What to Do If You Accidentally Flush a Toilet Paper Roll

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Expert approved ways to remove a flushed toilet roll
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So someone accidentally flushed a toilet paper roll down the toilet and your toilet is clogged. Don’t worry—this is one of the easier clogs to tackle. You may be able to grab it by hand or with a wire hook , but if that doesn’t work, you can usually unclog the toilet by plunging , snaking , or even waiting it out . We talked to professional plumber James Schuelke and home improvement specialist Allen Lee to find out everything you need to know, so let’s get started.

I accidentally flushed a toilet paper roll—now what?

  • Pull out the toilet paper by hand or with a wire hanger wrapped in cloth.
  • Plunge the toilet to dislodge clogged cardboard that you can’t pull out.
  • Snake the drain for really stubborn clogs.
  • Wait a day or more for the cardboard to soften enough to flush.
Section 1 of 5:

Removing the Toilet Paper Roll By Hand

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  1. To keep your hands clean and clear of the water in the toilet bowl, put on a pair of long rubber gloves . Cleaning gloves will keep your hands from being exposed to the germs inside the toilet. [1]
    • Make sure the gloves are long enough to cover your forearms.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    James Schuelke is a licensed plumber and the co-owner of Twin Home Experts.

    Allen Lee is a licensed handyman and the owner of Honest Lee Handyman Services.

  2. Reaching into the toilet bowl can potentially cause the water to slosh or spill over the side of the bowl. Put down towels or rags around the base of the toilet to soak up any water. [2]
    • You can also use paper towels or newspapers to soak up any water that may spill.
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  3. In order to shut off the water supply to the toilet so it doesn’t continue to run, you need to access the water tank. Remove the lid from the top of the tank on the back of the toilet and set it aside. [3]
    • Use 2 hands to remove the lid.
    • Be careful not to drop the lid or it could chip or crack.
  4. At the bottom of the tank is the flapper, a small circular drain stopper with a chain attached to it. Press it closed to keep more water from filling up the toilet bowl. [4]
    • Close the lid on the toilet after you close the flapper
  5. After you’ve stopped excess water from flowing into the bowl by closing the flapper, reach into the drain opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Feel for the toilet paper roll, get a good grip on it, and then gently pull it out. [5]
    • Don’t yank it out or you could tear off a piece and it may be more difficult to grab the rest of the roll.
    • You may have to reach far into the drain opening to reach the roll.

    Tip: If your hands are too big to access the drain, try having someone with smaller hands reach into it to grab the toilet paper roll.

  6. After you’ve pulled the clogged roll out of the toilet bowl, push the handle that flushes the toilet. The handle will pull the chain on the flapper and open it up so the toilet can flush again and clear the pipes. [6]
    • If the toilet is still clogged after you remove the roll, use a plunger to dislodge any additional clogs.
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Section 2 of 5:

Grabbing the Roll with a Wire Hanger

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  1. Use a standard wire hanger and unravel it so that it’s completely straight. Keep the hook on the end so you can grab hold of the toilet paper roll. [7]
  2. The metal hanger can scratch or damage the porcelain of your toilet. To prevent that from happening, wrap a thin cloth around the hook and use a rubber band to wrap around it and keep it secured to the hanger. [8]
    • You can also use tape or a hair tie to keep the cloth secured to the hook.

    Tip: Tear a small piece of fabric from a shirt to cover the end of the hook. Don’t use a thick rag or it may just jam the toilet paper roll further into the drain.

  3. Slide the covered hook into the drain opening at the bottom of the toilet bowl. Continue to feed it into the drain until you locate the toilet paper roll. [9]
    • You’ll know you hit the clog when the hanger doesn’t feed into the pipe easily.
  4. Once you locate the clogged toilet paper roll, push the hanger past it. Then, start to pull the hanger back towards you. If the clog follows the hanger as you pull it back, then you’ve hooked the toilet paper roll. [10]
    • If the hanger keeps sliding past the clog, try rotating it so the hook changes angles and may have a better chance at snagging it.
  5. After you’ve snagged the clog, slowly and gently pull the hanger out of the bowl. The toilet paper roll will follow and you should eventually see it in the drain opening. [11]
    • If the clog breaks loose off the hanger, reinsert the hanger past the clog, then gently pull it back towards you to hook it again.
  6. Once the toilet paper roll is in view, reach into the bowl and remove it. Make sure you get any pieces that may have torn or broken off. Once the roll is out, try flushing the toilet to clear the drain. [12]
    • Put on a pair of rubber gloves to reach into the bowl.
    • If the toilet is still clogged after you remove the roll, use a plunger to clear any obstructions.
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Section 3 of 5:

