Septic Safe Toilet Paper: Everything You Need to Know

Waste water is created by everyone and every business.  A septic system is an alternative rather than having water sent to a water treatment plant. Septic systems are used as temporary or permanent solutions to manage wastewater. If a system is too small or used carelessly it can cause large problems, but if managed right according to all factors it can be a great solution to waste water. Waste water floods down into the soil and the soil removes the contaminates, sometimes it’s beneficial to pretreat wastewater. All septic installments should be installed by a professional. There are also self contained septic tanks that need to be emptied like the ones found in RVs. Septic systems can be sensitive to what enters it so it is important to use the right products and toilet papers.

Toilet Paper Quality

Septic systems can be affected by what kind of toilet paper is being used. Actions taken in a home can affect the quality of wastewater and the soil in the surrounding area. Depending on rainfall, soil type, topography and pre-treatment tanks can have an effect on Septic systems but all septic systems need to have septic safe toilet paper. Septic safe toilet paper is vital to the health of the tank. The most important quality of toilet paper can have is how easily it can break down once in the system. The lack of break down can cause clogs in septic systems which can lead to overflow and health hazards. Septic tanks are also expensive to fix and finding the right brand of toilet paper can often save thousands in repairs. Simple steps can be taken to save money and keep the system healthy.

Testing Toilet Paper

You can check at home to find out if you are using the right type of toilet paper for your septic system. The best and easiest way to check if your toilet paper will be good for your septic tanks is to do this simple test, it takes no time at all. Take a square of clean toilet paper off of the roll. Drop the square in a glass of water and wait a few minutes, give it a stir or two, but nothing too vigorous. If the toilet paper dissolves or breaks into very small pieces it will be a good option for your septic tank and eliminate clogs. It is best to test toilet paper before usage in the septic tank. It is very important to only flush the right kind of toilet paper and human waste down the toilet; any wipes, feminine products or plastics can cause great damages to the septic system.

2 ply vs 1 ply paper

One of the best ways to buy toilet paper for your septic tank is to read the packaging. Read to find out what number ply you are purchasing. Buying 1 ply toilet paper is generally better for your septic system, 2 ply is generally worse for the septic systems,  because 1 ply is less thick and easier to break down. Try different brands of one ply toilet paper to find one that can be broken down best but does not compromise your comfort. Always try the water cup testing method on your toilet paper before using it.

Red Flags

While certain toilet papers can be better or worse for septic tanks, there are certain things that are detrimental to septic systems. Tissue paper is difficult much thicker and sometimes treated, it will be difficult to break down and sometimes will not break down at all. Flushable wipes do not break down and cleaning wipes like lysol wipes to do break down and can also cause major clogs Sanitary napkins will cause major clogs so never flush feminine products. Always keep in mind what you flush down the toilet.