
Does toilet paper clog a septic tank?
If you have a septic tank, using the right toilet paper is important for maintaining your septic system. Toilet paper that doesn’t break down can accumulate and cause clogs, leading to a dreaded messy or expensive repair. Septic-safe toilet paper dissolves quickly and completely to prevent plumbing problems.
Is septic-safe toilet paper really septic safe?
Septic-safe toilet paper is often labeled as such since it dissolves quickly enough for most septic systems to handle. To be sure, you can also test the toilet paper yourself by mixing a few sheets into a large cup of water and observing how readily it dissolves.
Is your toilet not Flushing because of a septic tank?
When the toilet refuses to flush, you have a major problem on your hands, one that needs to be resolved as quickly as possible. But if your home includes a septic tank instead of city water, your clogged toilet could mean an even bigger problem. Having the toilet stop working is bad enough when you are hooked up to the municipal sewer system.
Why does toilet paper get stuck in my pipes?
Cast iron or concrete pipes may contain a rough interior. This means that when toilet paper passes through, it is more likely to get snagged on the pipes. Toilet paper may also become stuck if your pipes are coated with grease or have been penetrated by tree roots. Using too Much Toilet Paper

What happens when you flush too much toilet paper?
Too Much Toilet Paper Not only is it wasteful, but also, using too much toilet paper can lead to major plumbing issues. Large wads of toilet paper are difficult to flush and can easily cause a clog in small pipes.
How much is too much toilet paper flush?
The most common answer that comes up in all debates is anywhere from 4-8 squares of toilet paper. Any more and you risk clogging the toilet simply because you didn't count your squares. If for any reason you feel you need more, you can double flush (do your business, wipe, flush, wipe and flush again).
How do you unclog toilet paper in septic?
5 Methods on How to Dissolve Toilet Paper in a Sewer LineUse a toilet plunger.Pour hot water and dish soap into the bowl.Toilet snakes can help clear clogged toilets.Use chemical products that are safe for septic systems.Use vinegar, baking soda, and hot water.
How long does it take for toilet paper to dissolve in a septic tank?
How Long Does Septic-safe Toilet Paper Take to Dissolve? If you purchase toilet paper labeled as “septic-safe,†it should dissolve completely within 20 minutes or so. You can test this yourself by taking your septic-safe toilet paper brand and scrunching it into a cup of water.
Does Ridex dissolve toilet paper?
Each box and bottle of RID-X® contains the following ingredients scientifically proven to break down household waste: Cellulase breaks down toilet paper, vegetable matter and some foods. Lipase breaks down fats, oils and grease.
Will a toilet paper clog eventually dissolve?
A clogged toilet will typically unclog itself over time. Most things that clog a toilet are water-soluble which means they will eventually dissolve in the toilet water. When the clog is given enough time to break down, the pressure of a flush should be enough to clear the pipes.
Does vinegar dissolve toilet paper?
Vinegar is very effective at dissolving toilet paper because it is strongly acidic. Acid breaks down toilet paper completely, while a base will only break down some components of the paper. Water has a mix of both, so it's best to follow the vinegar with hot water if you are clearing out a clog in the toilet.
Will Liquid Plumber dissolve toilet paper?
Does Liquid Plumber Dissolve Toilet Paper? Liquid Plumr and similar products, such as Drano, are not designed to dissolve toilet paper. These products are meant to clear hair, grease, and other blockages from bathtubs, sinks, and garbage disposals. They are not designed to solve toilet clogs.
Does toilet paper sink in a septic tank?
Toilet paper and other solid waste sinks to the bottom of the septic tank and creates sludge. When working properly, the tank is full of beneficial bacteria that help to break down much of this sludge.
What dissolves paper fast?
Hydrochloric acid, also known and marketed commercially as muriatic acid, is sufficiently strong to dissolve paper.
Is vinegar good for septic tanks?
Will baking soda hurt a septic system? Baking soda and other common household solutions such as vinegar are not harmful to your septic system. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can disrupt the good bacteria in your septic tank and should not be used as part of a septic treatment.
How much toilet paper should you use per wipe?
Most people use the toilet about 51 times a day, but anything in the 4-10 range is deemed “normal”. And the average person is said to use nearly 7 sheets1 per wipe – approximately 6.41 sheets per toileting occasion for women, and 81 sheets per occasion for men.
Can you use too much toilet paper?
Avoid using too much toilet paper and save money and avert potential plumbing issues. Using too much toilet paper can cause clogs that require a professional plumbing service like True Plumbers & AC to come to the rescue!
