Having a clogged toilet is one of the last things you want to deal with. But unfortunately, sometimes it happens — and if paper towels are the culprit, it can be especially tricky to remove them! Clogs caused by paper towels usually require more than just a plunger or drain snake; they require special attention and care when trying to unclog them.
If you’re looking for help on how to unclog those pesky paper towel blockages from your toilet, then you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, I will provide helpful advice on how to unclog paper towels from toilet. Keep reading for an informative guide for ways to remove them without calling in help from a professional plumber
11 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Unclog Paper Towels From Toilet
Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply
First This will help reduce the amount of water that is entering the toilet and prevent any more paper towels from getting stuck in the drain. You can find the shutoff valve for your toilet on the wall behind it. That’s usually located near the floor. You’ll also need to flush the toilet one last time before you begin.
Step 2: Determine the Location of the Clog
Use a flashlight to see down into the toilet bowl. You should be able to spot any paper towels that are blocking the drain. It’s important to take note of the exact location of the clog so you can target it when unclogging. That’s why it’s best to use a flashlight. It’ll help you get a better view and make sure that you’re targeting the right area.
Step 3: Remove as Much Paper Towel as Possible
Carefully remove as much of the paper towel from the clog as possible. You may need to use a pair of tweezers or pliers for this step, but be careful not to push the paper towel further down into the drain. You want to try and keep it as close to the surface as possible. That way, it’ll be easier to remove.
Step 4: Use Hot Water
Fill a bucket or large bowl with very hot water and slowly pour it directly onto the clog. This should help to break up the paper towel and make it easier to remove. You may need to repeat this several times before the clog starts to move. This is also a good opportunity to use some toilet cleaner or a natural cleaning solution like vinegar and baking soda.
Step 5: Try a Plunger
Place a plunger directly over the drain and try plunging several times in order to dislodge the clog. You may need to use a rubber plunger for this step, as it will provide more suction and movement. Make sure that you keep the water level in the toilet below the plunger so that it can form a seal over the drain. If this doesn’t work, proceed to step 6.
Step 6: Use a Drain Snake
If the plunger doesn’t work, use a drain snake to try and break up any stubborn paper towels stuck in the drain. That’ll help to loosen them up and make it easier for you to remove the clog. Make sure that you use a long, flexible drain snake so that you can reach all the way down into the drain.
Step 7: Use Dish Soap
Add 1 cup of dish soap to 2 cups of hot water and slowly pour this mixture down the toilet. Allow the soap to sit in the drain for 10-15 minutes. This should help to break up any remaining paper towels and make them easier to flush away. You may need to repeat this step a few times before the clog is completely removed.
Step 8: Try a Wet Vacuum
If the dish soap doesn’t work, try using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any stubborn debris from the clog. This should help to break up the clog and make it easier for you to flush it away. It’s important to make sure that you use the right type of vacuum for this step. Don’t use a regular vacuum, as it won’t be powerful enough.
Step 9: Use an Auger
If the wet/dry vacuum doesn’t work, try using an auger to break up any remaining paper towels in the drain. An auger is a long rod with a curved end that can be used to push and pull debris from inside of the toilet. You can usually find a toilet auger at your local hardware store. This should help to break up the clog and make it easier for you to flush it away.
Step 10: Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
This may seem like an old wives’ tale, but it can actually be quite effective in unclogging a toilet. Mix 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup of white vinegar and pour the mixture into the drain. Allow sitting for 30 minutes before flushing. It should help to break up the paper towels and make them easier to flush away. Repeat as necessary.
Step 11: Use Commercial Cleaners
If the baking soda and vinegar technique doesn’t work, try using commercial drain cleaners. These are chemical solutions that can be poured directly into the toilet to help break up clogs. Be sure to follow all of the instructions on the product label for the best results. Necessary to effectively unclog your toilet and remove any stubborn paper towels.
Following these steps should help you how to unclog paper towels from toilet. Just remember to remain patient and keep trying different techniques until you find one that works. With a little elbow grease and the right tools, you can have your toilet back to normal in no time at all!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do You Need Professional Support?
If the steps above don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call a professional plumber. A professional plumber can investigate the issue further and use specialized tools to help unclog your toilet. In some cases, the toilet may need to be completely replaced if the clog is too severe.
No matter what the issue is, it’s always a good idea to call a plumber for assistance. They have the experience and tools necessary to diagnose the issue quickly and resolve it in a timely manner. So if you’re having difficulty unclogging paper towels from your toilet, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. It could save you time and money in the long run.
Q: What Should I Do if the Water Won’t Stop Running?
A: If the water won’t stop running, it is likely a sign that there is still a clog or obstruction in the drain. Make sure to check for any remaining paper towels and remove them as needed. If this doesn’t work, then you will need to contact a plumber for further assistance.
Q: Is it Safe to Use Chemical Cleaners?
A: Yes, chemical cleaners can be safely used in toilets as long as they are used in accordance with the instructions on the product label. Be aware that some of these products can be caustic and should only be used as a last resort. If in doubt, always consult with a plumber before using a chemical cleaner.
Q: What Should I Do if the Clog is Still Not Cleared?
A: If the clog is still not cleared after trying all of these steps, then it may be necessary to call a professional plumber for further assistance. A plumber can use specialized tools to access the clog and remove it more quickly and efficiently.
Q: Are There Any Precautionary Steps I Should Take?
A: Yes, be sure to wear protective clothing such as gloves and safety glasses when using any chemical cleaners. Also, always keep the area surrounding the toilet clean and free of debris. This will help ensure that no additional clogs form in the future. Finally, never flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. This will help to prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a good overview of how to unclog paper towels from toilet.
Conclusion
After reading this article, now you know everything on how to unclog paper towels from toilet. Overall, properly unclogging a toilet blocked with paper towels is an unpleasant task, yet one that all homeowners should be prepared to tackle. Prevention has been identified as key to avoiding such inconvenient circumstances and involves careful monitoring of what is flushed down the pipes.
Additionally, if a clog does occur, it’s important to move quickly to protect your plumbing and preserve the cleanliness of your bathroom. Removing the obstruction through manual extraction or through professional service are both viable options that depend on your unique circumstance.
In any case, proper technique and expert advice will help ensure success in addressing the problem effectively. With a combination of caution and the right tools, you can confidently combat any potential paper towel clogs in your toilet with ease.
