Maintaining a well-functioning plumbing system is crucial for the comfort and hygiene of your home. One often overlooked factor that can affect your plumbing is the type of toilet paper you use. While it may seem insignificant, choosing the right toilet paper can make a huge difference in preventing clogs, maintaining septic systems, and ensuring the longevity of your plumbing.
Whether you’re in Seattle, Washington, or elsewhere, selecting the best toilet paper for plumbing can save you from inconvenient repairs and costly damage. Let’s explore how to pick the best toilet paper for your plumbing system and offer practical clogged toilet prevention tips along the way.
How Toilet Paper Affects Your Plumbing
Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, but not all brands or types break down at the same rate. Some thicker, more durable varieties can take longer to disintegrate, leading to clogs, especially in older plumbing systems or homes with septic tanks. The best toilet paper for plumbing systems is one that balances comfort and durability with how quickly it breaks down after flushing.
Common Plumbing Issues Caused by Toilet Paper
Understanding how your toilet paper choice affects these plumbing issues is essential for keeping your system running smoothly.
Clogs
Thick, multi-ply toilet paper may not dissolve quickly, causing blockages that can result in clogged toilets or pipes.
Slow Drains
Paper that doesn’t break down properly can build up in pipes over time, slowing the flow of water.
Septic System Stress
For homes with septic systems, using toilet paper that doesn’t disintegrate efficiently can lead to an overwhelmed tank, necessitating more frequent pumping and maintenance.
Best Toilet Paper for Plumbing
When selecting the best toilet paper for plumbing systems, consider the following factors:
Ply Count
Toilet paper comes in various ply counts, with 1-ply, 2-ply, and even 3-ply options available. While thicker ply toilet papers feel softer and stronger, they can also be more difficult for plumbing systems to break down. In general, 1-ply or thinner toilet papers are easier on your pipes and septic system, as they dissolve more quickly.
Biodegradability
Biodegradable toilet paper is designed to break down faster than standard varieties. It’s an excellent option for those looking to minimize their impact on plumbing systems and the environment. Biodegradable toilet paper is especially recommended for homes with septic tanks, as it helps reduce the risk of blockages and minimizes stress on the system.
Dissolvability
Some toilet papers are marketed as “septic-safe” or “plumber-approved.” These products are specifically engineered to disintegrate quickly in water, reducing the risk of clogs. If you live in an older home or an area with sensitive plumbing, like Seattle, Washington, these types of toilet paper are your best option.
Strength vs. Dissolvability Balance
It’s important to find a balance between comfort and how well the paper dissolves. Softer, stronger toilet papers may feel nicer, but they can be problematic for plumbing systems. Using the right toilet paper helps ensure that your septic system operates efficiently, reducing the risk of backups, overflow, or costly repairs. A medium-soft toilet paper that dissolves easily is ideal for both comfort and plumbing performance.
Best Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks
Homes with septic systems need to be especially cautious about the type of toilet paper they use. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste, and toilet paper that doesn’t dissolve properly can interfere with this process. The best toilet paper for septic tanks is:
1-Ply or Biodegradable
These options dissolve quickly, preventing clogs and reducing the need for frequent septic tank maintenance.
Septic-Safe
Many brands produce toilet paper labeled as septic-safe, meaning it’s been tested for dissolvability and won’t harm your septic system.
Clogged Toilet Prevention Tips
No matter what kind of toilet paper you use, following a few simple practices can help prevent clogged toilets and keep your plumbing system in top condition.
Use Less Toilet Paper
One of the easiest ways to prevent clogs is by using less toilet paper per flush. Large wads of paper take longer to dissolve and are more likely to get stuck in pipes. By using just enough to get the job done, you reduce the risk of blockages.
Flush Twice if Necessary
If you need to use more toilet paper, consider flushing in two stages. This gives the paper time to break down and prevents large amounts of material from entering the pipes at once.
Avoid Flushing Non-Toilet Paper Items
Many clogs are caused by flushing things that shouldn’t be in your plumbing system, such as wipes, paper towels, or feminine hygiene products. Even items labeled as “flushable” can cause problems, as they don’t dissolve as easily as toilet paper.
Regular Plumbing Maintenance
Having your plumbing system inspected and cleaned regularly can help identify potential problems before they become major issues. Regular drain cleaning ensures that even small clogs are addressed before they lead to larger, more costly repairs.
How to Choose the Best Toilet Paper to Prevent Clogs
Preventing clogs comes down to selecting toilet paper that dissolves efficiently and using it properly. Some additional factors to consider when choosing the best toilet paper to prevent clogs include:
Brand Reputation
Stick to well-known brands that are labeled as septic-safe or plumber-approved.
Cost
While budget brands might seem like a good deal, they can be more likely to cause clogs, especially if they’re made from thicker or lower-quality materials. Investing in quality toilet paper can save you from costly plumbing repairs down the road.
Softness
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for plumbing safety. Many brands now offer toilet paper that is both soft and septic-friendly.
Recommended Brands for Your Plumbing System
Choosing a trusted brand is key to maintaining the health of your plumbing system. Here are some highly recommended toilet paper brands for preventing clogs and ensuring optimal plumbing performance:
Scott 1-Ply
Known for being both affordable and septic-safe, Scott’s 1-ply toilet paper dissolves quickly while still providing adequate comfort.
Charmin Essentials
While Charmin’s ultra-soft varieties can be problematic, Charmin Essentials offers a more dissolvable option that works well for both septic and standard plumbing systems.
Cottonelle
Cottonelle’s toilet papers, particularly the “Septic-Safe” variety, strike a good balance between strength and dissolvability, making them a solid choice for homes looking to prevent clogs.
The Best Toilet Paper for Your Plumbing System
Finding the best toilet paper for your plumbing system involves balancing comfort, strength, and dissolvability. Homes in Seattle, Washington, should prioritize septic-safe, biodegradable, or plumber-approved toilet paper to prevent clogs and maintain a healthy plumbing system. By choosing the right toilet paper and following basic clogged toilet prevention tips, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a smoother-running plumbing system year-round.
If you’re experiencing plumbing issues or need advice on maintaining your system, contact Puget Sound Plumbing & Heating today. Our experienced team can help with everything from drain cleaning to full-scale plumbing repairs, ensuring your home’s system remains in top shape.