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How to Dissolve Toilet Paper in a Sewer Line

how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line

Toilet paper can always be tossed in a toilet but that's its limitation despite its effectiveness. When a person flushed over a lot of toilet paper at the same time they often created problems and stopped the normal water flow.

Unfortunately, if you don't take the time to dissolve your toilet paper properly, you could be looking at some serious clogs and backed-up sewage lines.

In this blog post, we will teach you how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line so that you can avoid any nasty surprises!

How Common Are Toilet Paper Clogs?

Clogged toilets are one of the most common plumbing problems. In fact, toilet paper is the number one cause of clogged sewer lines.

While a single wad of toilet paper may not seem like it would be much trouble, it can quickly turn into a big problem. When multiple people flush too much toilet paper several times throughout the day, that tissue paper can add up quickly.

And if you have a septic tank, those clogs can become an even bigger problem. That's because the solid waste from your septic tank can back up into your sewage pipe and cause a blockage.

Why Do Toilet Paper Clogs Form in Sewer Lines?

Toilet paper is made up of cellulose fibers that are designed to break down the water. However, when toilet paper is flushed in large quantities, it can form a clog.

The cellulose fibers in toilet paper can absorb water and swell. When enough toilet paper has been flushed, it can create a obstruction that prevents sewage from flowing through the sewer line.

In addition, too much toilet paper can adhere to the sides of the sewer pipe. As more and more toilet paper is flushed, it can build up on the sides of the pipe and create a obstruction.

6 Tips on How to Dissolve Toilet Paper in a Sewer Line

Now that we've answered the question "why do toilet paper clogs form in sewage pipes?", It's time to give you some tips on how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewage pipe.

By following these tips, you can help keep your sewage pipeline clear and avoid any future clogs.

1. Use a Toilet Plunger

toilet plunger

A toilet plunger is designed specifically for clearing blockages in sewage pipes, and it can be used to dissolve toilet paper that has caused a clog.

  1. First, make sure that the cup of the plunger is fully submerged in water.
  2. Next, place the plunger over the drain hole and push down firmly.
  3. Then, twist the plunger clockwise and counterclockwise to work the blockage loose.
  4. Finally, pull up on the plunger to clear the drain.

With a little patience and a toilet plunger, you can easily unclog your toilet paper and get your sewage pipes flowing freely again.

2. Add Hot Water and Dish Soap into the Bowl

If you don't have a plunger handy, you can try dissolving the toilet paper with hot water and dish soap.

  1. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water into the toilet bowl.
  2. Then, add a few drops of dish soap to the water and stir it around.
  3. The dish soap will help break down the toilet paper and make it easier to flush away.
  4. Finally, flush the toilet and see if the obstruction has been cleared.

3. Clear Clogged Toilets with Toilet Snakes

If the hot water and dish soap method doesn't work, you can use a toilet snake. A toilet snake is a long, flexible wire that can be used to clear the lines.

  1. To use a toilet snake, insert the end of the wire into the drain hole.
  2. Then, push the wire down the drain until you feel resistance.
  3. When you reach the obstruction, twist the wire to work it loose.
  4. Finally, pull the wire out of the drain and flush the toilet to clear away any remaining debris.

4. Use Chemical Products That Are Safe

Many homeowners dislike chemical goods because they can disrupt the ecosystem in the sewer system.

Nonetheless, if you use items with a safe label for the septic system, there should be no issues.

Always follow the instructions on the product's label when utilizing chemicals.

Some of these chemicals must be poured into the toilet tank, while others must be directly into the bowl.

These drain cleaners can also help get rid of tree roots in your plumbing system.

5. Use Rid-X

One of the best ways to dissolve toilet tissue is to use Rid-X. This powerful product contains enzymes that break down organic matter, making it ideal for dissolving stubborn clogs.

Simply pour Rid-X and flush your toilet. For best results, use Rid-X on a regular basis to keep your pipelines clear and free-flowing.

6. Use Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Hot Water

baking soda

If you're looking for a natural way to dissolve tissue, try using vinegar, baking soda, and hot water.

  1. Start by pouring a pot of boiling water into the toilet bowl.
  2. Then, add one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda to the water and stir it around.
  3. The combination of these ingredients will create a powerful cleaning solution that can break down the human waste and toilet paper and clear the clog.
  4. Finally, flush the toilet to rinse away the debris.

By following these tips, you can easily dissolve tissue paper and keep your pipeline flowing freely.

Do you have toilet clogged with toilet paper? Check out our toilet services

Does Bleach Dissolve Toilet Paper Clogs?

There is a common misconception that bleach can be used to dissolve toilet paper clogs. However, this is not the case. Bleach is actually very harmful to pipes and can damage pipelines.

Additionally, bleach will not actually dissolve the toilet paper, it will only break it down into smaller pieces that can cause an even bigger clog.

Therefore, it is best to avoid using bleach to dissolve tissue paper clogs.

If you're dealing with a stubborn clog, try one of the methods listed above. With a little patience and the right tools, you can easily dissolve toilet paper and get your sewage pipe flowing freely again.

Will Toilet Paper Dissolve on Its Own?

This is a common question that we get here at 24h Plumbing Pros. The answer is usually no, toilet paper will not dissolve on its own in a sewer pipeline.

However, there are some types of toilet paper that may break down more easily than others.

For example, recycled toilet paper is often made with shorter fibers which makes it more likely to break down in the water.

How Long Does It Take for Toilet Paper to Dissolve in a Sewage Pipe?

In ideal circumstances, a toilet paper clog will dissolve in 20 minutes and allow for normal flushing. Too much toilet paper, on the other hand, may be difficult to break down and causes toilet clog.

Wadded toilet paper can, over time, form a sticky mass. It might take 1–2 hours for a blockage to dissolve on its own in some situations.

Can you use aspirin to dissolve toilet paper?

Toilet paper is manufactured from wood pulp, which is unabsorbable in water. Acetylsalicylic acid is found in aspirin, which dissolves in water.

This implies that if you dissolve aspirin in water and pour it down the drain, the excess toilet paper within the tank will be dissolved.

It breaks down fibers, making your toilet paper, and eventually eats away at the entire toilet paper clog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What breaks down toilet paper in pipes?

There are a few things that can break down toilet paper in the pipeline, including:

  • Hot water
  • Vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Rid-X

What dissolves toilet paper the fastest?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Different types of toilet paper may break down at different rates.

However, some people believe that recycled toilet paper is more likely to dissolve quickly because it is made with shorter fibers.

Does vinegar dissolve toilet paper?

Yes, vinegar can be used to dissolve toilet paper. Simply pour a pot of boiling water into the toilet bowl and add one cup of vinegar.

The combination of these ingredients will create a powerful cleaning solution that can break down the toilet paper and clear the clog.

Conclusion

Knowing how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewage pipe is an important skill to have, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter.

By following the tips above, you can easily clear a clog and keep your sewage pipeline flowing freely.

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to our plumbers. We're always happy to help!

We're available 24/7 to help with all of your plumbing needs and get the job done quickly.

About The Author:

Scott Reyes, our proficient Managing Editor and a true plumbing aficionado with over 10 years of dedicated expertise. With an in-depth understanding of the plumbing industry, Scott is your go-to source for all things plumbing-related. His wealth of experience ensures that our content is not only informative but also a reliable resource for your plumbing needs. Dive into Scott's articles to tap into his extensive knowledge and insights.
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