How to Unclog a Toilet Clogged with Paper Towels

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How to Unclog a Toilet Clogged with Paper Towels

A clogged toilet is a common problem, and it can be especially frustrating when it’s caused by something as simple as a paper towel. Paper towels are designed to be absorbent, so they can easily clog up a toilet drain if they’re not flushed properly.

If you’re dealing with a toilet clogged with paper towels, don’t panic. There are a few simple steps you can take to clear the clog and get your toilet working again.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of toilet clogs, how to prevent them, and the best methods for clearing a clog caused by paper towels. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right plunger for your toilet and how to use it effectively.

So if you’re ready to learn how to unclog a toilet clogged with paper towels, read on!

| Step | Action | Result |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Flush the toilet with hot water. | The hot water will help to loosen the paper towel and make it easier to remove. |
| 2 | Use a plunger to try to push the paper towel through the drain. | The plunger should create suction that will help to dislodge the paper towel. |
| 3 | If the paper towel is still stuck, use a coat hanger to fish it out of the drain. | The coat hanger should be able to reach around the paper towel and pull it out of the drain. |

Identifying the Problem

A paper towel clog is a common problem that can occur when you flush a paper towel down the toilet. Paper towels are not designed to be flushed down the toilet, and they can easily clog the drain.

What is a paper towel clog?

A paper towel clog is a blockage in the toilet drain caused by a paper towel. Paper towels are made of a thick, absorbent material that can easily clog the drain. When a paper towel is flushed down the toilet, it can wrap around other objects in the drain, such as hair or soap scum, and create a blockage.

How do you know if your toilet is clogged with a paper towel?

There are a few signs that can indicate that your toilet is clogged with a paper towel. These include:

  • The toilet bowl does not flush all the way down.
  • The toilet makes gurgling or bubbling noises when you flush it.
  • The toilet overflows when you flush it.
  • There is a foul odor coming from the toilet.

What are the potential causes of a paper towel clog?

There are a few things that can cause a paper towel clog. These include:

  • Flushing paper towels down the toilet.
  • Flushing other objects down the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products or diapers.
  • Not having a properly functioning toilet.
  • Having a clogged drain line.

Getting Rid of the Clog

If you think your toilet is clogged with a paper towel, there are a few things you can do to try to clear the clog.

How to manually remove a paper towel clog

If the clog is small, you may be able to remove it manually. Here are the steps:

1. Put on a pair of gloves.
2. Get a bucket and fill it with warm water.
3. Use a plunger to try to clear the clog.
4. If the plunger does not work, you can try using a coat hanger.
5. Bend the coat hanger into a hook shape.
6. Insert the hook into the toilet bowl and try to hook the paper towel.
7. Once you have hooked the paper towel, pull it out of the toilet bowl.

How to use a plunger to clear a paper towel clog

A plunger is a tool that can be used to clear a clog in a toilet. Here are the steps on how to use a plunger to clear a paper towel clog:

1. Put on a pair of gloves.
2. Get a plunger and fill the toilet bowl with about 2 inches of water.
3. Place the plunger over the drain hole and push down firmly.
4. Pull up on the plunger and repeat steps 3 and 4 until the clog is cleared.

How to use a drain snake to clear a paper towel clog

A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be used to clear a clog in a toilet. Here are the steps on how to use a drain snake to clear a paper towel clog:

1. Put on a pair of gloves.
2. Get a drain snake and attach it to a drill.
3. Turn on the drill and slowly insert the drain snake into the toilet bowl.
4. Once the drain snake is in the drain, turn off the drill and slowly pull it out.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the clog is cleared.

How to use a chemical drain cleaner to clear a paper towel clog

Chemical drain cleaners can be used to clear a clog in a toilet. However, it is important to read and follow the directions on the product label carefully. Here are the steps on how to use a chemical drain cleaner to clear a paper towel clog:

1. Put on a pair of gloves.
2. Get a chemical drain cleaner and follow the directions on the product label.
3. Pour the chemical drain cleaner into the toilet bowl.
4. Let the chemical drain cleaner sit for the amount of time specified on the product label.
5. Flush the toilet and see if the clog is cleared.

If you have tried all of the above methods and you are still unable to clear the clog, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

How to Unclog a Toilet with a Paper Towel

Paper towels are a common cause of toilet clogs. They are made of a thin, absorbent material that can easily become tangled in the plumbing, causing a blockage. If you’ve flushed a paper towel down the toilet and it’s caused a clog, don’t panic. There are a few simple steps you can take to clear the clog yourself.

