From dental floss to cooking grease, there are all sorts of common household items that should never find their way into home drains. Although tissue paper is commonly flushed down the toilet, some types don’t dissolve as well as others and can lead to clogs in the septic tank. To avoid sewage backups, the need for constant septic cleaning, and additional headaches, below is a guide to what toilet paper is safest for your home and how to test it before you commit.  

Types of Toilet Paper That Won’t Cause Septic System Damage

When toilet paper is flushed down the drain, the water helps it dissolve. With biodegradable options, less water is needed for the tissue to break down, expediting the entire process. This reduces the risk of residue getting stuck in pipes and causing blockages. If you aren’t sure whether a product is biodegradable, you can also look for “septic safe” labels on the packaging. These tissues are also formulated to dissolve faster than other options.   

Beyond clogs that require septic cleaning to remove, some toilet paper also disrupts the balance of anaerobic bacteria in the tank. The microorganisms break down solids in the container. Some toilet tissue contains bleach and other harmful chemicals that kill these bacteria. Recycled toilet paper dissolves easily and also contains fewer substances that could cause this issue.  

How to Test for Safeness

If you prefer your current toilet paper but aren’t sure whether it’s causing issues with septic system performance, there’s a simple way to find out. Put a few sheets of the tissue in a clear jar. Next, fill the container with a few inches of water. Put the lid on the jar and firmly shake it for 10 seconds. If the paper has mostly dissolved into particles, it should be safe to flush down toilets. You can perform the same tests with different types of toilet paper until you find an option with the desired results.

Whether you need routine septic cleaning or a new septic system install, the technicians at Cookeville, TN-based Buck's Plumbing & Sewer Service are available to help. As the oldest plumbing company in the community, the technicians have been seeing to the needs of residents since 1960. To schedule septic cleaning, sewer line installation, or additional services in Putnam County or the surrounding areas, call (931) 528-1157. Take advantage of special offers posted on the company’s website today.