We use it every day, and it’s an integral part of our lives: toilet paper. Have you ever stood in front of the toilet paper aisle at the grocery store, overwhelmed and torn between which toilet paper to choose? Maybe you just want softness and comfort. Or maybe you like the thicker ones that don’t break easily. But actually again when we buy toilet paper we also need to consider its impact on the septic tank. It’s different if you have specialized toilet paper at home, separate from regular toilet paper. However many people prefer one type of tissue paper for various purposes.
That’s why today we’re discussing how to choose the best toilet paper for septic tanks and showing you how to test them for decomposition, we’ll also give a few recommendations for toilet paper if you need them.
Related reading: What to Do When the Toilet Won’t Flush
Types of Toilet Paper
First, we need to understand the basic types of toilet paper. In general, toilet paper on the market can be divided into the following main types:
- Single-ply toilet paper: this is the most basic type of toilet paper with a thin thickness, but because of its simple structure, it tends to break down more easily.
- Multi-layer toilet paper: this includes double, triple, and even quadruple layers. They are softer and more comfortable to the touch but may be less likely to break down.
- Thickened toilet paper: offers extra comfort and absorbency, but its rate of breakdown may be compromised.
- Unbleached toilet paper: no chemical bleach is used, making it friendlier to the environment and septic tanks.
How to Test the Decomposability of Toilet Paper
The decomposability of toilet paper is an important criterion for determining its suitability for septic tanks. So, how do you test it? There are actually some simple household methods that can help us come up with the answer.
You will need to prepare:
- Two clear glass or plastic cups
- The toilet paper being tested
- Clearwater
- A timer or cell phone with a timing function
Starting Tests
- Take two small pieces of toilet paper, the size of the amount you normally use, and place them in two glasses.
- Pour the same amount of water into each glass and make sure the toilet paper is completely soaked.
- Start the timer. Observe the toilet paper in the water to see if it starts to break down quickly or stays in place.
- After about 10 minutes of observation, gently shake one of the glasses to see if the toilet paper breaks easily. Compare this with the other glass that was not shaken.
Analyzing the results
If the toilet paper starts to break down quickly in the water or breaks immediately after shaking, then it breaks down well and is more septic-friendly.
If the toilet paper remains intact after a period of time or remains firm after shaking, then it may be less suitable for septic tanks.
By the end of the test, you may have a better understanding of the toilet paper in your home. If you find that the toilet paper you’re using doesn’t break down well, you may want to consider switching brands or models next time. If your toilet bowl is clogged because of toilet paper that’s a very bad experience.
Characteristics of Septic-Friendly Toilet Paper
When choosing toilet paper, in addition to decomposition, there are a number of other key characteristics to consider that determine how septic-friendly it is. So, when you make your next toilet paper purchase, remember to focus on these characteristics:
Dissolving Speed
Fast-dissolving toilet paper is a septic tank’s best friend. Fast dissolving means that the microorganisms in your septic tank are more likely to break it down and keep your septic tank functioning properly.
Contains no Harmful Chemicals
Chlorine: many toilet papers use chlorine in the manufacturing process to achieve a bleaching effect, but chlorine can be harmful to septic tank microbes. Therefore, it is wise to choose toilet paper that has not been bleached with chlorine.
Fragrances and lubricants
While these additives can make toilet paper smell better or be more slippery, they can have a detrimental effect on septic tanks.
Flexibility and Softness
Of course, we all want soft toilet paper, but too much softness can mean that the toilet paper contains more fibers and chemical additives, which can be detrimental to septic tanks. Flexible toilet paper is less likely to tear during use, but overly flexible toilet paper may not break down as easily in water, adding to the burden on your septic tank. Some brands may add specific types of fibers or manufacturing processes to increase the flexibility of the toilet paper. Choosing toilet paper that is both pliable and breaks down easily is a septic-friendly choice.
Low-pulp and Unbleached
Low-pulp means that the toilet paper uses fewer wood fibers in the manufacturing process, which usually means better breakdown. Also, unbleached toilet paper contains no harmful chemicals, making it more septic-friendly.
Absorbency
Good toilet paper should have good absorbency, but it shouldn’t be too sturdy. Overly strong toilet paper does not break down easily in water.
Tissue Size
Rather than being a septic-friendly feature, this is more about personal preference and efficiency. Choosing the right size of toilet paper will ensure that you don’t waste it every time you use it, and it will also help reduce the amount flushed down the septic tank!
5 Best Toilet Paper Recommendations
Most families probably don’t pay much attention to the quality of their toilet paper. What I mean by this is that none of us are too happy to spend most of the price on toilet paper towels that are generally good enough to use.
To put it another way, maybe that’s why smart toilets and tankless toilet bidets are so popular. Because they save on the use of paper towels to a certain extent.
But I’ve listed 5 of the most talked about brands below that I hope will help you if you need one.
Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper
- Pros: designed for RVs and boats, breaks down quickly, septic friendly, reduces the risk of clogging.
- Cons: May not be soft enough compared to other brands.
Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare
- Pros: super soft, contains cleaning texture, bleach-free, septic, and drain safe.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive.
Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper
- Pros: 100% recycled paper, no chlorine bleaching, biodegradable, environmentally friendly.
- Cons: Slightly less soft than some high-end brands.
Charmin Ultra Soft
- Pros: very soft and comfortable, thicker, good user feedback.
- Cons: Despite claims of being sewer and septic-safe, it can be slightly slower to break down compared to other brands.
Angel Soft
- Pros: Affordable, 2-ply design provides good strength and softness for most sewer and septic tanks.
- Cons: May not be as soft as some high-end brands.
Conclusion
A septic tank is an important amenity for many homes. In order to ensure that it functions properly for a long period of time, choosing the proper toilet paper is essential. While there are a wide variety of toilet paper brands and types on the market, remember that not all toilet paper is septic-friendly.
When making a purchasing decision, you should not only consider the softness and pliability of the toilet paper but also make sure that they have good decomposition properties. Avoid brands that contain harmful chemicals and consider options that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Finally, always keep in mind that a well-functioning septic tank will not only save you from potentially costly repairs in the future but will also provide your home with a healthier and safer living environment. So, make the smart choice for your home and for the planet!
Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information on how to choose the best toilet paper to ensure that your septic system works long and efficiently!
