks or those labeled as “septic safe” or “flushable” on their packaging.

This type of toilet paper is made from materials that will break down quickly when exposed to water.

Additionally, avoid using excessive toilet paper since thick wads will take longer to dissolve and could get stuck in your pipes or cause an overflow. 

3. Inspect Your Pipes Regularly 

It may be time for an inspection if you notice any signs of a potential clog—such as slow drainage or gurgling noises coming from your pipes.

By having your pipes inspected regularly by a qualified professional, you can identify any underlying issues before they become more serious and expensive problems later on.

A professional plumber should also be able to advise how best to maintain your plumbing system. So that it remains free from blockages in the future.  

Bottom Line: 

If you have a blockage in your sewer line that is causing toilet paper to back up into your home, there are some tricks mentioned above that you can do to try and clear it yourself.

However, if the clog is severe or persistent, you may need to call a professional plumber to help resolve the issue.

In either case, acting quickly is important to avoid further damage to your home or property. Thanks for reading!

FAQs

What is the easiest to dissolve toilet paper?

Fast-dissolving toilet paper, labeled as septic-safe or RV toilet paper, tends to be the easiest to dissolve.

How long does toilet paper take to dissolve?

Toilet paper typically takes a few seconds to a few minutes (mostly 1 to 4 minutes) to dissolve, depending on its thickness and the water conditions.

Does hot water dissolve toilet paper faster?

Hot water can help speed up the dissolution of toilet paper by softening it, making it easier to break down.

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