This Common Toilet Paper Choice Could Cost You Big on Septic Repairs

Toilet paper is a convenient product used in most households. While those connected to municipal wastewater systems can generally flush without much thought, if you have a septic system, it's essential to consider the type of toilet paper you flush down the toilet.

Septic systems follow a basic process. The wastewater exits the home into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom of the tank to form a sludge layer, and the lighter waste forms a scum layer that floats at the top. Beneficial bacteria in the tank break down organic waste, while liquid effluent flows out into the drain field for further filtration.

When you choose a toilet paper that doesn't break down efficiently, it contributes to sludge buildup, reducing the septic tank's capacity and potentially compromising the system's efficiency. With this in mind, use this guide for more information on septic-safe toilet paper if you're unsure whether your toilet paper is harming your septic system.

How Can Some Toilet Paper Harm the Septic System?

Not all toilet paper is safe for the septic system, primarily due to its composition and the addition of potentially harmful chemicals. Toilet paper that does not break down quickly enough tends to increase the risk of clogs and sludge buildup, and could even cause reduced system efficiency. Typically, the type of toilet paper that creates these problems is thick, multi-ply, or quilted toilet paper.

However, there is also toilet paper that contains added chemicals, such as fragrances or lotions, which can be problematic for the health of the septic system. These additives can reduce the bacterial efficiency in the tank by killing off the good bacteria that are used to break down organic waste.

Since septic systems maintain a delicate ecosystem to function correctly, disrupting this ecosystem only leads to further problems, including increased need for frequent pump-outs, clogged pipes and components, and potentially causing wastewater backups. Ideally, choose toilet paper that is both septic-safe and has been proven to dissolve quickly.

How to Identify Septic-Safe Toilet Paper

The easiest way to identify septic-safe toilet paper is to look for products that are specifically marked as such on the packaging. However, this doesn't always guarantee that the product is the best option for your septic system. To ensure that a toilet paper product dissolves quickly, it's recommended to conduct a DIY toilet paper dissolvability test. To do so, follow the steps below.

1. Find a clean jar with a lid and fill it about 3/4 full with water.
2. Add two to three squares of toilet paper to the jar, then close the lid and shake the jar for about 15 seconds.
3. Let the jar sit for about one to two minutes before checking how much of the toilet paper has dissolved.
4. If the toilet paper has dissolved into particles, it's a good option for the system.

Generally Septic-Safe Types of Toilet Papers

Standard toilet paper products that are generally beneficial for the septic system include recycled toilet paper, biodegradable toilet paper, tree-free toilet paper, single-ply toilet paper, and soft two-ply toilet paper.

• Recycled toilet paper. This type breaks down quickly and is made from post-consumer recycled materials, making it a more environmentally-friendly option. This type of toilet paper is also typically chlorine-free, unbleached, and chemical-free, minimizing harm to septic bacteria and reducing chemical exposure.
• Biodegradable toilet paper. This type of toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve with minimal water usage. It is typically free from fragrances, bleach, and dyes, making it ideal for homes with older or smaller septic systems.
• Tree-free toilet paper. Since it's made from bamboo or sugarcane, it tends to break down more easily than toilet paper made from wood pulp. Additionally, this type of toilet paper is made from fast-growing, renewable resources and is generally free of harmful additives.
• Single-ply toilet paper. This is typically available in soft or comfortable options, but it dissolves faster than the multi-ply alternatives, making it less likely to cause clogs or buildups.
• Soft two-ply toilet paper. This is only recommended when labeled as septic-safe and biodegradable. The non-quilted varieties are typically a good way to combine comfort and dissolvability while avoiding system clogs.
  

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Septic System

To ensure your septic system remains healthy and efficient, consider the type of toilet paper you use and maintain it effectively by following these simple tips.

• Check for independent certification. Look to organizations like the National Sanitation Foundation to verify that the toilet paper has been tested for safety in septic systems.
• Choose one-ply or soft two-ply toilet paper. Avoid thick, multi-ply, or quilted toilet paper, which takes longer to break down and can clog the system.
• Conduct a dissolvability test. Always do this before using a new toilet paper to assess its compatibility with septic systems.
• Opt for biodegradable products. These break down quickly in water and are made from recycled or fast-growing renewable resources.
• Avoid products containing harsh chemical additives. These include chlorine bleach, dyes, artificial fragrances, and parabens.
  
• Choose septic-safe cleaning products. Your cleaning products can also kill tank bacteria, so always opt for septic-safe ones.
• Pump the tank regularly. This is to help prevent plumbing issues and improve the health of the septic system.
• Protect the drain field. Avoid driving over the area, refrain from building structures on it, and keep trees at a distance.
  

Benefits of Switching to Septic-Friendly Toilet Paper

Making the switch to septic-friendly toilet paper products for the household comes with a variety of benefits that help to keep the septic system working properly for longer. Consider the benefits of switching to an appropriate toilet paper option for your home.

• Prevents costly clogs and backups. By breaking down quickly and efficiently in the septic tank, the toilet paper minimizes the contribution to the sludge layer.
• Supports the health of the septic system. It will maintain the delicate ecosystem within the tank, instead of harming the naturally occurring bacteria with chemical additives.
• Extends the lifespan of the septic system. Your septic system will likely last longer when you reduce the risk of problems, promote efficient waste breakdown, and put less stress on it.
• Reduces maintenance needs. Since the septic tank will have a lower risk of clogs, the system's efficiency will increase when compared to using less suitable products. However, this does not negate the need for regular inspections and pump-outs.
• Decreases your carbon footprint. Opt for environmentally friendly and septic-safe options, such as those made from recycled materials or sustainable bamboo and sugarcane, to minimize your carbon footprint.