Plunging the Toilet to Dislodge the Toilet Paper Roll

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  1. A plunger works best if there’s water in the toilet bowl, but you don’t want so much that it overflows and spills out. If you tried flushing the bowl and it filled with water, wait until the water level decreases until about half of the bowl is full. If there’s no water in the bowl, add enough water to fill it halfway. [13]
    • Wait about 10 minutes to allow the water level to go down if the bowl is too full. If the water level doesn’t decrease, use a bucket to scoop out the water so the bowl is half full.
    • Having the right amount of water in the bowl will improve the suction and effectiveness of your plunger.
  2. Submerge the bell end of the plunger into the toilet bowl until it reaches the hole at the bottom. The plunger should fit securely directly over the opening. [14]
    • Make sure there aren’t any gaps between the sides of the plunger and the drain opening.
    • If you don’t have a plunger, Schuelke recommends pushing your toilet bowl brush down into the drain opening. “Push the brush back and forth, just like you would a plunger.” [15]
  3. At the bell end of the plunger is a small pocket of air that needs to be released to create a good suction seal. Once you fit the plunger over the drain opening, gently press on the plunger to collapse the bell end of the plunger and push out the trapped air. [16]
    • This will also prevent water from splashing back at you when you plunge the toilet.
  4. Press the plunger in and out vigorously while keeping the seal with the drain opening. The suction from the plunger will dislodge the toilet paper roll. [17]
    • Try changing from a fast pace to steady strokes with an occasional strong heave to try to clear the drain.
    • Continue plunging until the toilet paper roll is no longer jamming the drain.

    Tip: If the water level gets too low and the bell end of the plunger is no longer submerged, add more water to the bowl to keep it filled about halfway.

  5. Plunging your toilet will pull the clogged toilet paper roll out of the drain rather than pushing it further down. After you break the clog free, put on a pair of rubber gloves and pull it out of the drain opening. [18]
    • Use a wire hanger to grab hold of the toilet paper roll if it’s too far down in the drain.
  6. After you plunge the toilet bowl and remove the toilet paper roll, flush the toilet to clear the pipes. If the toilet becomes clogged again, try plunging it again. [19]
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Section 4 of 5:

Removing the Roll with a Toilet Snake

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  1. To use a toilet snake , pull the handle back toward you to retract the cable, then put the end of the snake in the toilet drain hole. Gently push down so the end of the toilet snake (also called a closet auger) goes down into the drain. [20]
    • Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from germs. Also, put down towels around the toilet for easy clean-up. [21]
    • Lee says, “Be sure to choose a snake that’s specifically designed to go through toilets.” [22] Toilet snakes are usually wrapped in a protective rubber sheath to prevent it from scratching your toilet bowl.
  2. Use the hand that’s holding the handle to apply firm but gentle pressure to help push the snake down the pipe. With the other hand, turn the crank on the snake clockwise. [23]
    • This will help feed the snake down into the pipes.
  3. If you notice that it’s harder to push the snake into the drain, you may have hit the cardboard clog. Keep rotating the handle to push the snake a little past the clog. Then, rotate the handle counterclockwise to retract the clog. Hopefully, the cardboard will be dislodged. [24]
    • It may take a few tries to free the cardboard from the pipes.
    • The snake may pull the cardboard up and out of the drain. If that happens, reach down and pull the cardboard out of the toilet bowl.
    • Flush the toilet a few times to make sure the clog is cleared.
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Section 5 of 5:

Will a cardboard toilet paper roll dissolve on its own?

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  1. If you can’t pull the roll out, the next best move might just be to wait. Lee says, “Water is one of nature’s best dissolving agents. Fill the bowl with water and let it sit for a few hours, up to a whole day. That may eventually dissolve it so the toilet can flush.” [25]
    • If the toilet stays clogged (or initially seems to flush freely but clogs a few days later), you may need to remove the toilet or call a plumber. But since cardboard toilet paper rolls soften in water, you probably won’t need to do this,

Join the Discussion...

