Having a clogged toilet is no fun. When the blockage is caused by toilet paper, it can be especially frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to dissolve the clog and get your toilet functioning again.
In this article, we’ll cover the necessary supplies, how to turn off the water supply, and how to use a plunger and other tools to clear the clog.
Read on to learn how to dissolve a toilet paper clog.
If the clog is too difficult to clear on your own, you may need to call in a professional plumber. But first, let’s take a look at the steps you can take yourself to dissolve the clog.
Good luck!
Gather the Necessary Supplies
You’ll need a few items to tackle the blockage, so let’s get those together first. To start, you’ll need rubber gloves, a flashlight, a bucket, and a plunger. You’ll also want to make sure you have a few supplies on hand if the clog doesn’t resolve itself, such as a plumber’s snake.
Once you have all the supplies you need, it’s time to start investigating. Check all the seals around the toilet to make sure nothing is preventing the water from draining. Inspect the pipes for any blockages that may have formed over time, and make sure nothing has been flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t have. If there is something blocking the pipes, try to remove it with a pair of pliers.
Once you’ve done your best to investigate the pipes and remove any blockages, it’s time to try using a plunger to break up the clog. Make sure to use a plunger that is designed specifically for toilets and insert it firmly into the bowl. Give it a few pumps and then flush the toilet to see if the clog has been dissolved. If not, you may need to enlist the help of a professional plumber.
Turn Off the Water Supply
After cutting off the water source, you’re ready to tackle the obstruction. To do this, you’ll need to turn off the water supply to the toilet.
This is done by locating the shut-off valves and turning them off. There are two shut-off valves usually found beneath the toilet: a shut-off valve, which is usually located within the wall or floor, and a check valve, which is usually located near the water supply line. Both of these valves must be shut off in order to cut off the water supply to the toilet.
Once you’ve located and shut off both valves, the water supply will be stopped. Be sure to test the valves to make sure they are completely shut off before you proceed.
If you haven’t already done so, you should also turn off the water main, which is usually located outside. This will ensure that no more water is running into the toilet and will make it easier to clear the clog.
Now that the water supply is off, you can start to work on clearing the clog. This will require some basic tools that you may already have around your house, such as a plunger, a snake, or even a plumbing auger. You may also need some basic cleaning supplies, such as a bucket and a mop.
With these supplies, you’ll be able to get the clog cleared and the toilet working again.
Remove Any Visible Toilet Paper
With the water supply turned off, it’s time to remove any visible blockage from the pipes – so let’s get started!
Start by looking down the toilet and seeing if you can spot any toilet paper clogging the pipes. If so, you’ll need to take some soaking wipes or flushable wipes and reach down into the pipes to grab the blockage. The wipes will help you get a better grip on the blockage and make it easier to pull out. Make sure to be careful as you reach down into the pipes, as you don’t want to damage them.
Once you’ve removed any visible blockage from the pipes, you’ll need to take a plunger and work it up and down in the toilet to help break up any toilet paper that may be stuck deeper in the pipes. If you don’t have a plunger, you can use a toilet auger instead. This is a long, flexible piece of metal that you insert into the toilet to push any blockages away and clear the pipes. Be sure to use the plunger or auger gently, as you don’t want to damage the pipes.
Once you’ve done all you can to remove the blockage, it’s time to turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet. If the clog is still there, you may need to repeat the process or call in a plumber.
With a bit of patience and the right tools, you should be able to remove the blockage and get your toilet back up and running in no time.
Use a Plunger
Get your pipes flowing again with the help of a plunger – it’s a simple and effective way to clear any blockages.
When it comes to drain maintenance, a plunger is the go-to tool for clearing clogs in the toilet. Plungers are designed to create a vacuum around a clog and push the blockage down the drain.
To use a plunger, fill the bowl with enough water to cover the plunger cup. Place the plunger over the clog and work the plunger vigorously up and down. The suction should help break up the blockage and push it down the drain.
When the blockage is cleared, flush the toilet to make sure the water is flowing and the clog is gone.
It’s important to remember to clean the plunger after use, and dispose of the water safely. Run the plunger under hot water, and use a cleaner to disinfect it.
After disposing of the water, use a paper towel to dry the plunger and store it in a cool, dry place.
Using a plunger is a simple and effective way to clear any blockages in your toilet. It’s an inexpensive tool that can be used over and over again, and can help you keep your drains free of clogs and debris.
So next time you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, grab a plunger and get to work!
Try a Plumber’s Snake
A plumber’s snake is an invaluable tool for clearing stubborn clogs in your pipes and drains. If your clog is caused by a toilet paper obstruction, you can use a plumber’s snake to investigate the causes and avoid clogs in the future.
To use a plumber’s snake, begin by putting on protective gloves and safety glasses. Then, insert the snake into the drain until you feel resistance, which is likely the clog. Rotate the snake clockwise to break up the obstruction, then remove it from the drain. If the clog is not completely cleared, repeat the process until the drain is completely clear.
If the clog is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a longer or thicker snake. A longer snake will reach further into the pipe, and a thicker snake will be able to break up the obstruction more effectively. You may also have to use a combination of the rotating motion and pushing motion to get the best results.
