Are you new to septic tank living and wondering which toilet paper is “septic safe?” Or are you tired of expensive pumping caused by toilet paper that doesn’t break down?
If you have a septic tank, it’s essential to use the right kind of toilet paper to keep your system running smoothly. But what makes toilet paper septic-safe? Should it say this on the label, and do cheaper brands work just fine?
You’ll find all these answers right here, along with our team’s top picks for the best septic-safe toilet papers. (This author uses a septic tank!)
In this article, we’ll explore the qualities to look for in septic-safe toilet paper and provide you with a list of top picks that are comfortable, strong, and readily dissolvable.
Whether you’re looking for name-brand, biodegradable, recycled, or bamboo-based options, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and find out which toilet paper is best for your septic system! 🚽🧻
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:
What to look for in best toilet paper for septic tanks
Septic-friendly toilet paper: Fact & Fiction
Review of the top 5 best toilet paper products for septic tanks
What's In This Guide?
In a hurry to go? 😉
Here is our reference guide for those of you in a hurry who simply need to buy something fast. Any of these TP’s will work just fine in your septic tank.
This line of Cottonelle brand toilet paper is made from 100% biodegradable fibers, making it perfect for your septic tank despite its ultra-absorbent capabilities and 2-ply design. This toilet paper also comes with a wavy CleanRipple texture, which promotes the ultimate clean. It’s also free from dyes and perfumes.
Septic Safe Toilet Paper: Complete Guide
Your septic tank is a biological wonder. It naturally dissolves waste material sent down your toilets and drains…including toilet paper! So using the right toilet paper can mean less maintenance, and it will save you money on septic pumping.
Fact or Fiction: Is Septic-Friendly Toilet Paper Necessary?
Here are some common misconceptions and half-truths when it comes to regular toilet paper you should and shouldn’t use in septic tanks.
Facts:
Most toilet paper products are safe to use in your septic tank.
Septic-safe toilet paper should be biodegradable. (All are.)
The best TP should be free from excessive dyes, lotions, and chemicals.
1-ply toilet paper is safest as it breaks down faster than 2-ply.
Quilted toilet paper is harder on septic systems than other options.
Bonus Fact: You should never flush “wipes” in a septic tank, even if marked “safe.”
Fiction:
Septic-friendly toilet paper doesn’t have to be labeled as such on the packaging.
You don’t have to spend more money to buy a special type of TP for your tank.
You don’t have to restrict use to only recycled toilet paper products.
An NSF certification badge doesn’t must be present.
You don’t have to use the thinnest ply and narrowest size available.
You don’t have to skip embossed TP as long as it follows the other guidelines.
Not all toilet paper dissolves as easily as organic matter (waste). Some thick toilet paper types will take longer to fully dissolve, accelerating a full tank.
I recommend you avoid using quilted Charmin or other extra-thick bathroom tissues. Why? The adhesives in between all those layers are less bio-degradable and take extra time to fully break down. There are much better options.
In order to relieve the stress on your septic system, and reduce the need for frequent pumping, it’s crucial to pay attention to the toilet paper you use.
However, you don’t need to overthink this. Outside of the extreme examples mentioned, your septic tank can eventually dissolve pretty much any type of toilet paper.
The problem only comes in the “build up” when your toilet paper is taking extra long to break down while more waste keeps arriving to the party. If you’re also cleaning the house with heavy chemicals like chlorine bleach, the slower-moving process to break it all down inside your septic tank can result in a clog.
QuickSummary: Look for the following qualities when buying septic-safe toilet paper:
Quick dissolving
Biodegradable
1 Ply is safer than 2 Ply (No quilted.)
Free from lotions, dyes, and chemicals
Bonus Tip: Avoid cleaning toilet bowls and sinks with heavy bacteria-killing chemicals like chlorine bleach.
Here’s a handy tip: Got a bustling household with frequent flushes? A thinner ply and all-natural toilet paper is your best bet.
Ok, now let’s save you some time by listing out the best toilet paper for septic systems.
Some people assume that they need to buy specialized toilet paper for a septic system. While some types of toilet paper are better than others, you don’t necessarily need to buy special toilet paper.
Your septic tank will dissolve toilet paper, even if it doesn’t say “biodegradable” or “made for your septic tank” on the label. So, don’t spend extra for this reason.
Many toilet paper manufacturers use chlorine or bleach in their bleaching processes when turning the paper white.
Avoid toilet paper that uses these or other harsh chemicals, as the chemicals may kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. If you insist on a certain brand that does have chemicals, make sure you use a septic tank treatment to replenish beneficial bacteria.
Now let’s explore our favorite units so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This line of Cottonelle brand toilet paper is made from 100% biodegradable fibers, making it perfect for your septic tank despite its ultra-absorbent capabilities and 2-ply design. This toilet paper also comes with a wavy CleanRipple texture, which promotes the ultimate clean. It’s also free from dyes and perfumes.
This biodegradable toilet paper dissolves quickly and contains no scents, making it perfect for septic tanks, camping, RV toilets, and portable toilets. The material is also ultra-soft, making it enjoyable to use. 500 sheets a roll.
Made from bamboo, this toilet paper offers an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional tissue made from tree pulp. It’s also gentle on the skin due to its lack of chemical treatments or chlorine.
In an effort to stay eco-friendly, this toilet paper is made from 100% recyclable materials, even the packaging! Scents consist of natural essential oils and botanical ingredients. The rolls contain 240 sheets per roll.
