Can toilet paper cause plumbing problems?

As you have doubtless observed, too much toilet paper can clog your toilet. However, if you get a toilet paper that is too thick, it may not dissolve very well, which means that it can get stuck in your pipes and cause clogs.

Does wet toilet paper clog pipes?

People tend to overlook toilet paper as a main source of a clog. After all, toilet paper is sold as something that breaks down quickly once it gets wet. But what toilet paper manufacturers market to gain your attention – extra soft, quilted, recycled – can be detrimental to your pipes and sewer system.

Is it bad to leave toilet paper in the toilet?

Toilet paper is specially designed to break up quickly and easily when flushed down the toilet. These paper products aren’t made to break up the way toilet paper is, so they can end up clogging pipes or the sewer system. If this happens, it can lead to a serious blockage that causes sewage to back up into your home.

What breaks up toilet paper in pipes?

A toilet auger comes with small barbs or hooks at the end inserted into the drain. The hooks assist in breaking down a clog. Thus, inserting a toilet auger into the toilet drain will assist in breaking up the stuck toilet paper and allow it to dissolve in water.

Does flushing toilet paper clog toilets?

Excess Toilet Paper Use Though toilet paper is designed to be flushed down the drain without issue, using too much does lead to recurring toilet clogs. The tissue simply does not dissolve quick enough, so matter becomes stuck in the toilet or the sewer line.

How much is too much toilet paper flush?

The most common answer that comes up in all debates is anywhere from 4-8 squares of toilet paper. Any more and you risk clogging the toilet simply because you didn’t count your squares. If for any reason you feel you need more, you can double flush (do your business, wipe, flush, wipe and flush again).

Will one paper towel clog a toilet?

No, you can’t. In contrast to toilet paper, things like tissues and kitchen towels are designed to retain their strength as much as possible, especially when wet. Flush a tissue or paper towel down the toilet and it won’t break down, at least not readily, so it’s a prime candidate to clog your pipes.

Will a toilet paper clog dissolve?

When your sewer line clogs due to toilet paper, it’s best to wait for 15 or 20 minutes. Toilet paper should dissolve and go away, so you can flush the toilet to give it the extra push. If it doesn’t decompose, you can wait for an hour or two more — that should be enough for a toilet paper clog to biodegrade.

Does toilet paper clog sewer lines?

Eventually, toilet paper or other debris gets snagged on the roots, further preventing water from flowing through the main sewer drain line. Flushing sanitary products, such as paper towels, facial tissues, feminine hygiene products or even extra-thick toilet paper, can also clog your sewer line.