Unclogging a toilet can be a messy and frustrating task, especially when the blockage is caused by paper towels. Unlike regular toilet paper, paper towels are designed to be more absorbent and durable, making them difficult to break down in water.
This guide will provide you with effective methods for how to unclog a toilet from paper towels, ensuring that your toilet is restored to proper working order without causing further damage to your plumbing. Whether you’re dealing with a minor inconvenience or a more serious clog, these tips will help you regain control of your bathroom facilities.
Why Paper Towels Cause Toilet Clogs
Paper towels are often the culprit behind toilet clogs due to their high absorbency and structural strength. Unlike standard toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly in water, paper towels are thicker and denser, making them resistant to breaking down. When flushed, they can easily combine with other waste and create a mass that obstructs the drainpipes.
Additionally, many people mistakenly assume that paper towels can be disposed of in the toilet like toilet paper, leading to an increased likelihood of clogs. Understanding the inherent differences in how these products react to water is crucial for preventing future plumbing issues.
Why Paper Towels Shouldn’t Be Flushed
Flushing paper towels down the toilet can lead to significant plumbing issues and costly repairs. Unlike toilet paper, which is specifically designed to dissolve in water, paper towels retain their structure and absorb moisture, leading to blockages in the pipes. When these towels combine with other waste materials, they can create a dense mass that is difficult for water to pass through, ultimately causing severe clogs.
Furthermore, flushing paper towels contributes to increased wear and tear on plumbing systems, potentially resulting in backups and overflow situations. For these reasons, it is essential to dispose of paper towels in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet to maintain a healthy and functional plumbing system.
10 Methods How to Unclog a Toilet from Paper Towels
1. Using a Plunger
The first and often most effective method for unclogging a toilet is using a plunger. Paper towels are typically too thick and not designed to break down in water like toilet paper, so they tend to cause clogs. A plunger works by creating a vacuum seal around the toilet drain, which, when pushed and pulled, helps dislodge the clog.
Start by ensuring there is enough water in the bowl to cover the rubber part of the plunger. If there isn’t, add some water to form a good seal. Place the plunger directly over the drain hole and push down slowly, then pull back with force. Repeat this motion a few times, creating a strong vacuum. Often, this will be enough to break up or move the paper towel blockage. If the water begins to drain, keep plunging to ensure the entire clog is cleared.
2. Using a Toilet Auger (Plumbing Snake)
If a plunger doesn’t work, a toilet auger, also known as a plumbing snake, may be your next best option. This tool has a long, flexible coil that you can feed down into the toilet’s drain to reach the clog. Toilet augers are especially useful for reaching deeper clogs that a plunger may not be able to shift.
To use a toilet auger, carefully insert the head of the tool into the toilet bowl and push it down into the drain while turning the handle. The auger will either break up the clog or latch onto it, allowing you to pull the clog out. Once the clog has been dislodged or removed, flush the toilet to ensure everything is clear. Be cautious not to scratch the toilet bowl while using the auger.
3. Using Hot Water
Another simple method to clear a clog is using hot water. This technique works well for minor blockages caused by paper towels that haven’t completely settled in the pipes yet. Boiling water can help soften and break down the paper towels, making them easier to flush through the system.
Start by heating a pot of water, but make sure it’s not boiling, as boiling water could crack the porcelain of your toilet. Pour the hot water into the toilet from waist height, which will help increase the force. Wait for a few minutes to see if the water level goes down. If the water begins to drain, try flushing the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared. If not, repeat the process a few times.
4. Using Dish Soap
Dish soap can act as a lubricant to help break down the paper towels and ease them through the pipes. The grease-cutting action of dish soap also helps dissolve any oils or residues that might be contributing to the clog.
Squeeze about half a cup of dish soap into the toilet bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. During this time, the soap will start to break down the clog and coat the sides of the pipe. After waiting, pour hot (but not boiling) water into the toilet to help move the paper towels along. If the water begins to drain, flush the toilet to confirm that the clog has been fully removed.
5. Using Baking Soda and Vinegar
The combination of baking soda and vinegar is a classic home remedy for many clogs. The reaction between the two ingredients produces a fizzing action that can help dislodge blockages like paper towels.
To use this method, pour about one cup of baking soda directly into the toilet bowl. Follow this by adding two cups of white vinegar. The mixture will start to fizz and bubble immediately, which is a sign that it’s working. Allow the solution to sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, pour hot water into the bowl to flush the mixture and hopefully clear the clog. Repeat if necessary.
6. Manual Removal
If the clog is close to the surface, you may be able to remove it manually. This method should be a last resort because it involves direct contact with the clog, which can be unpleasant.
Wear a pair of long rubber gloves to protect your hands. Carefully reach into the toilet bowl and try to grab the paper towels. Sometimes the blockage is just within reach, and manually removing the paper towels will instantly fix the problem. Dispose of the paper towels in a plastic bag to avoid future clogs.
7. Wet/Dry Vacuum
A wet/dry vacuum, also known as a shop vacuum, can be very effective at removing toilet clogs caused by paper towels. This method works by using the vacuum’s suction power to pull the clog out.
Set the vacuum to wet mode, and use the nozzle attachment to create a tight seal over the toilet drain. Turn on the vacuum and let it run for a few minutes. The suction should be strong enough to pull the paper towels out of the drain. Once the clog is removed, you can safely flush the toilet to confirm the success of this method.
8. Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner
If you prefer a gentler approach, enzyme-based drain cleaners can help break down organic matter in a clog. These products are environmentally friendly and won’t harm your pipes.
Pour the recommended amount of the enzyme-based cleaner into the toilet and let it sit for the suggested time (often overnight). The enzymes will work by digesting the paper towels and other materials causing the clog. After letting it sit, flush the toilet to see if the blockage has cleared. This method is slower than others but is ideal for those who want a non-chemical solution.
9. Chemical Drain Cleaners
Chemical drain cleaners should be used with caution, as they can be harsh on your pipes and the environment. However, they are effective at dissolving clogs caused by paper towels when other methods have failed.
Follow the instructions on the product carefully, as improper use can damage your plumbing. Pour the cleaner into the toilet and allow it to sit for the recommended time. Afterward, flush the toilet to see if the clog has been dissolved. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid breathing in any fumes.
10. Calling a Professional Plumber
If none of the DIY methods work, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Sometimes, clogs caused by paper towels can be particularly stubborn or located deep in the plumbing system. A plumber will have the tools and expertise to identify and resolve the issue without causing damage to your pipes.
A plumber may use a professional-grade auger, hydro jetting, or even disassemble parts of the toilet to reach the clog. While this method involves a cost, it’s the most reliable way to ensure that your toilet is fully functional again without causing further damage.
Conclusion
Unclogging a toilet due to paper towels can range from a simple fix with a plunger or hot water to a more involved solution requiring professional help. It’s important to avoid using paper towels in toilets as they are not designed to break down like toilet paper, which can prevent future clogs. Thanks for reading, and we hope this has given you some inspiration on how to unclog a toilet from paper towels!
