When asking what is the best toilet paper for septic systems, you may find yourself thinking that any kind of toilet paper will be appropriate for your septic system. You may think that all toilet paper is the same and purchase a toilet paper that says septic safe only to find out that it is not 100% septic safe.

When toilet paper goes down the toilet, it goes into the septic tank. The solids of your septic tank sink to the bottom, where it decomposes into a sludge. The sludge buildup over time can create the need for more frequent cleanouts. This is why it’s important to get toilet paper that won’t contribute to this buildup.

There are several factors you should consider when purchasing toilet paper. Knowing that your toilet paper won’t hurt your septic system is critical.

Plus, there are a few other factors you may want to consider. Check for sustainability, if it’s free of trees, and recycled. You should also look for soft toilet paper for your comfort!

Benefits of Recycled Toilet Paper

Recycled toilet paper is an excellent option because the fibers break apart very quickly. This allows for the recycled paper to break down and not contribute to sludge buildup.

Recycled paper is also bleach-free. Bleach can disrupt the natural, beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. This can cause a buildup of sludge and for you to need to get your septic tank pumped more often.

Benefits of Biodegradable Toilet Paper

Biodegradable toilet paper is a great option for your septic tank. Biodegradable toilet papers require less water to break down, which will allow them to dissolve faster in your septic tank. When it dissolves quickly, it turns into smaller particles that won’t bunch together and harm your system.

The downside to biodegradable toilet paper is that it is not as thick and soft as other toilet paper. It is also essential to know the biodegradable toilet paper can be expensive.

Benefits of Non-Tree Toilet Paper

More eco-friendly septic-safe toilet paper options are becoming available on the market. If you’re looking for an option that’s more sustainable, keep an eye out for toilet paper not made from trees. While this is not essential for a septic system, it can be nice to have since these types of bath tissue can dissolve easily.

Bamboo and sugar cane are becoming popular alternatives to traditional toilet paper. It can take trees decades to grow. However, bamboo can regrow within about three to four months. Bamboo is also a great septic-safe toilet paper because it’s a type of grass. This means it will dissolve quickly and naturally. Being safe for both the environment and your septic system is a win-win!

Look for Certifications

The most important thing you can do when purchasing septic safe toilet paper is to see if it has been certified septic safe by the National Sanitation Foundation. This is a nonprofit organization that tests toilet paper to make sure that it is septic safe.

Septic-safe toilet paper should dissolve extremely fast when it hits the water, so ensure that you keep an eye on this when you flush your toilet. If you notice that the toilet paper is not breaking apart as it should, you should try a different brand.

Our 9 Favorite Toilet Paper Brands

We know that you’re busy with your home, family, and work. That’s why we want to make sure you have the essentials for a healthy, clean and comfortable living environment.

Our team of professionals can tell you which brands are septic safe and give you some tips on how to choose the best one for your budget (most of these are available as a bulk pack, so you can save per unit!) and needs.

If you’re in the market for a new toilet paper brand, here are some of our favorite brands and types that meet some of the criteria checkpoints listed above. These toilet papers are proven to be durable enough for everyday use, but still gentle on your plumbing system and pipes.

Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare Toilet Paper

Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare Toilet Paper is a 2-ply bath tissue free of harsh ingredients. It’s three times stronger and more absorbent than other brands, so you can use less of it. Twenty-four of their mega rolls is the equivalent of 108 regular toilet paper rolls.

Cottonelle UltraComfortcare is clog-free, septic-safe, and sewer-safe. Cottonelle uses renewable plant-based fibers, which makes this toilet paper biodegradable and great for your septic system.

They do not contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals, so should not disrupt the delicate balance in your septic system. They are certified with the Forest Stewardship Council.

Scott Rapid Dissolving Toilet Paper

If you see RV toilet paper, it’s likely going to be a great option for your septic system. Scott Rapid Dissolving Toilet Paper is was designed for boats and RVs but is still septic-friendly.

This 1-ply RV toilet paper is gentle on septic systems since it is unscented and dissolves rapidly. But it’s still soft and absorbent to keep your comfort in mind, making it one of the best RV toilet papers. Plus, Scott toilet paper is sourced sustainably from responsibly managed forests.

Solimo 2-Ply Toilet Paper by Amazon

Solimo is a brand by Amazon. Solimo’s 2-ply toilet paper by Amazon uses pulp from responsibly sourced trees, so you know it’s environmentally friendly. It’s certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

It is safe for sewage and septic systems. If you’re shopping for new toilet paper and testing a few different brands, we highly recommend you try this one due to their refund policy. If the toilet paper doesn’t work for you, then Amazon will give you a full refund without needed to return the toilet paper.

Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper

Caboo’s bamboo and sugar cane toilet paper is a great alternative to traditional toilet paper. Since bamboo and sugarcane are grasses, they dissolve quickly, making them a great option for RVs and septic systems. And don’t worry – they have soft fibers, especially sugarcane, so they should still be comfortable to use.

Caboo is certified by the BRC, FSC, FDA, and ISO. Not only is it eco-friendly, but Caboo’s 2-ply toilet paper is fragrance-free and completely biodegradable! It’s free of toxic chemicals, parabens, and elemental chlorine.

Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper

You can get more toilet paper for less with Charmin’s septic-safe rolls with a soft touch. Just 18 of their mega rolls is the equivalent of 90 regular toilet paper rolls. They are four times stronger than leading brands and come with a clog-free guarantee. Charmin is also responsibly sourced with a Rainforest Alliance certification.

Charmin also has a roll fit guarantee. If the roll doesn’t fit, you can submit a form through Charmin’s website to get your money back! This makes it another great option for those testing out different brands.

Pacific Blue Embossed Toilet Paper

Previously known as Preference brand, Pacific Blue’s 2-ply toilet paper is EPA compliant for recycled fiber content by containing at least 20% post-consumer recycled fiber.

This means it should dissolve quickly and it’s safe for all sewage systems and septic tanks. Kiss your clogged toilet worries goodbye!

This brand has two certifications for its eco-friendliness. They’re ECOLOGO certified and Compact By Design (By Amazon) certified.

Amazon Brand Presto! Ultra Soft Tissue Paper

The Amazon brand Presto! tissue paper is another great series of septic-safe toilet papers. They are made from pulp from sustainably managed forests and leaves less lint behind. This septic-safe bath tissue is also great for RVs.

Similar to Solimo, Amazon will also allow you to get a refund on this toilet paper if you aren’t completely satisfied. No returns are needed. This makes it a great bath tissue to test out if you’re looking for the best one for your septic system. Twenty-four of their mega rolls are the equivalent of 96 regular rolls (based on a roll with 77 sheets).

Angel Soft Toilet Paper

Typically, scented toilet paper isn’t the most septic system-safe option. However, Angel Soft does not scent the actual toilet paper. Rather, the roll’s tube is scented! This keeps your bathroom smelling refreshing without irritating your skin or adding chemicals to your septic tank.

Angel Soft tissue paper is certified to the SFI’s standards, making it an eco-friendly choice. It breaks down easily for septic systems and is designed with your comfort in mind.

You also get more for less with Angel Soft toilet paper. Forty-eight of their double rolls is the equivalent of 96 regular toilet paper rolls. You get 200+ 2-ply sheets in a roll.

Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper

Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper is a fantastic septic-friendly toilet paper. Seventh Generation Toilet Paper is a recycled toilet paper without added dyes or fragrances. It is whitened without chlorine bleach, so it’s a septic-safe toilet paper option.

Seventh Generation is also a great choice for the eco-conscious. The 2-ply paper is Rainforest Alliance certified and Forest Stewardship Council certified. Seventh Generation is also friendly for RVs.

Worst Toilet Paper for Septic Systems

If you’re in the marketing for new toilet paper, there are a few features you should avoid. Be on the lookout for these features in toilet paper and steer clear if you have a septic system.

• Toilet paper with multiple layers (such as 3-ply and 4-ply toilet papers) typically breaks down slower in your septic system.
• Quilted toilet paper can dissolve slower in your septic tank, too. If you use quilted toilet paper, make sure the layers are not stuck together.
• Scented toilet paper can disrupt your septic tank. The harsh chemicals used to scent toilet paper can be damaging to your tank’s bacteria.
• While not common, you should also avoid colored or decorated toilet paper. Toilet paper with colors will have dyes in them that could upset the balance of your septic tank’s bacteria in the scum layer.

If you are connected to a city sewer line, then you should not have to worry about this. However, it’s critical to avoid heavy-duty toilet papers when working with septic systems so they don’t become clogged.

How to Test Your Toilet Paper for Your Septic System

If you are curious about what is the best toilet paper for your septic system specifically, you can do your own simple test at home.

• Get a couple of jars or clear containers.
• Get a couple of rolls of toilet paper from different brands.
• Fill each jar or clear container with water.
• Then add a couple of squares of toilet paper to each jar. Use one jar per brand of toilet paper.
• Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
• Watch to see how quickly the toilet paper dissolves.

You want to choose the one that dissolves toilet paper quickly. If the toilet paper takes a long time to dissolve, you will see that it will fill your tank up fast and lead to you having to pump your tank. Quickly dissolving toilet paper will save you money in the long run by preventing clogs.

Reliable Plumbing Services in Northern Atlanta

If you have any further questions about what toilet paper you should use in your septic tank or have an issue with your septic tank, please call The Original Plumber & Septic today.

Our techs are here to answer any questions that you may have about toilet paper and your septic tank’s function. Remember that you will want to use 100% septic tank-safe toilet paper to avoid costly septic repairs and services.

If you need emergency services, The Original Plumber & Septic is here to help. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We understand that sometimes, an issue can’t wait any longer! We proudly serve Atlanta and surrounding areas in Northern Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important factors for septic-safe toilet paper?

The most important factors you should look for in your bath tissue are that it’s biodegradable and recyclable. These are the two features that will indicate how septic-safe it is because of how it is designed to dissolve.

A good toilet paper for septic systems will also be chemical-free, paraben-free, and chlorine-free. We also recommend using 1-ply or 2-ply toilet paper since it will dissolve more easily.

Can I use flushable wipes with a septic system?

Be sure to avoid flushable wipes. Flushable wipes do not typically dissolve. When they make their way into septic systems, they tend to lump together at the bottom of your sludge layer. This can result in needing to have your septic system pumped more often.

What is wet strength?

You may see some brands advertising their wet strength. This just means how well it holds together when wet based on the strength of the fibers.