12 Best Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks: Low-Maintenance Options

Toilet paper can clog pipes and septic systems easily. Instead of keeping your plumber’s number on the redial, change toilet paper brands to prevent this problem from happening.

The following septic-safe toilet paper brands dissolve quickly in water to prevent blockage.

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1. Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare Toilet Paper

Cottonelle is a brand best known for its plush, thick toilet paper, so you might feel surprised to see it on this list. To reach more customers, the company developed Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare toilet paper. This option is biodegradable and manufactured without plastic or chemicals. 

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The two-ply paper is soft and strong during use. It then breaks down quickly in a septic system, thanks to Cottonelle’s sustainability commitment. You can buy toilet paper in different sizes of rolls and packs to best suit your bathroom needs.

2. Amazon Basics 2-Ply Toilet Paper

Solimo, a private label under the Amazon umbrella, was recently rebranded as Amazon Basics. The name change didn’t impact the quality of their two-ply toilet paper. You buy it in bulk, getting 30 rolls per purchase, broken down into packs of six rolls each.

Though this paper uses tree pulp, it’s ethically sourced and verified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Since it comes from Amazon, ordering these rolls and getting them quickly with a Prime membership is easy.

3. Caboo Bamboo Toilet Paper

Caboo bamboo toilet paper is a tree-free option that is fully biodegradable. Each roll comes wrapped in paper to make it even more environmentally friendly. The paper is thin, coming in at two-ply. 

This brand is an excellent choice if you’re committed to making a difference. The company replants trees with the US Forest Service. This partnership means your purchase positively impacts your septic system and the forests.

4. Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper

Scott is an affordable toilet paper brand, and they increased their customer base with the rapid-dissolving option. It’s made in the USA and is 100% biodegradable, so you won’t experience clogs or blockages in your septic system. RV and boat owners claim Scott Rapid-Dissolving toilet paper as their top choice.

In addition to testing in septic systems, the manufacturing process excludes fragrances. You won’t find any chemicals damaging your septic system when you use this toilet paper. It breaks up faster than any other option, so it’s a great choice for people using a septic tank.

5. Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper

Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper sounds like it’s too thick for use with a septic system. However, the paper is two-ply and safe for septic tanks. The manufacturer sells the rolls in a 24-pack, but because of the paper’s durability, it’s the equivalent of 123 rolls from competitors. This means you’ll save money on toilet paper over time without clogging your plumbing.

6. Angel Soft Toilet Paper

Angel Soft is so plush that most people on a septic system avoid the brand. However, it’s two-ply and strong for use while breaking up once it’s in the tank. The rolls are also affordable, so you get mega rolls for a lower price than some big brands.

Some people stay away from Angel Soft because there’s a fragrance. The manufacturer adds scent to the core to keep your bathroom smelling fresh. That means the paper itself doesn’t have fragrance or chemicals added.

7. Pacific Blue Embossed Toilet Paper

Pacific Blue two-ply toilet paper comes wrapped in paper to lower its environmental impact. It’s under the Georgia-Pacific corporation, rebranded from the Preference line. But the paper is still as absorbent and strong as ever, making it the best choice for people on a septic system.

The paper uses recycled material to ensure it dissolves quickly in water. The company is ECOLOGO certified, so you can purchase the rolls confidently, knowing you’re helping the environment.

8. Presto! Ultra Soft Tissue Paper

If you want a roll of toilet paper you don’t have to change often, Presto! is your brand. A 24-pack of mega rolls is as much as 112 regular toilet paper rolls. The paper itself is two-ply and strong, made from sustainable forests. It dissolves easily in water and doesn’t leave lint behind in the bathroom.

9. Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue

Aqua-Soft toilet tissue is made for RVs and boats. The biodegradable paper is two-ply, absorbent, and dissolves rapidly in water. It’s made to break down in the small tanks of an RV or boat, but anyone on a septic system will appreciate the efficiency of this brand.

10. Seventh Generation Toilet Paper

Seventh Generation uses recycled fibers to make its toilet paper. It doesn’t use dyes or fragrances during manufacturing. You might think this type of natural toilet paper would be tan, but the company whitens the paper without using bleach. It’s two-ply with slight quilting to make it durable with use while still allowing it to break down easily in your septic tank.

11. Freedom Living RV Toilet Paper

Freedom Living makes septic tank-safe toilet rolls for RVs, but you can use the paper in any bathroom. You can buy them in packs of eight, which come packaged in smaller rolls for easy storage, which is a nod to its intended purpose for RV trips.

The two-ply paper starts to dissolve as soon as it hits the water. It’s biodegradable, so you can use it with a septic system or composting toilet and know you’re making an environmentally-friendly choice. 