I can't call a plumber but my toilet won't unclog. What can I do?
WikiSealChaser638
WikiSealChaser638
I’m in a rough spot. I have a seriously clogged toilet and I really don’t want my landlord to know. I can't afford a plumber either, so I’m sort of stuck here. I tried a plunger and it didn't work. What can I use to unclog the toilet? I’ve heard that baking soda and vinegar works but I’m worried about the pipes. I can’t afford a service call, let alone serious plumbing work if I make the problem worse. Does anyone have any solutions? I’m seriously freaking out.
David Balkan
Professional Plumber & CEO of Balkan Sewer & Water Main
My 2 cents: if a plunger does not work, you really need a pro. The right tools in the wrong hands can really exacerbate the situation, maybe resulting in puncturing the toilet drain piping. A toilet auger or removing the toilet itself to clear the clog are two suggestions I can offer.
Anonymous WikiEagle
Anonymous WikiEagle
I know you said you tried a plunger but have you tried plunging different ways or having someone else try plunging it? Like if you usually do slow, deep plunges, try switching it up with a few shorter, quicker plunges. And someone else might have a different technique that works better in this situation.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you unclog a toilet without a plunger?
    James Schuelke
    Professional Plumber
    James Schuelke, along with his twin brother David, is the co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, a licensed plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection company based in Los Angeles, California. James has over 32 years of home service and business plumbing experience and has expanded the Twin Home Experts to Phoenix, Arizona and the Pacific Northwest.
    James Schuelke
    Professional Plumber
    Expert Answer
    If you don't have a plunger, one of the most effective ways is to use a toilet bowl brush. To utilize one of those for this purpose, take the brush and go up and down inside the toilet porthole where everything goes down. Use the water that's already in the toilet bowl and go back and forth with the brush like a plunger. 99% of the time, that will clear the toilet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
  • Question
    My toilet is plugged and when I flush it, it doesn't go down; it goes all the way to the top. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Don't let it overflow. Flush it one time. Take the toilet tank lid off. Close the flapper, and replace the lid. Plunge the toilet.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 17
  • Question
    Will the toilet enzyme drain cleaner product work to disintegrate the roll?
    Adrian
    Top Answerer
    Yes, it will. Enzymes will help break down most organic material such as toilet paper.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/AfIhgL3fTHo?t=55
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/no-plunger-needed-7-easier-ways-to-clear-a-clog-49465#unclogging-a-toilet-with-wire-hanger
      8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/no-plunger-needed-7-easier-ways-to-clear-a-clog-49465#unclogging-a-toilet-with-wire-hanger
      9. ↑ https://www.superterry.com/ways-to-unclog-a-toilet-without-a-plunger-or-a-snake/
      1. ↑ https://www.superterry.com/ways-to-unclog-a-toilet-without-a-plunger-or-a-snake/
      2. ↑ https://www.superterry.com/ways-to-unclog-a-toilet-without-a-plunger-or-a-snake/
      3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      4. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-plunger/
      5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-plunger/
      6. ↑ James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/toilet-repair/how-to-fix-a-clogged-toilet/
      8. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/toilet-repair/how-to-fix-a-clogged-toilet/
      9. ↑ https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-unclog-a-toilet.htm
      10. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-plunger/
      11. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      12. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/22288093/how-to-snake-a-toilet
      13. ↑ Allen Lee. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
      14. ↑ https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/22288093/how-to-snake-a-toilet
      15. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-snake-a-toilet/
      16. ↑ Allen Lee. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To unclog a toilet from a flushed toilet paper roll, start by lifting off the back of the tank and closing the flapper at the bottom to shut off the water supply. Lay down some towels around the toilet to catch any water that might spill out of the bowl. Then, put on some rubber gloves, reach into the bowl, and gently pull out the roll. If you don’t want to reach inside, use a straightened out wire hanger instead. Once you’ve removed the toilet paper roll, reconnect the flapper and flush the toilet. If it’s still clogged, use a plunger to dislodge any additional pieces. For more tips, including how to use a plunger to unclog a toilet, read on!

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