We often assume that flushing paper towels down the toilet is no different than flushing toilet paper.
Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water, but paper towels are not. Flushing paper towels can cause significant problems as they can easily become lodged in toilet pipes due to their inability to break down easily.
If you have a clogged toilet due to paper towels, you may wonder how to dissolve them. However, it is important to remember that there is no easy solution to this problem.
In this article, we discuss easy common methods for dissolving paper towels in toilets, which is including non-chemical and chemical solutions method .
Also We provide best practices for preventing paper towels from causing plumbing issues.
Read the full article to learn more about what happens if you flush paper towels in toilet .
how to dissolve paper towels?
When you flush paper towels down the toilet or into the toilet pipe, they will not dissolve quickly. There are two possible solutions to this problem.
- Non-chemical liquids
- Chemical liquids
A chemical liquid solution is –
- Method 1: Hot Water Pouring
- Method 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda
- Method 3: Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener
- Method 4: Dishwashing Soap
Chemical solutions are (with caution)-
- Method 5: Using Bleach
- Method 6: Coke or Pepsi Drinks
Method 1: Hot Water Pouring
If you’re trying to unclog your toilet paper towel and want to use a non-chemical method, then flushing the toilet with hot water can be a good way to do it.
The hot water has a high enough temperature that it can soften and dissolve the paper towel. You can easily pour hot water down the toilet with a funnel from an old plastic cup or something similar.
Method 2: Vinegar Add Baking Soda
We have a misconception that toilet paper towel will dissolve in water like toilet paper but in reality it is not, it is not designed to dissolve in water in any way.
If it’s a moment like this when the pipe line with the toilet is clogged, pour baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (5% acetic acid) together.
Pouring it together produces sodium acetate and carbon dioxide, and water with the carbon dioxide bubbling vigorously.
As a result, water and bubbling CO2 probably dissolves the toilet paper towel and breaks down. The main thing here is that the chemical reaction inside the pipe line causes the turbulence that starts there.
Method 3: Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener
Green Gobbler’s Ultimate Main Drain Opener a remarkable solution that swiftly tackles clogs caused by paper towels in your toilet. With its potent, professional-strength formula and powerful ingredients, this drain opener excels in dissolving toilet paper fast and effectively, along with other organic blockages.
Say goodbye to frustrating clogs and backups as Green Gobbler effortlessly clears your drain pipes, restoring optimal flow.
The efficiency of Green Gobbler not only stems from its exceptional formula but also from its user-friendly approach. It takes charge of the hard work, eliminating the need for complicated equipment or risky liquids. This means you can bid farewell to the hassle of dealing with stubborn clogs on your own.
Unsurprisingly, countless homeowners place their trust in Green Gobbler when it comes to restoring smooth plumbing functionality. Its ability to dissolve toilet paper quickly and efficiently makes it a reliable choice for maintaining a clear and smoothly flowing toilet drain.
Method 4: Using Bleach
Pour a cup of bleach into your toilet bowl on a paper towel and let it sit for an hour or so. A strong bleach solution will easily dissolve paper towels and get your toilet back in working order quickly.
In addition to flushing the toilet, pouring a cup of bleach into your toilet bowl after each cleaning session is helpful to disinfect it.
The combination of hot water and bleach will help kill any bacteria that has built up in your toilet bowl, leaving it cleaner and fresher after each flush.
Method 5: Using Kitchen Ingrediencies Dishwashing Soap
If you’re stuck on toilet paper, consider using dishwashing soap for an easy solution to untangling it.
It also helps the toilet bowl to dissolve in water, which you can think of if your toilet doesn’t have anything else.
Method 6: Using Coke or Pepsi Drinks
It is unlikely that Coke, Pepsi or any other soda will completely dissolve toilet paper. It’s important to note that pouring soda down your toilet can damage your plumbing system by corroding or clogging metal parts.
If you’re experiencing a paper towels in toilet clog, using a plunger or plumbing snake to remove the blockage is best. If the problem persists, it is important to call a professional plumber to avoid further damage to your plumbing system.
To prevent future clogs, it’s important to remember to flush only toilet paper and throw all other materials in the trash.
what are the risks of dissolving paper towels in pipes
The risks of dissolving paper towels in pipes include:
- Clogs: Flushing paper towels down the toilet can cause significant plumbing problems. They don’t break down easily and often get stuck in pipes. Paper towels can absorb water and swell, which can block the flow of water, leading to clogs and backups. To avoid such issues, flush only toilet paper down the toilet and dispose of other materials, such as paper towels, in the trash.
- Damage to plumbing system: Unlike toilet paper, paper towels do not break down easily in water. Flushing paper towels down the toilet or sending them down the drain can cause them to accumulate and damage your pipes over time.
- Sewage backlog Problem : Sewage backups can result from paper towels that accumulate and cause clogs in the sewer system. Therefore, it is important not to flush paper towels, which do not disintegrate in the system. Fixing sewage backups can be both messy and costly.
- Expensive repairs: Clearing clogs caused by paper towels can require professional plumbing services, which can be costly. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace sections of the plumbing system.
Why Paper Towels Clog the Toilet?
Paper towels can cause toilet blockages due to various reasons, such as:
- Paper towels are not easily dissolved in water, unlike toilet paper. Designed to be more durable and absorbent, they do not break down easily in water. This makes them more likely to cause clogs in pipes and sewage backups when flushed down the toilet.
- Paper towels can absorb water and swell, potentially blocking the flow of water in pipes. This can lead to clogs and backups in your plumbing system.
