Last Updated on October 17, 2023
Maintaining a trouble-free toilet is a vital aspect of your home plumbing upkeep. One common issue that can disrupt the smooth operation of toilets is the presence of paper towel clogs. These stubborn obstructions can lead to inconvenience, plumbing damage, and costly repairs if not addressed promptly and effectively.
It’s time to figure out how to dissolve paper towels in toilet drains, so they’re clean and mess-free.
Hot water, chemical reactions triggered by baking soda and vinegar, or professional-strength drain openers are all effective ways to clear drains. Also, the potent cleaning power of bleach and the alternative dishwashing soap solution can prove effective.
Here, we will explore some DIY methods in detail, sharing the knowledge to resolve paper towel clogs with you. We also discuss some prevention tips to keep your toilet drains clear and flowing.
How to Dissolve Paper Towel in Toilet: Easy 8 DIY Solutions
Several effective methods exist for dissolving paper towels that have been accidentally flushed down the toilet. Here are eight options for you to try:
- Method 01: Using hot water
- Method 02: Chemical reaction with baking soda and vinegar
- Method 03: Professional-strength drain opener
- Method 04: Using bleach to dissolve
- Method 05: Dishwashing soap as an alternative
- Method 06: Plunger and auger techniques
- Method 07: Epsom salt method
- Method 08: Borax and hot water
Let’s look at these methods in more detail for dissolving paper towels in your toilet:
Method 01: Using Hot Water
Carefully pour the hot water down the toilet bowl using a funnel to avoid splashing. The high temperature of the water helps soften and dissolve the paper towel blockage.
If the clog is severe, you may need to repeat this process multiple times to break down the paper towels and flush them away. Ensure you exercise caution when handling hot water and pouring it directly into the toilet bowl.
Method 02: Chemical Reaction with Baking Soda and Vinegar
Begin by pouring a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and let it settle for approximately five minutes. This method utilizes a chemical reaction to dissolve paper towels in your toilet.
After the baking soda has settled, add a cup of white vinegar to the bowl. Combining these two ingredients will trigger a fizzing reaction that helps break down the stubborn paper towel clog.
Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, allowing it ample time to work magic. Once the time is up, flush the toilet to clear the dissolved paper towels.
Method 03: Professional-Strength Drain Opener
Using a professional-strength drain opener is a simple and effective way to clear stubborn clogs in your toilet. This specialized product is designed to dissolve paper towel obstructions and other organic blockages.
To use the drain opener, carefully follow the instructions on the product label to determine the appropriate amount needed. Once you have determined the correct amount, pour the drain opener directly into the toilet bowl where the paper towels are causing the clog.
Method 04: Using Bleach for Dissolving
Pour a cup of bleach into the toilet bowl to dissolve the clog caused by paper towels, and let it sit for about an hour.
Bleach is an effective method for breaking down paper towels due to its powerful chemical properties. When bleach comes into contact with paper towels, it begins to break down the fibers that hold them together. This process lets the bleach penetrate and dissolve the clog, clearing your toilet drain.
Also, bleach is a disinfectant, killing any bacteria in the toilet bowl. After letting the bleach sit for an hour, you can flush the toilet to remove the dissolved paper towels and ensure a fully functioning system.
Method 05: Dishwashing Soap as an Alternative
To try an alternative method, pour at least half a cup of dishwashing soap directly into the toilet bowl. Dishwashing soap can effectively break down paper towels in the toilet, although it may not be as potent as other methods.
Allow the soap to sit for approximately 30 minutes to give it time to dissolve the paper towels. Afterward, pour hot water into the bowl and flush the toilet. This will help clear any remaining blockage caused by the paper towels.
Method 06: Plunger and Auger Techniques
You can use either a flange toilet plunger or a toilet auger to remove the paper towel blockage. Using the plunger, remove excess water from the toilet bowl, seal the plunger cup, and push and pull vertically to dislodge the clog. Repeat as needed and then flush.
For the toilet auger, follow the steps:
- Turn off the water valve
- Insert the auger into the drain until it reaches the clog
- Rotate the cable clockwise to break the clog
- Extract the auger
- Turn on the water valve
- And finally, flush the toilet to confirm the clog is gone.
Method 07: Epsom Salt Method
Pour at least one cup of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl, ensuring it covers the affected area. The salt will react with the paper towels, breaking them down and making them easier to dissolve. Wait for about 20 minutes to allow this reaction to occur.
Once the waiting period ends, pour a hot water bucket into the bowl. The heat from the water will help further dissolve any remaining clogs. If necessary, repeat this process until all blockages are completely dissolved.
Method 08: Borax and Hot Water
To effectively dissolve paper towels in the toilet bowl using borax powder, follow these steps:
- Start by removing excess water.
- Add half a cup of borax powder and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes.
- The borax powder breaks down the fibers in the paper towels, making them easier to dissolve.
- After the 15-minute waiting period, pour at least two cups of hot water into the bowl.
- This helps to further break down any remaining paper towel residue and ensure it is fully dissolved.
- Finally, flush the toilet to check if the blockage has been removed.
What can you do to prevent paper towel clogging in a toilet?
Dispose of paper towels properly to prevent clogs in your toilet. You mustn’t flush them down the toilet, as they aren’t biodegradable like toilet paper. Instead, establish a dedicated trash receptacle specifically for disposing of paper towels.
By doing so, you can ensure that they never find their way into your plumbing system and cause potential damage or inconvenience. Take the time to educate everyone in your household and guests about the importance of proper disposal.
Put an End to Toilet Clogs Caused by Paper Towels
Now you know the method for removing paper towel clogs from your toilet. Whether using hot water, chemical reactions, or specialized drain openers, these techniques can help you regain the functionality of your toilet.
Remember that paper towels should never be dissolved in your toilet. The fibers in paper towels are not designed to break down easily like toilet paper does, leading to potential clogs and costly plumbing repairs.
To prevent such issues, always dispose of paper towels in the trash bin instead of flushing them down the toilet. This simple practice can prevent clogs in your plumbing system and maintain a smoothly functioning drainage system.
So, let’s keep our toilets free from any ‘flush-flubs’ and ensure a hassle-free experience for all.
