A toilet becomes clogged when paper towels or other items are flushed down that do not fully disintegrate. This blocks the pipes and prevents proper drainage. Paper towels in particular wad up and get stuck rather than dissolving like toilet paper.
Clearing a clogged toilet is an unpleasant but necessary task when a paper towel is the cause. It needs to be done quickly before the blockage worsens or overflow occurs. With the right tools and approach, the clog can easily be broken up and flushed away.
First, don’t flush again as that will only push the clog farther down. Remove the toilet paper roll to access the drain hole. Insert a drain snake or coat hanger to break up the clog while twisting and pulling it out bit by bit. You can also use a specially designed plunger to create pressure that breaks the clog loose. Afterward, flush repeatedly to clear all remnants.
Outperforming Plumber emergency services
Plumbers are indispensable for major issues, but a simple toilet clog or the need to Tile A Bathroom doesn’t necessarily require their expertise or rates. By tackling these tasks yourself promptly with easy tools from the hardware store, you’ll eliminate the major hassle of a backup while saving cash. No wasted time waiting around for a pricey appointment or risking further damage that increases the bill – just fix the problem efficiently without breaking the bank.
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Fast response without the high fee
Plumbers can charge a premium for an emergency service call to clear a toilet clog. By knowing how to use basic tools, you can get the job done quickly without paying an expensive emergency rate.
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No minimum charges or trip fees
Many plumbers have minimum charges just to come look at the problem, plus additional fees if they have to make more than one trip. DIY avoids these extra costs that can add up fast.
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Save money to spend elsewhere
Clearing the clog yourself means keeping more money in your wallet that can be put toward other home projects or expenses rather than a hefty plumber bill.
Beating store-bought snakes and augers
Keeping basic do-it-yourself solutions on hand proves smarter than hastily purchased drain tools that may not get the job done right. A wire coat hanger straightened out or an old snake from previous tasks does the trick without wasting funds. With some adjustment and persistence, makeshift methods can defeat stubborn clogs better than one-time-use store solutions. Improvisation saves money and empowers homeowners to solve backups themselves.
Why DIY is better than calling a drain cleaning company
Calling a drain cleaning company works but costs a lot more for a simple fix. DIY lets you tackle it without time-wasting scheduling hassles too. Learning essential techniques ensures future independence minus reliance on pricey professionals. Clearing your clogs teaches valuable life skills while preventing budget-busting bills down the road. Taking charge proves more efficient and economical long-term.
A more cost-effective solution than replacing the toilet
Before dumping money into a whole new toilet, try the do-it-yourself route that’s often all that’s truly required. Clearing blockages yourself usually costs nothing but time, far less than installation fees. Should replacing become mandatory down the line, at least other solutions were examined first rather than making an immediate financial commitment. Knowing basic repair tactics preserves finances and resources better than hastily replacing entire fixtures.
Faster results than waiting for a handyman appointment
Handymen stay busy, so scheduling convenience comes at the cost of waits that prolong an inconvenient backup. Foregoing their services means immediately attacking the problem without wasting time in line. DIY provides quick satisfaction of a working toilet without dragging out the issue. Taking matters into hand proves quicker for restoring normal function until professional help becomes necessary.
Avoiding expensive sewer line camera inspections
Before suspecting deeper sewer problems and costly cameras, a good snaking often solves the trouble. Jumping to unnecessary inspection risks wasting money on a problem better solved yourself. Learning simple troubleshooting spares expenses when minor issues like paper clogs only need basic attention. Handling small blockages independently prevents rushing to pricey solutions that aren’t necessary.
Saving money compared to replacing damaged pipes
Ignoring toilet clogs allows pressure to build until fractures occur, leading to significantly higher replacement costs down the road. Preventing such extensive repair is as simple as some DIY efforts. Clearing blockages promptly averts expensive pipe destruction and rework, sticking to affordable maintenance instead of facing strengthened blockages that trigger costly structural swap-outs. Nipping small issues in the bud preserves budgets.
FAQ’s
What to do if you accidentally flush a paper towel?
Straighten a coat hanger into a hook to gently break apart and extract the clog before it settles.
Will paper towels eventually dissolve in the toilet?
Sadly no, their thickness means a backup risks forming before dissolving; act swiftly to remove.
What dissolves paper towels in pipes?
Only time can dissolve them, but don’t wait – pour a pot of boiling water and plunge or pull pieces loose to clear before damage occurs.
How do you unclog a toilet that has paper towels stuck?
Insert a plunger or bend a wire hanger to break up clings, then flush with bursts of hot water to safely clear stubborn clogs lodged in the bend.
Conclusion
In the end, clearing minor toilet clogs on your own through some initial DIY attempts is generally the most practical and pocket-friendly solution compared to riskier options. Calls to professionals and replacements should come only if all elsewhere efforts fail, saving potentially huge bills down the road. Learning fundamental troubleshooting skills provides lasting savings and empowerment to fix what are usually easy issues independently and quickly. Effective DIY sees homeowners winning both time and moneywise.
