Earlier, people were not concerned with what they flushed. However, with the adoption of septic systems in the late 1800s, people became more mindful about what they flushed down. A septic tank is an essential part of the plumbing in your home, where all the dirt and grime accumulate. The system relies on bacteria that break down the waste materials. But when certain items, including toilet paper, are flushed into the system, it can damage the system.
Although all toilet paper may not be harmful to septic tanks, not all types are safe for septic tanks. If you’re wondering which toilet paper should be avoided, this blog explains it all.
Types of Toilet Paper That Shouldn’t Be Used
Here are the types of toilet paper that are harmful to your septic tank -
Multi-ply Toilet Paper
Multi-ply toilet paper may feel luxurious and soft, but they are one of the major causes of septic tank problems. Though they might offer a comfortable and gentle touch, they don’t break down easily. This is because multi-ply papers are thick, have more absorbent properties, and can cause potential blockages.
Harsh Chemicals and Additives
Though toilet paper with fragrance can be pleasant, it is very harmful to your septic tanks. These fragrances often contain harsh chemicals that can kill the bacteria responsible for maintaining balance in the septic tank, which might upset the natural breakdown process of the waste materials. Along with this, it is also advisable to avoid colored toilet paper, as they often contain inks and dyes. These can also irritate the skin and introduce harmful chemicals into your septic system.
Toilet Papers Tagged as “flushable”
Despite being marketed as “flushable,” most toilet wipes don’t break down easily, which may cause severe plumbing issues. Even products labeled as septic-safe often fail to break quickly enough to avoid blockages. Also, the chemicals added to the toilet paper can harm the good bacteria that help break down the waste and keep your septic system healthy.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are pre-moistened and are not made with dissolvable paper. They mostly contain fabrics and plastics, in addition to detergents and chemicals. When you flush them, they can cause the plumbing system to clog, and even if they make their way to the septic tank, they can harm the bacteria in the tank. So, be sure to throw them into the garbage bin and use eco-friendly alternatives to disposable wipes.
Facial Tissues
Tissues are lightweight, like toilet paper, but they’re not safe to flush. They are made for trash disposal, as they contain additives that make them durable for wiping and nose-blowing. These additives don’t break in water, but they absorb the moisture and can lead to clogs. Good and reputable tissue brands will always caution against flushing. Hence, always ensure to dispose of tissues in the trash, not the toilet.
How to Test Your Toilet Paper for the Septic System?
If you want to know what toilet paper is best for the septic system, here’s how you can determine with the help of a simple test -
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Grab a few jars or clear containers.
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Collect several toilet paper rolls from different brands.
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Fill each jar with water and place a few squares of toilet paper in each container.
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Shake each jar for at least 10-15 seconds, and see how fast the toilet paper breaks apart.
Choose the brand that breaks down quickly, as it avoids clogs and keeps the hefty maintenance cost at bay. Toilet paper that does not dissolve gets accumulated in the septic system, leading to frequent pumping.
Best Toilet Papers for Your Septic Tank
Here are some of the best toilet papers that are septic tank friendly and won’t cause clogs -
Single-Ply Toilet Paper
Single-ply may not be as plush as 3-ply toilet paper, but it dissolves quickly, which makes it less likely to clog, especially in older plumbing systems. Manufacturers these days have come up with soft yet durable toilet paper to ensure consumers get the added benefit of comfort as well.
Recycled Toilet Paper
Recycled toilet papers have fewer chemicals and additives and can easily disintegrate in water. Thus reducing the likelihood of blockage. This is also considered an eco-friendly choice.
Septic-Safe Toilet Paper
They are specifically made to break down quickly and are considered the smartest choice for all plumbing systems. Switching to these toilet papers can help protect your plumbing and minimize the chance of backups, clogs, etc.
How Long Does Toilet Paper Take to Decompose in a Septic Tank?
Toilet paper usually takes 1-3 weeks to break down in a septic tank, depending on its type and quality. Products labeled as septic-safe, biodegradable, and single-ply tend to dissolve quickly. However, thicker, multi-ply, or scented toilet papers decompose much more slowly or sometimes don’t decompose at all. Thus leading to blockages, water overflow, and unusual gurgling noises in the plumbing system.
