A clog developed in your sewer line can cause the accumulation of sewage from drains and damage your property’s structural integrity, affecting walls, floors, and appliances. Experts recommend following a proactive approach to identify sewer line clogs before they cause extensive damage.
However, you must know the causes of clogged sewer lines before taking appropriate action. Broken pipes, debris, grease and fat, and tree roots are the most common causes of a clogged sewer line. Many homeowners ask: can toilet paper clog sewer lines, and how much is too much?
Although toilet paper takes at least four minutes to dissolve in the water, too much toilet paper can clog the sewer line and take a massive toll on the entire system. Today’s article will give you essential details. Read on!
Can Toilet Paper Clog the Sewer Line?
Most companies manufacture toilet paper products that efficiently and quickly dissolve in water. However, toilet paper can accumulate in the pipes, clog the plumbing system, and damage the sewer line if it fails to dissolve properly.
The problem is prevalent for homeowners who use low-flow toilets. Although a low-flow toilet can save water, it has less pressure that prevents the toilet paper from moving down the pipes.
Everyone loves ultra-plush toilet paper because it is soft and comfortable. At the same time, it absorbs quickly in the water, maintaining a smooth flow in the sewer line. On the other hand, thick toilet paper products can cause problems because they take more time to dissolve in the water.
If a thick toilet paper gets stuck in the plumbing system, pipes, or sewer lines, it can cause a mild clog. The problem worsens when clogs occur on the toilet trap, the toilet vent gets blocked, and sewage builds up in the sewer line. This can cause standing water in your sewer line, among other issues.
Research shows that removing clogs efficiently and quickly is crucial to preventing bacterial and fungal growth. Not taking a proactive, preventative, or prompt approach can increase microbial growth, cause musky odors, and elevate the risk of diseases, including:
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Typhoid
- Cholera
- Salmonella
- Legionnaires’ Disease
- Respiratory conditions
- Metabolic disorders
Even sewer gas exposure can create its own health issues, so don’t delay.
How to Prevent Toilet Paper Clogs?
Everyone sees toilet paper as a luxury because it is soft, comfortable, and convenient. Most people think that toilet paper can easily dissolve in the water. Although this is true, too much or thick toilet paper products can wreak havoc on your sewer system, especially if you have a poorly maintained sewer system.
Besides, cotton toilet paper or tissues can block the sewer line because the toilet does not disintegrate quickly. While you can occasionally use cotton-based toilet paper, too much usage can clog pipes or the sewer system. Here are a few ways to prevent toilet paper clogs.
Use Less Toilet Paper
Because toilet paper takes time to dissolve depending on its material and thickness, the extra paper prevents the toilet from flushing correctly. Therefore, the general rule is to conserve paper and use as much as you need.
Less usage becomes even more critical if you have a low-flow toilet. Likewise, if you need more paper in the toilet, consider flushing multiple times to ensure the water pushes the materials down the toilet and prevents the sewer line from clogging.
Use Single-Ply Toilet Paper
Too much toilet paper can clog the sewer line. Toilet paper combined with other materials causes frequent clogs, causing you to call a plumber repeatedly every other day. Switch to one-ply toilet paper if you experience this issue frequently.
Although one-ply toilet paper is less comfortable and convenient than two-ply toilet paper, it can mitigate the risk of plumbing issues. A one-ply toilet paper takes less time to dissolve in the water than its two-ply counterparts. However, if the problem persists, you can call a professional plumbing service to resolve the issue efficiently, reliably, and quickly.
Perform Preventative Maintenance
As the name suggests, proactive or preventative maintenance is directly proportional to fewer plumbing headaches. Hiring a company that offers quarterly, bi-annual, or annual preventive maintenance services is critical to streamlining your plumbing and sewer line system.
A professional plumber uses cutting-edge tools and equipment to diagnose and resolve the issue immediately using their experience and skills. In addition, preventative maintenance keeps the flow longer and smoother, ensuring your drains do not age faster.
To learn more, visit “how to dissolve toilet paper in a sewer line”
Final Words
We have a team of professional plumbers with years of experience and extensive knowledge of different sewer systems. Our plumbers can unclog the sewer line blocked by too much toilet paper and reduce grease buildup, bad smells, and backups. We can repair or replace the plumbing and sewer system based on the problem’s intensity.
Not sure if your sewer clog is caused by excessive toilet paper use? It could be worth scheduling a video sewer inspection to confirm it, especially if it has been a recurring issue in your household.
Contact us today for more information.
