I once found myself facing a clogged toilet, and in my desperate attempt to unclog it, I wondered if flushing paper towels would do the trick.
With a glimmer of hope, I decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, my experiment resulted in more frustration.
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are not designed to dissolve easily in water. Instead, they can worsen the blockage, potentially leading to costly plumbing repairs.
I learned the hard way that flushing paper towels down a clogged toilet is a risky move. Disposing of them properly in the trash is crucial, as seeking professional help resolves any plumbing issues.
Read out my this blog to learn more about dissolving paper towels in clogged toilets.
What Happens If You Flush Paper Towels?
If you are an adventurous person (Just like me), Then once in a lifetime, you must think of what happens if you flush paper towels.
Like is it flush out or blocked or clogged the line? I personally did this to calm this curiosity, and the consequences were not much pleasant.
Based on my experiment, flushing paper towels down the toilet can lead to several issues and should be avoided.
Unlike toilet paper, designed to disintegrate quickly when exposed to water, paper towels are made from stronger fibers and are not intended to break down as fast. Here are some potential consequences of flushing paper towels:
1. Clogging
Paper towels do not break down easily in water and can quickly accumulate in the pipes. This can lead to clogs in your plumbing system, causing water to back up and potentially overflow.
2. Damage To Plumbing
The accumulation of paper towels in the pipes can strain the plumbing system, potentially leading to damage. This may result in leaks, burst pipes, or costly repairs.
3. Blockages in Sewer Systems
Flushing paper towels can also cause blockages in the wider sewer system.
When flushed in large quantities, they can accumulate with other debris and create blockages in sewer lines, leading to backups and overflows in the sewer system.
4. Environmental Impact
Paper towels flushed down the toilet can end up in water bodies such as rivers and oceans, contributing to pollution.
They are not biodegradable like toilet paper, and their presence in water can harm aquatic life and ecosystems.
To prevent these issues, it is essential to dispose of paper towels properly by placing them in the trash bin.
Use a separate waste receptacle designated for paper towels in bathrooms or kitchens to ensure proper disposal.
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Can You Dissolve Paper Towels In Clogged Toilet?
Now another question that arises in my mind is, somehow can we dissolve paper towels in clogged toilets?
After the first experiment, I want to avoid attempting the second one. And that’s why I did some research, and what I found a bit shocking.
I was surprised that, It is not advisable to attempt to dissolve paper towels in a clogged toilet. Paper towels are generally more durable and designed to be more absorbent than toilet paper. As a result, they do not break down as quickly when exposed to water.
Flushing paper towels down a clogged toilet can exacerbate the blockage rather than resolve it. They can get stuck in the pipes, further obstructing the water flow and making it more difficult to clear the clog.
If you have a clogged toilet, avoid using it until the blockage is addressed. You can use a plunger to dislodge the clog or contact a professional plumber to help resolve the issue.
Remember only to flush toilet paper and waste intended for toilet disposal to prevent clogs and plumbing problems.
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I apologize for any confusion (as I have mentioned above). I must clarify that it is not recommended or considered a best practice to try to dissolve paper towels in a toilet.
Toilet paper is specifically designed to disintegrate quickly when exposed to water, while paper towels are made to be more durable and absorbent.
Attempting to dissolve paper towels in a toilet can lead to clogs and other plumbing issues.
If you are dealing with a clogged toilet, it is generally best to follow these steps:
Step 1: Stop Flushing
If you notice the toilet is clogged or draining slowly, stop flushing it immediately. Flushing repeatedly can cause the water to overflow and worsen the situation.
Step 2: Use a Plunger
A plunger is a common tool for clearing toilet clogs. Ensure enough water is in the bowl to cover the rubber part of the plunger.
Position the plunger over the drain hole and create a seal. Push and pull the plunger vigorously to create suction and attempt to dislodge the clog. Repeat several times if necessary.
Related Blog: How To Flush Toilet Without Plunger
Step 3: Try a Toilet Auger
If the plunger doesn’t work, you can use a toilet auger (a “snake”) to reach deeper into the toilet drain and break up the clog.
Follow the instructions provided with the auger carefully to avoid causing damage to the toilet.
Step 4: Call a Plumber
If your attempts to clear the clog are unsuccessful or you’re uncomfortable performing the steps yourself, you should contact a professional plumber.
They have the expertise and specialized tools to effectively handle stubborn clogs and plumbing issues.
Remember, it’s essential only to flush toilet paper and waste intended for toilet disposal.
Avoid flushing items like paper towels, facial tissues, wipes, or any non-biodegradable materials, as they can cause clogs and damage to your plumbing system.
Also Read:
How To Dissolve Toilet Paper In A Sewer Line
How To Unclog A Toilet With Paper Towels In It | Easy solution
How Long Will Paper Towel Dissolve In Clogged Toilet?
If you are willing to dissolve paper towels in your clogged toilet, let me tell you that; Paper towels are not designed to dissolve in water like toilet paper.
While the exact time it takes for a paper towel to dissolve in a clogged toilet can vary depending on factors such as the brand, thickness, and water conditions, it is generally safe to assume that paper towels will not dissolve on their own within a reasonable time frame.
If a paper towel is causing a clog in a toilet, I would advise you to address the issue directly by removing the clog using appropriate methods, such as a plunger or a toilet auger.
Attempting to dissolve the paper towel by simply letting it sit in water is likely ineffective and could worsen the clog.
To prevent clogs and maintain the proper functioning of your plumbing system, it is essential only to flush toilet paper and waste intended for toilet disposal.
Dispose of paper towels properly by placing them in a trash bin designated for non-biodegradable materials.
How Do You Unclog A Toilet That Has Paper Towel In It?
Well, still, If you have a toilet that is clogged with paper towels, here are some steps I discovered that you could take to attempt to unclog it:
Step 1: Stop Flushing
As soon as you realize the toilet is clogged, stop flushing it. Continuing to flush can cause the water to overflow and potentially worsen the situation.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
You will need a pair of rubber gloves, a toilet plunger, and a bucket or container for water.
Step 3: Remove Excess Water
If there is a significant amount of water in the toilet bowl, you may need to remove some to prevent overflowing.
Use a bucket or container to scoop out excess water until the water level is lower.
Step 4: Plunge The Toilet
Put on the rubber gloves and place the plunger over the drain hole in the toilet bowl, ensuring a good seal.
Push and pull the plunger vigorously, using a firm and steady motion. This can create suction and help dislodge the clog. Repeat this process several times.
Step 5: Use a Toilet Auger
You can use a toilet auger or a toilet snake if the plunger doesn’t work. Insert the auger into the toilet drain and rotate the handle clockwise while applying gentle pressure.
Keep feeding the auger until you feel resistance, then continue turning to break up the clog. Carefully retract the auger.
Step 6: Flush and Test
After attempting to plunge or use a toilet auger, cautiously flush the toilet to see if the clog has been cleared.
If the water drains properly, you’ve successfully unclogged the toilet. If not, you may need to repeat the plunging or augering process.
Suppose you cannot clear the clog using these methods or are uncomfortable performing these steps yourself.
In that case, it’s best to contact a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage or complications to your plumbing system.
Also Read:
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Bottom Line
In the end, the only thing I must say is that paper towels do not dissolve easily in water and are not designed to break down like toilet paper.
Therefore, flushing paper towels down a clogged toilet is not recommended.
Doing so can exacerbate the blockage, potentially leading to more severe plumbing issues that require professional assistance.