- Paper towels do not break down in the sewer system, regardless of their location. If they accumulate, they can cause clogs, resulting in costly and messy sewage backups.
- Using paper towels can be detrimental to plumbing systems. If they accumulate and cause clogs, it can lead to damage over time. This damage may require expensive repairs or even the replacement of sections of the plumbing system if it is severe.
Paper Towel Structure Vs Toilet Paper
Paper towels and toilet paper differ in their structure and composition. Here is a comparison between the two:
| Feature | Paper Towels | Toilet Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Combination of harder and softer wood pulp | Recycled fibers, such as missed tissue rolls |
| Fiber type | Cellulose | Recycled fibers |
| Softness | Conditioner added during manufacturing | Not typically conditioned |
| Water solubility | Not easily dissolvable in water | Designed to be easily degraded in water after a few seconds |
| Absorbency | Thick and absorbent | Typically less absorbent than paper towels |
| Common uses | Cleaning up spills, drying hands, and other household tasks | Intended for use in the bathroom for personal hygiene purposes |
what dissolves paper towels in pipes?
Although there is no straightforward solution to dislodge a paper towel from a sewer pipe, there are a few methods worth attempting.
The first technique involves pouring hot water down the drain and waiting for it to soften the paper towel fibers. Afterward, running water should help flush the blockage away.
The second method entails using vinegar and baking soda. Initially, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by vinegar.
Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes while the chemical reaction between the two substances dissolves other pipe debris, including paper towels.
It’s important to note, however, that this method may not be effective for severe blockages or paper towels that are firmly embedded in the pipe.
How to Unclog a Toilet from Paper Towels?
Paper towels are not designed to break down as quickly in water as toilet paper, but there are several steps you can take to unclog paper towels in toilet.
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet to prevent the bowl from overflowing.
Next, use a plunger to try to dislodge the blockage. Be sure to use a toilet plunger with a flange designed to fit securely into the toilet drain.
If the plunger doesn’t work, use a plumbing snake or a wire coat hanger to break up the blockage.
However, it’s important to be cautious and avoid using sharp objects that could damage the toilet or the pipes.
If you cannot unclog the toilet on your own, it’s best to call a professional plumber to avoid causing further damage to your plumbing system.
In the future, it’s important to only flush toilet paper and dispose of all other materials, including paper towels, in the trash to prevent clogs and blockages.
Will Vinegar Dissolve Paper Towel !
It is unlikely that vinegar alone will dissolve a paper towel completely. While vinegar is an acidic substance, prolonged exposure to acids can break down paper fibers, and paper towels are generally designed to be strong and absorbent.
However, soaking a paper towel in vinegar for an extended tissue could cause it to weaken or break apart.
Additionally, vinegar can be used as a cleaning agent to help remove stains and grime from surfaces, including paper towels.
It is important to note that vinegar should be used cautiously on delicate or valuable items, as it can cause discoloration or damage.
How Long Does it Take For Paper Towels To Dissolve In Toilet ?
Most types of paper towels take several minutes to an hour to fully dissolve in a toilet. This is because paper towels are made from more fiber than regular toilet paper, so they don’t break down as quickly.
To safely and effectively clear a clogged toilet, it is important to be aware of the amount of time it takes for specific brand of paper towel used in the job.
If too much time has passed without the clog clearing up, using a plunger or calling a plumber should be considered instead.
Understanding how long it takes for your chosen paper towel goes a long way towards ensuring plumbing issues can be handled quickly and safely.
Accidentally Flushed a Paper Towel Down the Toilet
Accidentally flushing a paper towel down the toilet can be a simple mistake, but it can be a potentially expensive and frustrating problem.
Although we think paper towels will break down in the water as quickly as toilet paper, the truth is that paper towels are not designed that way and can clog plumbing systems.
If you notice that your toilet isn’t flushing properly or hear a gurgling sound from your pipe, a paper towel or other non-flushable item may be causing the blockage.
In some cases, a plunger or plumbing snake may be able to clear the blockage, but if the problem persists, it’s important to call a professional plumber to avoid further damage to your plumbing system.
To prevent future accidentally flushed paper towel down toilet , remember to flush only toilet paper and trash all other materials, including paper towels.
Summary of What Dissolves Paper Towels In Toilet
If you are using ways to get rid of a toilet towel clog, the Green Gobbler Ultimate Main Drain Opener is an effective way to dissolve a toilet paper towel clog.
It contains live bacterial cultures that safely break down the paper towel material into smaller pieces so it can move more easily through the pipe.
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FAQ: What Dissolves Paper Towels In Toilet
Q1.What Will Unclog Paper Towels In Toilet?
Flushing a toilet with paper towels can be a messy and frustrating task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to effectively unclog the drain without resorting to harsh chemicals or hours of scrubbing and soaking. A surprisingly simple solution is warm water, with additional steps depending on the severity of the clog.
Q2.What Dissolves Paper Towel Fast?
Hot water is the fastest and most effective way to dissolve paper towels. Hot water breaks down the fibers at a faster rate, so we can get rid of unwanted paper quickly and easily. Hot water also helps remove bacteria from paper towels. If you’re in a pinch, sometimes even cold water will do the trick—though it certainly won’t be as fast as hot water.
Q3.How Long Do Paper Towels Take To Dissolve?
Paper towels are disposable and break down impressively quickly, in some cases seconds after they come into contact with water. In fact, most paper towels will begin to absorb and break down within ten seconds of being soaked in water. Normal paper towels take three to five minutes maximum to completely dissolve.