How much toilet paper does average person use?
The average consumer uses 8-9 sheets per wipe for 57 sheets a day. The average person flushes the toilet up to 2,500 times a year.
How many times a day does the average person flush the toilet?
The average household has about 5 flushes a day. An older toilet uses 7 gallons per flush, a newer one could be as low as 1.6 gallons per flush. If it is 7 gallons that is 12,775 gallons per year on flushes.
How to clear a clogged toilet paper?
The hot water will flow gradually into the area where the toilet paper is clogged. Allow the hot water to sit in the sewer for about 10 to 20 minutes to properly soak the toilet paper. Thereafter, use a series of repeated flushes into the sewer line to clear off the clogged toilet paper.
How to unclog a toilet with too much toilet paper?
So, if you find yourself in a situation where you made use of too much toilet paper and clog a friend’s toilet, you can use this trick. Detergent, shampoo, or dish detergent can do the trick as well. Dump an ample amount of detergent in the toilet bowl, add some hot water from the tap and allow it to work for a few minutes. And with luck on your side, it will be sufficient to dissolve the toilet paper and unclog the sewer line in no time.
Can too much toilet paper clog a sewer line?
Yes, using too much toilet paper in your home can easily clog the sewer line. To understand why, let’s explain how the sewer line works. Every sewage disposal system you have in your home is connected to the sewer via pipes. These pipes usually run in your walls and under the grounds of your homes. In most cases, these sewer pipes are only a few inches thick. A typical PVC sewer pipe is about 3 – 7 inches thick.
How to get rid of a clogged sewer line?
To do this, you want to combine about two cups of white vinegar with two cups of hot water in a bowl. First, pour about a cup of baking soda into the clogged sewer line.
How to dissolve tissue paper in a septic system?
When you purchase a chemical septic treatment simply follow the directions on the package. Add the chemical to the clogged sewer and allow the chemical to dissolve the clogged paper. After a couple of minutes, you can flush it to push the dissolved tissue paper into the main sewer. You can even use these chemical additives for preventive measures against future clogs.
How many flushes does it take to flush toilet paper?
When you use toilet paper and flush it down the sewer pipes, water then carries it into the sewer. In some cases, it may take about 2 or more flushes to effectively carry a regular quantity of toilet paper through the sewer pipes into the main sewer. Now you know we are all guilty of flushing only ones most times. Imagine the way toilet paper is carried to the main sewer, if you should use more than the normal quantity it is unavoidable that it would clog the pipes.
Can you unclog a toilet with tissue paper?
In conclusion, these methods are one of the best ways you can unclog your toilet clogged with tissue paper. What makes them stand out is that you don’t have to get your hands dirty. Moreover, most of what you’d need for these tricks are things you already have at home. So, if you have a clogged sewer situation, it helps to try every one of these tricks before calling a professional.
Why is toilet paper stuck in pipes?
This means that when toilet paper passes through, it is more likely to get snagged on the pipes. Toilet paper may also become stuck if your pipes are coated with grease or have been penetrated by tree roots.
How to find toilet paper that sticks to toilet paper?
To find the right toilet paper, place a square in a sink full of water. The ideal specimen will dissolve into small particles when fully immersed.
Why are my toilet pipes narrow?
You may have narrow pipes if your toilet frequently overflows or requires snaking. Aside from replacing your pipes, there isn’t much you can do about this situation. To prevent clogs, you will need to remain conscious of the amount of toilet paper you are using and make it a habit to flush more frequently.
What does it mean when a toilet is low flow?
Low-flow toilets operate with less water pressure than traditional models. This means that each time you flush, some buildup could be occurring in your pipes. Over time, this buildup can lead to clogs. If you have a low-flow toilet, be mindful of how much you are flushing each time.
What happens if you have a smaller toilet?
Some homes have very narrow pipes leading from their toilet. Naturally this means that if your pipes are smaller, they will not be able to move waste along as easily . What would normally flush if you had larger pipes will instead lead to a backup.
Can you use too much toilet paper?
Using too Much Toilet Paper. Your pipes can only hold a certain amount of toilet paper before they will become clogged. As such, it’s important not to use any more toilet paper than necessary. If you have small children in the house, you should also ensure that they do not carried away when using the bathroom.
Do toilet paper wipes dissolve in water?
They are made from much thicker material that does not easily dissolve when placed in water. If you do use these wipes, flush them with caution. Should you experience a clog, this means your plumbing is not capable of handling them and you should revert back to using regular toilet paper.