Pros
Made from recycled paper and completely recyclable
Scott makes its standard toilet paper that works in almost all situations, including septic systems. The toilet paper is single-ply. There are 32 rolls of toilet paper with 1000 sheets each. Scott also does its part for the environment, using 15% recycled fibers and wind-powered manufacturing.
Pros
1,000 sheets per roll
Eco-friendly manufacturing
Inexpensive
Cons
Thin
Not rapid dissolving
Contains formaldehyde
Worst Toilet Paper: What Makes a Toilet Paper Unsafe for Septic Tank Use?
Typically, toilet papers that are not septic-safe are those that are thicker and more luxurious – like three-ply and quilted toilet paper. Why is this the case, you ask?
The issue lies in their inability to break down quickly. Avoid three-ply and heavily quilted toilet paper. Toilet papers like these are designed for comfort, but their thickness means they take a longer time to disintegrate.
Three-ply or ultra-plush toilet rolls aren’t recommended for septic systems because they don’t break down quickly, resulting in a full tank faster than normally expected.
Final Thoughts on Septic Friendly Toilet Paper
Here is one other thing we should discuss that comes up on “forums” that discuss the best toilet paper to use with septic systems; the NSF certification badge. What is the NSF, and does it matter?
The National Sanitation Foundation or NSF is an organization that tests products and services to confirm they are “safe” for human and planet health. This is an optional 3rd party requirement that costs money if companies wish to pay for this.
Many toilet paper brands (the larger ones) pay to feature this badge, however, some do not and are also safe to use. The bottom line is this: your toilet paper does not need to bear an NSF-certified badge to be determined safe for septic use.
Here are some additional questions we frequently encounter that you might find helpful.
Common Septic Safe Toilet Paper FAQ’s
Is Charmin And Charmin Ultra Soft Septic Safe?
All Charmin products undergo testing to ensure that you can flush with confidence, no matter what type of waste management you use.
Is Cottonelle Septic Safe?
Cottonelle® Ultra Comfort Toilet Paper offers both comfort and septic-safe materials, making it a great option for anyone looking to use gentle toilet paper. Some products may not offer the same benefits.
Is Quilted Northern Septic Safe?
Quilted Northern makes different toilet paper products. Their “Ultra Soft & Strong” product is a septic-safe product. However, we recommend avoiding any products that are extra thick ply or that use adhesives between sheets.
Is Scott Septic Safe Toilet Paper?
Standard Scott toilet paper, the same as Costco Kickland’s toilet paper, will dissolve thanks to the thin 1-ply design rather quickly.
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Septic Safe?
Bamboo toilet paper not only breaks down easily without filling up the tank, but it also uses a more sustainable material than traditional toilet paper, making it perfect for septic owners who aim to reduce their carbon footprint.
Septic Safe Flushing: What Else Do I Need to Know?
#1 Biggest Mistake with Septic Tanks: Flushable Wipes
Easily dissolvable, biodegradable toilet paper works best for septic systems. However, what if you opt for flushable wipes instead of toilet paper?
Do not use any type of wipes with your septic system. Any wipes (particularly baby wipes) tend to float instead of falling to the bottom of the tank, like toilet paper. This advice is widely held by plumbers, septic professionals, and even the EPA.
When the wipes float they won’t dissolve properly. These will accumulate in your system, and many won’t even dissolve by using a main drain line cleaner.
Even if the product advertises as septic-friendly, avoid sending flushable wipes and wet wipes down at all costs. Instead, just bag them.
#2 Biggest Mistake with Septic Tanks: Flushing Paper Towels and Tissues
You should also avoid putting paper towels in your septic system. An honest mistake might be using a paper towel to clean up after a child near the toilet, and thoughtlessly flushing it down. Don’t do this. Paper towels can clog the toilet, the main sewer line, and also the septic tank.
It’s also common for people to grab a Kleenex or tissue to blow their nose while in the bathroom. Throw these into the trash, and don’t flush tissues down the toilet. These often contain lotions, and their density can prove difficult for septic tanks.
Even More Septic Safe Toilet Paper FAQs
Do I need special toilet paper for septic system?
You don’t need to buy toilet paper marked “septic safe” for your septic tank system, but the best toilet paper will dissolve quickly and consist of biodegradable materials. Do not ever flush wipes into your septic tank.
Tip: Some people on private septic may use a bidet to eliminate toilet paper altogether.
What kind of toilet paper is best for septic systems?
Septic tanks benefit from quick-dissolving toilet paper such as 1 ply that doesn’t contain lotions or excessive chemicals or dyes. Recycled toilet paper is a popular option as it breaks down fast and contributes to an eco-friendly lifestyle, but it’s not required for nature to do its work.
What brand of toilet paper dissolves the fastest?
1 ply toilet paper from any brand dissolves the quickest. Many homeowners with septic tanks favor Seventh Generation as it is recycled, 2 ply, and doesn’t use chlorine in the whitening process.
Can you use Charmin toilet paper with a septic tank?
Yes, you can use Charmin toilet paper when you have a septic tank.
Where can I find septic safe toilet paper?
You don’t have to shop at a specific store or place safe toilet paper for septic systems. Most TP’s are septic friendly if they aren’t overly thick and contain excessive dyes or lotions. You can find and buy these toilet papers at every store.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