After the clog has been cleared, it is important to flush the drain with hot water and a toilet cleaner to remove any residue left behind by the clog. Once the clog has been cleared, you should inspect your pipes for any damage that may have been caused by the clog. If you notice any damage, it’s important to contact a professional plumber to repair the damage and prevent any further clogs from occurring.
Additionally, you should regularly inspect your pipes for signs of buildup and take steps to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
Use a Toilet Auger
You can quickly get to the root of the problem with a toilet auger, so you can get your drains flowing freely again in no time!
A toilet auger is a specialized cleaning tool used to unclog toilets, and it’s easy to use. The toilet auger is a long, flexible cable with a crank handle attached to one end. You can insert the cable into the toilet and twist the handle to work the cable through the pipes. This will help break up any clogs and clear the way for the water to flow.
To make sure you’re using the toilet auger safely, make sure you wear gloves to protect your hands and ensure that the auger is securely locked into the toilet before you start cranking.
Once you’ve unlocked the auger, turn the crank handle to work the cable through the pipes. As you turn the crank, the flexible cable will snake its way through the pipes, breaking up any clogs it encounters. If you feel any resistance, stop cranking and continue to push the cable through the pipes. This process may take a few minutes, but once the auger has cleared the clog, you’ll be able to flush the toilet without any more blockages.
Keep turning the crank handle until the cable is completely clear of the pipes. If the clog is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process a few times.
With enough persistence, you should be able to completely clear the clog and get your drains flowing freely again.
With the right tools and a little patience, unclogging your toilet shouldn’t be a problem.
Use a Chemical Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners can quickly and effectively break down blockages, allowing water to flow freely once again.
When using a chemical drain cleaner, it’s important to pour it safely into the toilet bowl and follow the instructions on the bottle closely.
If you’re unsure of how to use a chemical drain cleaner, seek advice from a professional. A plumber can help you properly use the cleaner and safely unclog your toilet without causing any further damage.
Additionally, a professional may be able to identify the cause of the clog and suggest ways to prevent this from happening in the future.
Remember to always take necessary precautions when using a chemical drain cleaner, as it can be hazardous if not handled properly. Taking the time to make sure you’re using it correctly can save you costly repairs in the long run.
Call a Professional Plumber
If you’re not sure how to handle a toilet paper clog, it’s probably best to avoid DIY solutions and hire a pro instead. A professional plumber will be able to identify the cause of the clog and then determine the best course of action to take.
Depending on the severity of the blockage, they may be able to fix the issue with a plunger or an auger. If the clog is particularly stubborn, they may need to use a drain snake or a hydrojet to clear the pipe.
If you do decide to call a professional plumber, it’s important to make sure that you choose someone who is qualified and experienced. Be sure to ask for references and read reviews to get an idea of the plumber’s reputation.
You should also inquire about their experience with similar issues to yours and ask about the estimated cost of the repair. If you hire a professional plumber, they will be able to provide a more permanent solution to your toilet paper clog.
They will be able to identify the root cause of the problem and provide a solution that will prevent it from happening again. Your plumber can also advise you on how to maintain your plumbing system and keep it running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if I don’t have a plunger?
If you don’t have a plunger to unclog your toilet, you can try using hot water and vinegar.
Start by pouring a pot of boiling hot water into the toilet.
Next, add in a cup of vinegar.
Both the hot water and vinegar work together to dissolve the clog.
Let the solution sit for a few minutes before flushing the toilet to see if the clog has been dissolved.
If the clog remains, you may need to use a plunger.
Can I use a regular drain cleaner to dissolve the clog?
It’s possible to use a regular drain cleaner to dissolve a toilet paper clog, though it won’t be as effective as a plunger.
To increase the effectiveness of the drain cleaner, try adding some dish soap and a vinegar mix. This will create a foaming action which helps to break down the clog.
Be sure to leave the drain cleaner in the toilet for at least an hour before flushing.
Is there any way to prevent a toilet paper clog in the future?
Prevention is key when it comes to toilet paper clogs! To avoid a clog, try to only flush toilet paper down the toilet and avoid flushing any other items.
Additionally, you can use flushable wipes that are specially made for use in the toilet. If you must use chemical solutions, make sure to use a safe and gentle one.
This will help keep the plumbing system from becoming clogged and allow your toilet to work properly.
Is it safe to use a toilet auger on my toilet?
Using a toilet auger on your clog is a safe and effective way to clear the blockage. When it comes to tough clogs caused by toilet paper, a toilet auger is the preferred method.
This device can navigate through the bend in the pipe and clear the clog without relying on harsh drain chemicals. If you’re dealing with a tough clog, a toilet auger is the best tool for the job.
Are there any alternatives to a plumber’s snake?
If you’re looking for an alternative to a plumber’s snake, there are a few solutions you can try.
Chemicals can be used to dissolve the clog, but they should be used with caution.
Alternatively, you can use a wire hanger to unclog your toilet. Simply straighten out the hanger, and with a pair of pliers, bend the end into a hook.
Then, insert the hanger into the drain and try to fish out the clog.
Conclusion
You’ve done your best to unclog your toilet and it’s still not working.
Don’t worry, though. You’ve got a few more options.
You can try a toilet auger, a chemical drain cleaner, or call a professional plumber.
If you decide to use a chemical drain cleaner, make sure you wear protective gear and follow the instructions carefully.
If you call a professional plumber, they should be able to identify the problem and provide a solution in no time.
Good luck unclogging your toilet!