Bleach does not dissolve toilet paper. Toilet paper is designed to break down in water. So, many times toilet paper clogs will resolve themselves in 1–2 hours. Stubborn toilet clogs are best cleared by plunging or using a snake to remove the clog. Bleach can do harm to septic tanks and plumbing, so it’s best to avoid using bleach when you need to unclog your toilet.
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What Does Bleach Do to Toilet Paper?
Bleach will have almost no effect on toilet paper and other paper products. Paper breaks down best when exposed to acid chemicals. Bleach is not acidic. It is a strong base compound with extremely low acidity. So, bleach will not help break apart toilet paper.
- Bleach has little to no effect on toilet paper.
- Paper is best dissolved by acids. Bleach is a base compound with extremely low acidity.
- Toilet paper is designed to gradually break down in water.
- Bleach also does not dissolve toilet paper clogs caused by human waste or other paper products.
Toilet paper is engineered to gradually dissolve in water. So, large wads of toilet paper can cause temporary clogs, but over time water often breaks down the clog. If someone has told you that bleach has helped them clear clogged toilets in the past, they are most likely mistaken. Water alone works to break down toilet paper. Bleach will not dissolve toilet paper or human waste, so there is no point in pouring it into a clogged toilet.
Why You Should Never Use Bleach to Unclog Your Toilet
In addition to being ineffective at dissolving toilet paper, bleach can be harmful to your plumbing if it is poured into a clogged toilet. Bleach can release corrosive fumes that are dangerous to breathe in. Bleach can even cause corrosion to some types of pipes.
- Pouring bleach into a toilet bowl will not help to clear clogs.
- Bleach poured into a clogged toilet can release toxic fumes dangerous to your eyes, nose, and airways.
- Bleach can damage or corrode plumbing.
- Bleach is extremely harmful to septic tanks.
If you have a septic system, never pour bleach into your toilet to unclog it. Bleach can kill the helpful bacteria in septic tanks. This will result in a tank that fills quickly and destroys the functionality of your septic system. Pouring bleach into your toilet bowl often does much more harm than good.
How Do You Dissolve Toilet Paper in a Toilet?
If you have a toilet paper clog in your toilet, the first thing to do is to wait. Because toilet paper breaks down in water, large wads of toilet paper sometimes just need time to soak so the clog can resolve itself. Leave your toilet alone for 1–2 hours, then try to flush again. This often clears toilet paper clogs.
- Clogs that are only toilet paper often break down on their own if given time.
- Wait 1–2 hours after the toilet is clogged, then try to flush again.
- Use this septic-safe chemical to clear clogs.
- A good toilet plunger can resolve most clogs.
- To clear serious clogs, use this toilet auger.
- Formulated to break apart toilet paper and other septic clogs.
- Prevent septic back-ups.
- An easy-to-use product that's gentle on pipes and tanks.
If you have a stubborn clog that doesn’t fix itself, it’s time to learn how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line. Chemicals meant to dissolve clogs are septic-system-safe and far more effective than bleach. A manual toilet plunger works great for many clogs. To deal with the most stubborn clogs, use a toilet auger, also known as a toilet snake.
Will a Toilet Paper Clog Dissolve Over Time?
Even the most stubborn toilet paper clogs typically dissolve on their own. Unlike other paper products, toilet paper is made to dissolve in water. It may take 1–2 hours for a wad of toilet paper to break down, but it will typically do so without plunging or pouring anything into your toilet.
- The majority of toilet paper clogs dissolve on their own.
- Large toilet paper clogs may take 1–2 hours to dissolve in water.
- Toilet paper is designed to break down in water, other paper products are not.
- Do not flush anything other than waste and toilet paper. Other household products can cause nasty toilet clogs.
If your clog is caused by something other than toilet paper, it typically won’t dissolve on its own. For instance, it’s essential to use the correct steps to clear a clog caused by baby wipes. Remember, your toilet is designed for waste and toilet paper only. Do not flush tissues, cotton swabs, diapers, or other paper products. A clog caused by one of these must be cleared with a toilet auger.
How Long Does it Take Toilet Paper to Dissolve?
A single sheet of toilet paper will dissolve in water in 15–20 minutes. However, a large wad of toilet paper can take longer. The water has to slowly break down the clog starting from the outside. So, it can take 1–2 hours for tough clogs to dissolve. Be patient. If all you did is flush toilet paper and waste, your clog will most likely clear itself.
Will Bleach Break Down Toilet Paper?
Do not use bleach to attempt to dissolve toilet paper clogs. The reasons for this are:
- Bleach does not cause toilet paper to dissolve more quickly.
- Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water.
- Bleach can be harmful to your health, your plumbing, and your septic system.
- Bleach will also not dissolve other paper products.
- Tough clogs are best cleared by using safe chemicals, a plunger, or a toilet auger.
Bleach is a super effective cleaner and disinfectant that can be used to clean your bathroom surfaces. If you use a little in cleaning, you won’t harm your plumbing. However, pouring bleach into your toilet won’t clear a clog. So, save your bleach and fix the clog using safe, effective methods.
