When shopping for toilet paper, we usually think about how thick, soft, and durable it should be. Some of us may even prefer it scented and with a nice pattern to achieve a specific bathroom ‘aesthetic.’ But before you reach out for the most luxurious toilet paper there is, you might want to think about your septic system. Did you know that they can clog your plumbing? A toilet drain opener can fix the problem, but you might want to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Does toilet paper matter?

Toilet paper products that contain thick fibers, designs, patterns, scents, and patterns usually take longer to dissolve, resulting in sewage backups and clogging. Sure, you can use a toilet drain cleaner to remedy the issue, but you should also take steps to protect your home’s septic system to avoid expensive and extensive plumbing repairs down the line.

So, what’s the best toilet paper to use? We tried and tested a wide range of toilet paper products to identify the most environmentally friendly ones that dissolve fast and won’t strain your septic system. While we want toilet paper to be comfortable, soft, and strong, we also want it to break down fast once flushed.

Qualities of ‘septic safe’ toilet paper

Recyclability and biodegradability are among the features you should be looking for in your toilet paper. Biodegradable toilet paper has loose and non-dissolvable fibers, so it’s likely to break down quickly. Recycled toilet paper doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or bleach that could alter the septic system’s balance of good and bad bacteria, so it’s considered septic safe, too. In other words, the safest toilet paper for your septic system is something that is eco-friendly, quick dissolving, and durable.

If you’re not sure how good your toilet paper is, you can test it out by dropping a sheet in the water and letting it stay there for 15 minutes. Use something to pick it up. If the drenched sheet falls apart, then it should be septic safe.

Check out these toilet paper brands

Did your toilet paper fail the test? Then you probably want to know which brands and their products are septic safe. Try Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper, Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper, and Cottonelle Ultra CleanCare Toilet Paper. These are specifically designed to be septic-safe, chemical-free, paraben-free, and eco-friendly. They come in 1- or 2-ply and they provide the ultimate softness and comfort.

Is your toilet clogged or backing up?

So you’ve used non-septic safe toilet paper and now your toilet’s clogged or backing up. Don’t worry. The problem can be fixed by a toilet drain opener like the LiquidRhyno Septic Treatment Powder. It’s formulated with enzymes and biologicals to eat away buildup, so your toilet can flush properly again. Use once a month to prevent clogs. Don’t worry, it’s septic safe, too!

The next time you buy toilet paper, consider avoiding extra-plush products with softening additives. Prefer 1-ply or recycled paper and make sure there’s ‘rapid dissolving’ on the label. It’s also a good idea to keep Septic Treatment Powder on hand to maintain your septic system and prevent bigger plumbing issues.