How to Break Down a Toilet Paper Clog

Break down a toilet paper clog with natural products found in your home.

If your toilet is clogged, toilet paper backup is a likely cause. When too much toilet paper is flushed down the toilet, it can obstruct the flow of water. Commercial products are sold to unclog your toilet. The products, however, contain chemicals that are harsh on the environment. Calling in a plumber will solve the problem, but it can also be costly. Break down a toilet paper clog yourself using eco-friendly products.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl or cup
• Bucket
• Hot water
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup white vinegar
• Plunger

Instructions

1. Dip a bowl or a cup into the toilet to scoop out some of the water into a bucket. Leave only enough water in the toilet bowl to cover the opening.

2. Pour 2 gallons of very hot water into the toilet. Pour the water in quickly but carefully so that you don’t overflow the toilet. Sometimes this is all that is needed to break down the clog.

3. Break down the clog with vinegar and baking soda if the hot water didn’t work. Scoop out excess water if the toilet has filled back up. Pour a cup of baking soda into the hole followed by a cup of white vinegar. Wait 10 minutes for the vinegar and baking soda to activate, then flush the toilet.

4. Plunge the toilet if the toilet paper is still clogging the opening. Make sure there’s enough water in the toilet to at least cover the opening. Hold the plunger perpendicular to the floor and place it over the drain hole in the toilet, ensure the entire rubber lip of the plunger is touching the porcelain of the toilet. Pump the plunger firmly about five or six times, then lift it to see if the clog has cleared. If not, repeat five or six more times until the water flows down the drain.

References

• Planet Green.com; 7 Green Methods to Unclog a Toilet...Plumber's Crack Optional; Eric Leech; June 2009
• "Pocket Dad"; Dina Fayer and Bob Fayer; 2006