Almost every toilet user uses toilet paper to clean themselves after using the toilet. So, they usually throw the toilet paper into the bowl.
Some use excessive tissue paper, mixing them with human waste and creating a blockage in the drain pipe. As a result, the toilet becomes clogged.
So when anything goes through the toilet pipe and becomes the reason for clogging, the toilet users want to dissolve it as soon as possible.
Can toilet paper clog a toilet?
Generally, a small amount of toilet paper quickly dissolves in the toilet. However, clogging is caused by how you use your toilet and dispose of the toilet paper.
If you throw a huge amount of toilet paper into the toilet pipe, it will not dissolve soon. Significant clogging may happen when you use a low-flow toilet because it is designed to save water and does not apply much pressure to flush. As a result, the extensive amount of toilet paper cannot be removed from the toilet because of the lack of water pressure or poor flushing.
Can vinegar dissolve toilet paper?
Yes, vinegar is a good solution for dissolving toilet paper in the toilet pipe. Significantly, it is not hazardous for your plumbing or toilet tank.
However, vinegar is also a good cleaning solution for a toilet. When you want to dissolve the toilet paper, apply enough vinegar with hot water and throw it into the toilet bowl with extensive pressure. The tissue papers will be dissolved soon.
Related: How to Dissolve Plastic in a Toilet Bowl?
Dissolving tissue paper: What are the other alternatives?
Vinegar may be the best solution for dissolving toilet paper in the pipe, but several alternatives exist. Significantly, when you cannot get vinegar beside you, the other options will show you how to dissolve the germs.
Baking soda
The best way is to combine vinegar, baking soda, and hot water together before applying them to the toilet pipe. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will make the mixture more powerful and make it easier to dissolve the toilet paper from the vent. However, the amount of clogged toilet paper is high.
Hot water and dish soap
This mixture is another way of cleaning the toilet’s pipes from stuck toilet paper. Dish soap can make the toilet paper slippery and suitable for removal from the line. But you must use sufficient hot water because it melts the tissue paper more quickly.
Mix enough dish soap or detergent with a half-bucket of hot water. Now, melt them perfectly. Throw the mixture into the toilet’s pipe through the bowl. Wait for a while, and finally flush the toilet.
Toilet auger
Sometimes, the clogged elements cannot be dissolved. In this situation, we should not depend only on vinegar. Instead, we can use a toilet auger that removes the blockage from the toilet pipe.
Toilet snake or plunger
A toilet snake or plunger is very similar to a toilet auger. There are only differences between their outlook and working process. But all of them are used for removing the specks of dirt from the toilet pipe.
So, you can easily remove the accumulated toilet paper from the pipe’s inside. When you enter the plunger into the pipe and clean the inside, you can pour some hot water and then flash the toilet.
Sodium hydroxide or caustic soda
If you want to remove the toilet paper or face from the toilet pipe more quickly and easily, use sodium hydroxide or caustic soda.
However, you must be cautious when using the material. This material must be out of the reach of your children. Moreover, before applying the chemicals, you should always wear eye protection glasses, masks, and hand gloves.
How do I apply?
When you want to apply caustic soda through the toilet pipe, you must prepare enough hot water. Now, pour one cup of soda through the pipe. After that, add two cups of boiling water. Keep it for 20 to 30 minutes in this situation. Finally, check the toilet pipe by using an auger and flashing it.
Is water more hygienic than toilet paper?
Many people use toilet paper to remove germs and clean their backs. But it is proven that water can remove germs from our backside more efficiently. So, if a toilet user wants more hygiene, he must use water instead of tissue paper. Moreover, toilet clogging will be less likely if you use water in your toilet instead of tissue paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can vinegar dissolve toilet paper?
A: Yes, vinegar can help dissolve toilet paper, especially if it’s already broken down or thin.
Q: How long does it take for vinegar to dissolve toilet paper?
A: The time varies depending on the thickness and quality of the paper, but it usually takes several hours.
Q: Is it safe to use vinegar in a toilet?
A: Yes, vinegar is safe to use in toilets as it is a natural cleaning agent and is not harmful to plumbing systems.
Q: Can vinegar unclog a toilet blocked with toilet paper?
A: Vinegar can sometimes help to break down the toilet paper in a clog, but it’s not guaranteed for severe blockages.
Q: How much vinegar should I use to dissolve toilet paper in a toilet?
A: For mild clogs, using about 2-3 cups of vinegar should be sufficient.
Q: Do I need to dilute vinegar before using it in the toilet?
A: No, you can use undiluted vinegar directly in the toilet for better effectiveness.
Q: Can I mix vinegar with other substances to dissolve toilet paper faster?
A: Mixing vinegar with baking soda can create a fizzing action that might help break down paper faster.
Q: Is vinegar effective on all types of toilet paper?
A: Vinegar is generally effective on most types of toilet paper, especially biodegradable and thinner varieties.
Q: How do I use vinegar to dissolve toilet paper in a toilet?
A: Pour the vinegar into the toilet bowl, let it sit for several hours, and then flush.
Q: Will vinegar damage the septic system if used to dissolve toilet paper?
A: No, vinegar is septic-safe and will not harm the bacteria in the septic system.
Q: Can vinegar be used as a regular method to prevent toilet paper clogs?
A: While vinegar can help prevent build-up, it’s not a guaranteed method to prevent clogs and should be used in moderation.
Q: Is vinegar more effective than commercial toilet cleaners for dissolving toilet paper?
A: Vinegar is a natural alternative, but commercial cleaners might be more potent for severe or persistent clogs.
Hi, I am Jose S. Franz. Currently, I am working as a professional plumber, and our team offers various plumbing services at an affordable price. After my college education, I completed a vocational certification course in plumbing systems and worked with several construction companies. Since then, I have fixed lots of different toilet models, from older to the latest versions. So I have more than 22 years of experience installing plumbing systems and toilets in both residential and commercial buildings.