1. Use a plunger

The first step is to try to clear the clog with a plunger. A plunger creates a suction that can help to dislodge the paper towel and break it up. To use a plunger, follow these steps:

1. Place the plunger over the drain opening in the toilet bowl.
2. Put your weight on the plunger and push down and up several times.
3. Continue to plunge until the clog is cleared or the water starts to drain.

If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to clear the clog. To use a toilet auger, follow these steps:

1. Insert the auger into the drain opening in the toilet bowl.
2. Turn the auger clockwise while slowly pulling it out of the drain.
3. Continue to turn and pull the auger until the clog is cleared or the water starts to drain.

2. Use a chemical drain cleaner

If you don’t have a plunger or an auger, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners are available at most hardware stores. To use a chemical drain cleaner, follow these steps:

1. Pour the chemical drain cleaner into the toilet bowl.
2. Let the chemical drain cleaner sit for the amount of time specified on the product label.
3. Flush the toilet to clear the clog.

Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also be harmful to your health. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the product label carefully.

3. Call a plumber

If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the clog is still not cleared, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

Preventing Future Clogs

The best way to avoid toilet clogs is to dispose of paper towels properly. Here are a few tips for preventing future clogs:

  • Never flush paper towels down the toilet. Paper towels are not biodegradable and can easily become tangled in the plumbing, causing a blockage.
  • Use a trash can to dispose of paper towels. This will help to keep your toilet clean and free of clogs.
  • Keep your toilet clean and free of debris. A dirty toilet can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants. Be sure to clean your toilet regularly to prevent clogs and other problems.

Emergency Solutions

If you can’t clear a clog yourself, there are a few emergency solutions you can try.

  • Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the clog. This can be a quick and easy way to clear a clog.
  • Try using a snake to dislodge the clog. A snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to clear the clog.
  • Call a plumber. If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the clog is still not cleared, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools and equipment to clear the clog.

Paper towels can be a common cause of toilet clogs. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent clogs and clear them if they do occur. By following these tips, you can keep your toilet clean and free of clogs.

How do I unclog a toilet that is clogged with paper towels?

1. First, try using a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down several times. This may be enough to dislodge the paper towels and clear the clog.
2. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to break up the clog. Be careful not to damage the pipes when using a drain snake.
3. If you don’t have a plunger or a drain snake, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Follow the directions on the product label carefully. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if they are not used properly.
4. If all of these methods fail, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to clear the clog and prevent future problems.

What are some things I can do to prevent paper towels from clogging my toilet?

1. Don’t flush paper towels down the toilet. This is the most important thing you can do to prevent paper towels from clogging your toilet. Paper towels are not designed to be flushed, and they can cause major problems if they do get flushed.
2. Use a trash can instead of flushing paper towels. If you have a trash can in your bathroom, it is easy to throw away paper towels instead of flushing them. This will help to keep your toilet clear and prevent clogs.
3. Be careful not to overfill the toilet bowl. If you flush too much toilet paper at once, it can cause the paper to clump together and clog the drain. Only flush a small amount of toilet paper at a time.
4. Keep your toilet clean. A clean toilet is less likely to clog. Make sure to clean the toilet bowl regularly and flush the toilet after every use.

What should I do if I accidentally flush a paper towel down the toilet?

If you accidentally flush a paper towel down the toilet, there are a few things you can do to try to unclog it.

1. Try using a plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and push and pull it up and down several times. This may be enough to dislodge the paper towel and clear the clog.
2. If the plunger doesn’t work, you can try using a drain snake. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that is inserted into the drain to break up the clog. Be careful not to damage the pipes when using a drain snake.
3. If you don’t have a plunger or a drain snake, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner. Follow the directions on the product label carefully. Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful if they are not used properly.
4. If all of these methods fail, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to clear the clog and prevent future problems.

there are a few different ways to unclog a toilet that is clogged with a paper towel. The most effective way will depend on the severity of the clog and the materials that are available. If the clog is minor, you may be able to clear it by using a plunger or a toilet auger. If the clog is more severe, you may need to use a chemical drain cleaner or a professional plumber. By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and effectively unclog a toilet that is clogged with a paper towel.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.