Can Flushing Too Much Toilet Paper Actually Cause a Clog?
Nothing disrupts the peace of a household quite like a clogged toilet drain. It’s a familiar and frustrating situation that many of us have experienced – usually at the worst possible time.
To give you an idea, a national survey found that around 20% of American homeowners deal with clogged toilets on a regular basis.
If clogged toilets are a familiar situation in your home, have you ever stopped to wonder if the amount of toilet paper you use could be contributing to these clogs?
At Chicago Sewer and Drain Pros, we’ve been fixing clogged toilets and pipes for many years – and we’ve seen just about every type of clog imaginable. Toilet paper is a common cause, but it’s hardly the only one.
Toilet paper is an essential household item that we use every day without much thought. After all, it’s designed to dissolve in water, so why would it cause toilet clogs? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the potential impact of flushing too much toilet paper and how to prevent clogs from happening in the first place.
Common Culprits of Clogged Toilets
Let’s first go over the most common reasons for a clogged toilet drain:
Paper Towels
Paper towels are not designed to dissolve in water like toilet paper. They are thicker and more durable, which means they can easily clog your toilet drain.
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes have gained popularity over the years for their convenience and effectiveness in cleaning. However, just like paper towels, they do not break down easily in water and can cause major clogs.
Feminine Products
Tampons and sanitary pads should never be flushed down the toilet. Not only can they cause clogs, but they can also damage your plumbing system. It’s best to dispose of them in the trash.
Pretty much anything other than human waste and toilet paper can cause a clogged toilet. But what about flushing too much toilet paper? Let’s find out.
Uncommon Culprits of Clogged Toilets
Too much toilet paper, paper towels, wet wipes, and feminine products are well-known offenders. There are several less obvious issues we see from time to time, including:
Hard Water Deposits
Over time, hard water can cause mineral deposits to build up in your toilet and pipes. These deposits, primarily composed of calcium and magnesium, can narrow the diameter of your pipes, making it easier for clogs to form.
Excessive Use of Toilet Bowl Cleaner
While it’s important to keep your toilet clean, using too much toilet bowl cleaner or using it too frequently can contribute to clogs. Some cleaners can cause a buildup of residue in the pipes, which, combined with other materials, can lead to blockages.
Small Objects
It’s fairly common for small objects to accidentally end up in the toilet, especially in households with young children. Toys, toothbrushes, or even small pieces of clothing can become lodged in the plumbing, causing a blockage.
The Role of Toilet Paper in Toilet Clogs
Toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve in water and break apart easily. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s immune to causing clogs. In fact, flushing too much toilet paper at once can create a blockage in your pipes – especially if you have an older plumbing system.
Additionally, if you use thick or multi-ply toilet paper, it may not break down as easily and could contribute to clogs. So, while toilet paper is less likely to cause clogs compared to other items, it’s still important to be mindful of how much you flush at one time.
Tips for Preventing Toilet Paper Clogs
To prevent clogged toilets, here are a few helpful tips when it comes to using toilet paper:
Be Mindful About How Much Toilet Paper You Use
The average person uses 57 sheets of toilet paper per day – which is fine if you’re using a few sheets at a time. The trouble starts when you use excess toilet paper at once. Try to limit yourself to just a few sheets per flush. Should you need more, wait for the toilet to fully flush before adding more paper.
Teach Kids Proper Toilet Paper Usage
If you have children, it’s important to teach them how much toilet paper is appropriate to use and how to dispose of it properly. Younger children may need extra supervision when using the bathroom to ensure they don’t use too much paper or flush non-flushable items.
Use Thinner or More Dissolvable Toilet Paper
If you have an older plumbing system or have experienced clogs in the past, consider using thinner or more dissolvable toilet paper. These types of toilet paper will break down more easily and be less likely to cause sewer line clogs.
Have a Plunger Handy
Despite taking preventative measures, accidents can still happen. It’s always a good idea to have a plunger on hand in case of a clogged toilet. Make sure it’s the right size for your toilet, and keep it in an easily accessible location.
When to Call a Professional
While most toilet paper clogs can be easily resolved at home, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional plumber. Here are some signs that you may need professional help:
- The toilet is consistently clogged despite using the above preventative measures.
- You notice water coming up through other drains in your home when you flush the toilet.
- There is an unusual smell coming from your toilet or drains.
If you experience any of these issues, it’s best to call a plumber as soon as possible. They will have the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix any plumbing issues related to your toilet. Ignoring potential problems can lead to more costly repairs and health hazards down the line.
The Wrap Up
As you can see, choosing the right toilet paper and using it properly is key to keeping your toilet clog-free. By following the tips and preventative measures outlined in this guide, you can save yourself from the hassle and cost of dealing with a clogged toilet.
If you need to call a plumber, the Chicago Sewer and Drain Pros team is always here to help. Our experienced plumbers are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to handle any plumbing issue that may arise.
Contact us today for all your plumbing needs!