What happens when you throw toilet paper in the toilet?
Disintegrating Toilet Paper. Some types of bathroom tissues just disintegrate upon contact with water. Once you toss them in the toilet bowl, they are gone in a few seconds. Consider using these types of toilet papers if you are worried about your septic tank health. Biodegradable Paper.
Why does toilet paper disintegrate when flushed?
And that’s counterintuitive to the idea of it disintegrating quickly when flushed because more tissue will just take more time to dissolve.
How to Check Your Toilet Paper for dissolvability?
There are many different types of toilet papers — but not all toilet papers are created equal. Some dissolve in water faster and more completely than others and, as such, are more suitable for your septic tank.
Why it is Important Your Toilet Paper Dissolve Efficiently?
Everybody knows how unhealthy WD-40 is for septic tanks, but not everybody knows certain bathroom tissues can also be bad for your wastewater treatment. Because only wastewater leaves your tank while solid waste and undissolved toilet paper remain inside, it’s necessary you pump out the tank every three to five years.
How long does it take for toilet paper to settle down?
Take four sheets of your toilet paper and place them in a jar or a Tupperware container. Add two cups of water and wait 20 minutes. Stir the jar or Tupperware container for roughly ten seconds. Now let its content settle down.
What is the best way to clean a clogged toilet?
Vinegar, just like baking soda, is a very good cleaning agent. If you are dealing with a clogged toilet, dump these two. There’s a good chance they will break up the clog without you having to do a thing.
How to stop tissue from going down the drain?
Instead of tearing a big ball of bathroom tissue every time you use the bathroom, use just a few sheets of paper. That way you will be able to prevent sending large chunks of tissue down the drain at once.
The best toilet paper for septic tanks is comfortable to use and readily dissolvable to keep you and your septic system happy
BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks
Ultra-plush toilet paper may feel luxurious and soft, but it often isn’t the best pick for septic tanks since it takes longer to break down. One of the most important features to look for is easy dissolvability, which will prevent the toilet paper from accumulating and causing clogs in the system.
Our Top Picks
The best toilet paper for septic tanks strike a balance between comfort and dissolvability. It breaks down easily to prevent plumbing problems down the line, but it’s also soft, absorbent, and strong. Ahead are the top toilet paper picks for septic tanks that are pleasant to use, affordable, and easily dissolvable to maintain a clog-free system.
FAQs About Toilet Paper for Septic Systems
When you have a septic tank, you need to be careful of what you put down the drain—including what you flush down the toilet. By using a suitable toilet paper for septic systems, you can avoid possible plumbing issues like clogs and blocked systems.
Final Thoughts
If you have a septic tank, using the right toilet paper is important for maintaining your septic system. Toilet paper that doesn’t break down can accumulate and cause clogs, leading to a dreaded messy or expensive repair. Septic-safe toilet paper dissolves quickly and completely to prevent plumbing problems.
How to unclog a toilet with a snake?
Assuming you now have a plumbing snake handy, begin uncoiling the wire end and place it into the toilet. Start extending the auger until it reaches the clogged area, and then start twisting and turning the snake until the water clogged in your toilet bowl begins to drain. Similar to using the toilet plunger, if the toilet doesn’t unclog, keep trying a few more times before moving on.
How to unclog a toilet with dishwashing detergent?
Firstly, grab a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and pour it into the bowl. One teaspoon is enough, don’t go overboard.
What to do if you don't own a plunger?
If you don’t already own one, head to your nearest home improvement or hardware store and pick an auger that meets your requirements .
What does it mean when water goes down the toilet?
The water should start flowing down the drain, which then means that your toilet is unclogged. If this didn’t work, you should try repeating the process a couple of times more before moving on to the next method. Sometimes a clog can be so persistent that a few plunged just aren’t enough to clear it.
Can you use a plunger on a toilet?
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t use a sink plunger on your toilet and expect it to work. You need to use the right plunger. Now, there are plungers that can be used for sinks and toilets, so if you have one of those, go right ahead. Such plungers tend to have a flange that folds into the rubbery plunging cup.
Can you use Drano Max Gel to unclog a toilet?
Unclogging a toilet that’s connected to a septic tank can be quite challenging because you can’t resort to chemical clog removers like Green Gobbler or Drano Max Gel, as these chemicals can kill the enzymes and bacteria in your septic system that help in breaking down the waste. Some of these chemicals are so overly powerful ...
