In this article, we shall explain to you how to dissolve toilet paper clog easily. This is because apart from feminine products and baby wipes, toilet paper is one of the main causes of toilet clogging.
In some countries, you are not allowed to flush down toilet paper in the toilet. This is based on the fact that some toilet papers do not break apart easily and tend to cause major problems in the plumbing system.
It is always an unpleasant surprise when you have to deal with a clogged toilet. Luckily, you can easily unclog the toilet yourself by dissolving the toilet paper using simple household supplies like baking soda, vinegar, liquid soap, or shampoo and tools like a plunger and auger.
How to dissolve toilet paper clog (Toilet paper dissolvers)
1. Use a drain cleaner
There are many brands of drain cleaners in the market. However, you have to be careful when choosing one because some are not safe to use in toilets.
For instance, drain cleaners that contain caustic chemicals tend to produce a lot of heat which can result in the cracking of the toilet bowl.
One of the safest drain cleaners is known as the Green Gobbler Main Drain Opener. It works by liquefying all types of clogs including paper, hair, soap scum, grease, oil, and even baby wipes.
Although it is tough on clogs and other obstructions, it is environmentally friendly and gentle on pipes and septic systems.
It is also safe to use on shower and tub drains and even kitchen drains.
Related article: What happens when you leave Drano in the drain too long?
2. Using baking soda and vinegar to dissolve the toilet paper clog
What you will need; Baking soda and vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are simple household supplies that can be found under your kitchen sink or in your pantry. If you don’t have them, they go for less than $2 dollars at the grocery store.
To unclog the toilet, follow these steps;
- First, you need to reduce the water in the bowl to about halfway. This is to leave enough room for the reaction between baking soda and vinegar to take place without messing up your bathroom.
Wondering how to reduce the water? Well, you can use the less fun way of scooping it out with a container.
- Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl
- Follow with a ½ cup of vinegar
- Let it sit for 15 minutes
- You will see some fizzling which shows that a reaction is taking place and helping to dissolve the toilet paper
- After 15 minutes, flush the toilet.
- If that does not work repeat steps 2 and 3 with an additional tablespoon of baking soda and another teaspoon of vinegar then wait an additional 10 minutes before flushing down.
- If this still fails to work, get in touch with a professional plumber since you may be having a more serious plumbing issue.
See also: Best auger for toilet
3. Using liquid soap or shampoo for tissue paper clog
What you will need; liquid soap or shampoo, hot water, and a plunger
There are two ways to unclog a toilet using liquid soap or shampoo. You can remove water from the toilet bowl first or fill it up with hot water. If you choose the former, here are the steps to follow;
- Remove the water from your toilet bowl
- Put a plunger over the opening of the toilet and use it to create suction
- Pour in some liquid dish soap; wait for it to foam up before you plunge again
- Flush your toilet with freshwater after clearing out a clog
For the second option, follow this process
- Pour a pot of hot water into the toilet bowl
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of liquid soap and stir with a stick
- Wait for 10 minutes for the toilet paper to dissolve
- Flush the toilet and then pour more hot water in if needed
- Flush and repeat steps 1-3 until all clog is gone (You might have to repeat 2-3 times)
- Make sure not to use too much liquid soap or it won’t work.
- If this doesn’t work, call a plumber
See also: Best toilet brush plunger combo
Will toilet paper unclog itself?
The answer to this is it depends. If it is not too much tissue paper, it might dissolve and unclog the toilet.
However, if it has accumulated in the pipes over a period of time and caused a blockage, it might not dissolve easily. In this case, you may need to facilitate the process of dissolving the tissue by using the methods we have outlined above.
See also: Toilet paper roll dimensions
How long does it take for toilet paper to dissolve?
The answer is dependent on what type of paper you use. Some brands are quite soft and dissolve easily while others are quite tough.
So, it could take anywhere from 1-20 minutes depending on whether or not your toilet has an automatic flush system.
Does bleach dissolve toilet paper?
If you have a clogged toilet, it is important to use the right chemicals for the job. Bleach can help to dissolve the tissue paper to some extent depending on how much of it is accumulated and the amount of bleach you use.
However, bleach may not be as effective at removing toilet paper from your pipes as some other products are.
For example, try using a product that contains enzymes that can digest and break down tough materials like human waste or tissue paper instead of bleach next time you want to unclog a toilet.
The Clorox Company actually does recommend using a plunger if possible rather than bleach. Sometimes there is just too much build-up in your pipes or sewer system and only a professional plumber will be able to help.
See also: Best toilet seat cover dispenser
Can you use aspirin to dissolve toilet paper?
I bet you thought that using aspirin to dissolve toilet paper was a hoax. But it’s not!
Aspirin is actually an effective way of breaking down the fibers in your tissue, which makes it a perfect dissolver for soft material like tissue.
So if you’re running out of time and need a quick fix, don’t be afraid to reach for those pills sitting on your counter next time there’s a clog waiting to happen.
Just make sure they’re coated with enough water before throwing them into the bowl; otherwise, all that will happen is some strange bubbling at best.
Also, you can add aspirin to the water in the toilet bowl and swish it around with a plunger until all the pieces of the tissue have dissolved.
See also: Ways to prevent poop from sticking on toilet bowl
Conclusion
When you’re faced with a clogged toilet, the last thing that comes to mind is what types of chemicals will dissolve it.
But if you only have baking soda and vinegar in your house (as well as liquid soap or shampoo) then all hope isn’t lost!
The process might seem difficult or a bit nauseating but we’ve outlined everything for you above on how to dissolve toilet paper clog so you can clear those pipes without any trouble at all.
If these don’t work, try calling a plumber for assistance.
