6 Effective Methods to Dissolve Toilet Paper in a Sewer Line

Toilet paper is probably one of the few things you can flush down the toilet.

However, once it starts coming back up, you know there's something wrong, and you need to fix it fast.

Here's everything you need to know about how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line.

How To Dissolve Toilet Paper in a Sewer Line: Top 5 Methods

There are many ways to dissolve toilet paper clog and prevent your septic system from getting damaged.

These methods will help you clear clogged toilets and help you with sewer cleaning and maintenance.

1) Dissolve Toilet Paper Using Chemical Additives

There are plenty of chemicals that could get rid of toilet paper clogs. However, some can be DANGEROUS to the environment or the ecosystem in the main sewer line.

If you're thinking of using a chemical additive, it's best to follow any provided instructions from the package. Some can be poured into the toilet tank, while others go into the bowl.

We recommend using tried and tested products, like Rid-X, one of the safer drain cleaners.

You can also look into caustic soda or sodium hydroxide, which causes chemical reactions that help toilet paper dissolve along with other solid waste.

However, use this product WITH CAUTION because it can cause problems in your septic systems. Only use a bit of it with 2 cups of hot water for 20 to 30 minutes.

A unique product you can try is Coca-Cola. It has high phosphoric acid levels, similar to the sulfuric acid found in other cleaning products. It may take longer, but it does work.

SAFETY NOTE: Wear protective gloves while working with any chemical additive to keep your skin safe.

2) Toilet Snakes

A toilet snake, toilet auger, or closet auger works to remove even the MOST STUBBORN toilet clogs. These also work great with kitchen and shower drains. It can be a handy thing to have at home.

They can easily be purchased online. However, it's best to get professional help to AVOID damaging sewer lines.

If you're working with it on your own, simply enter the snake into the toilet outlet hole and let it hook onto the wadded toilet paper. Then, pull it out of the outlet hole. Do this a few times until there's no more toilet paper.

If a toilet snake doesn't work, you can try out hydro jetting to eliminate any blockage in your pipes. It may cost more, but it's one of the most recommended alternatives.

3) Use Dish Soap and Hot Water

Another simple solution is dish soap and boiling water, easily found at home.

Simply add half a bottle of dish soap and hot water into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for about half an hour before flushing.

Be careful when using boiling water because it can DAMAGE your plumbing system. Don't use it daily, especially if sewer line clogs are a consistent problem for your house.

4) Use Your Trusty Toilet Plunger

The go-to option for toilet clogging is the good ol' toilet plunger.

Place it tightly onto the outlet hole and forcefully create pressure to break down the toilet papers in the pipe. Keep doing this until the clog is gone.

If the water level DROPS, then your task is successful, and can pull the plunger out. You'll also notice how the toilet paper will float in the water after.

5) Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

The more natural solution for when toilet paper forms clogs are vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. They're easy to find at home and can get rid of clogged toilet pipes.

Pour a cup of baking soda, 4 cups of hot water, and a cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. You'll notice that it will start making the water fizzy, a natural chemical reaction.

Let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes for the solution to mix with the water properly. Then, flush it down.

Vinegar is also commonly used for killing tree roots and other cleaning functions for the sewer line.

6) Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is typically used when taking baths because it dissolves quickly. It also dissolves toilet paper and other organic waste, making it easier to go with the water flow.

Pour one cup of Epsom salt into your toilet bowl and cover it with a bucket of hot water. Let the salts sink and reach the clog. Wait for 30 minutes and repeat to make sure it works.

Then, flush your toilet to let the water carry away all the dissolved items.

Why Did Your Toilet Paper Clog Your Sewer Line?

Before you ask this, your initial question might be, "Will toilet paper dissolve in the water or septic tank?"

The answer is usually yes, especially since throwing toilet paper into the toilet bowl is normal. However, there will be times when stubborn toilet paper can clog your sewer lines.

Here are the possible reasons why your toilet paper clogged your sewer line:

You Already Had a Partially Clogged Sewer Line

There may be times when there's already something clogging your toilet or septic tank. If that's the case, toilet paper clogs form faster in your pipes and would need to be addressed.

You can use Rid-X, dish soap, or other similar products to help break down anything blocking the sewer line.

It's also important to ensure that you're only flushing down toilet paper, urine, and feces.

If your toilet clog becomes severe, you may have to hire a professional to replace the sewer line from your house to the street.

Used Too Much Toilet Paper

You don't need to use THE WHOLE ROLL after you do your business.

When you throw in excess toilet paper, it can stretch and twist in your pipe. It will form a ball that can have it clog somewhere along the way.

Small bundles and chunks of toilet paper form clogs and blockages, preventing it from dissolving in the running water.

How to Unclog a Full Toilet

A fully clogged toilet is not something any household would want. Not only is it a HEALTH HAZARD for building bacteria and stopping you from doing your business, but it's plain disgusting.

The best way to deal with clogged toilets filled with toilet paper is to do any of the following:

• Use a plunger's pressure to dissolve toilet paper in the pipes
• Use a chemical septic treatment product to help toilet paper to dissolve toilet paper
• Use a toilet snake to snag any clumps of toilet paper in a sewer

These are just a few of the usual solutions. However, there may be times when they're not enough.

If your toilet paper clogs get severe, they may cause damage to your plumbing system, which will require you to get professional sewer line repair.

How to Avoid Toilet Paper Clogs in the Future

While toilet paper was designed to dissolve in water, there are times when it won't work.

If those clogs get worse, you may need to have your sewer line repaired. This process can be expensive, depending on the damage.

Now that you know how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line, here are a few things you can do to prevent future clogs in your toilet bowl:

Avoid Using Too Much Toilet Paper at Once

As mentioned, you don't need the whole toilet paper roll when you do your business.

Just use enough to clean yourself.

Avoid Flushing it Down the Toilet to Prevent Toilet Paper Clog

It's normal to avoid throwing human waste in the toilet, like wipes, Q-tips, other kinds of paper towels, and more.

You might be used to throwing your toilet paper down the drain has become routine. However, you can try throwing it with your other solid waste.

It helps avoid the build-up of toilet paper, especially from the remaining debris from the small pieces that didn't break down.

FAQs

You might have more questions on how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line.

We've gathered the most asked questions to help you with your research.

Can Toilet Paper Clog a Sewer Line?

Yes, it can. However, it depends on how much toilet paper you've used and possible internal problems with your sewer system.

You can use products like Rid-X, dish soap, hot water, baking soda, and more to help get rid of clogs. You can also decompose it using a toilet snake or a plunger.

If it continues to clog, it's best to contact a professional plumber to check on your plumbing system.

Will Toilet Water Break Down Toilet Paper Given Enough Time?

Toilet water would usually break down toilet paper. They're made of cellulose fiber or wood pulp, allowing them to break down into smaller pieces.

However, it's important to remember that it's NOT water soluble, which can cause clumps to form. Previous clogs or too much toilet paper can also clog up your toilet.

If your flushing doesn't work, wait 15 minutes before trying again. If it still doesn't work, a liquid plumber can help.

Does Bleach Dissolve Toilet Paper Clogs?

Unfortunately, bleach doesn't do anything but make the situation worse. Bleach can't decompose tissue paper. Instead, it ends up creating toxic fumes which are harmful to your health.

Another chemical to AVOID is muriatic acid, which can easily destroy metal sewer pipes.

Take note of which chemicals are safe for your toilet and sewer line before using them as a solution to clogging.

Conclusion

Any clog in your drain can stop you from doing your daily tasks.

Hopefully, one of these solutions has helped you with those stubborn clogs. If the problem persists, it's best to call a professional for help.