12. White Cloud Toilet Paper

White Cloud toilet paper is a cushy, three-ply option that’s septic-safe. You can buy triple rolls in 6 or 12-packs. Mega rolls are thicker, so make sure they’ll fit on your holder. Those rolls come in different assortments compared to the triple roll, including:

• 6-pack
• 12-pack
• 18-pack
• 24-pack

The brand is FSC-certified, meaning they’re a forest-friendly company. You can also buy paper towels from White Cloud.

What Makes Toilet Paper Septic-Safe?

With so many different septic-safe toilet paper brands, you might wonder what you need to look for in this type of roll. Several qualities ensure your toilet paper is safe for your septic system and won’t create clogs.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable toilet paper dissolves easily in water and is better for the environment. Consider tree-free options with delicate fibers, like toilet paper made from bamboo and hemp.

Recycled

Toilet paper marked as made of recycled material also dissolves more easily. The previously used fibers are softer than fresh tree pulp, so the paper comes apart in water.

Unbleached

Many manufacturers bleach the fibers to make their toilet paper a bright, uniform white. This process softens the pulp, but it doesn’t help your septic system. Bleach can damage your septic tank, and paper treated with that chemical can irritate your skin, so unbleached is best.

Ply

It makes sense that thick toilet paper is more likely to cause a clog. A roll that is one or two-ply is a better choice for a septic system. It’s thinner and will dissolve quickly in water.

What’s the best toilet paper to use with a septic system?

Any brand of tree-free, recycled, or one or two-ply toilet paper is ideal for a septic system. The brands listed above have a paper that will dissolve in the water, so you don’t have to worry about clogs.

Is Charmin toilet paper safe for septic systems?

Not all Charmin toilet paper rolls are safe for septic systems. To avoid any issues, buy Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper.

Is Cottonelle toilet paper septic-safe?

Like Charmin, not all Cottonelle toilet paper is septic-safe. The brand manufactures thick, plush toilet paper, so you want to stay away from the three-ply options. Choose Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare Toilet Paper for the best results.

What toilet paper is not septic-safe?

Most toilet paper is septic-safe if you don’t use too much of it, though the quilted paper is especially thick. Clogs happen when toilet paper clumps together and can’t dissolve. You can use a square or two of three-ply paper and not have major issues. However, unbleached, one or two-ply, tree-free toilet paper is best.

What is the safest toilet paper for septic tanks?

The safest toilet paper for septic tanks is biodegradable toilet paper, as it dissolves in water more quickly compared to other types of toilet paper.

What is the best and worst toilet paper for septic systems?

The best and worst toilet paper for septic systems can be determined by considering the dissolvability and biodegradability of the paper. Recycled toilet paper, which is typically made of shorter, recycled fibers, has a higher likelihood of completely dissolving as compared to new toilet paper that contains long, strong fibers. While all toilet paper is biodegradable, the ones labeled as biodegradable tend to break down faster than standard rolls.

Is it better to flush toilet paper or throw it away?

It is better to flush toilet paper rather than throw it away. Methane, a gas that can be more potent than carbon dioxide, is commonly associated with landfills. Therefore, it is advisable to use biodegradable, eco-friendly toilet paper that will break down easily in our water systems to ensure environmental sustainability.

Is Amazon basic toilet paper septic safe?

The Amazon basic toilet paper, specifically the AmazonCommercial 2-Ply White Ultra Toilet Paper/Bath Tissue (416978), is septic-safe. It comes in a bulk family pack with 24 rolls, each containing 300 sheets. Additionally, it is FSC-certified, ensuring that it meets sustainable forestry standards.

Does toilet paper float to the top of septic tank?

Toilet paper does float to the top of a septic tank, along with sludge, scum, and effluent, forming a floating island.

Is Charmin septic safe?

Charmin is septic safe and has been extensively tested to ensure it will break down in a septic tank through biodegradation.

Is Cottonelle septic friendly?

Cottonelle® Toilet Paper is indeed septic friendly as well as clog safe.

Is Cottonelle tissue septic safe?

Cottonelle tissue is septic safe as it is a 2-layer bath tissue made with fibers that are 100% biodegradable and suitable for sewers and septic tanks. Additionally, all Cottonelle toilet paper is responsibly sourced from managed forests.

Is Charmin Ultra Strong OK for septic?

Charmin Ultra Strong is safe for sewer and septic systems as it is a two-ply, white toilet paper that now cleans with a new, washcloth-like texture.

Can you flush regular toilet paper in a septic system?

Regular toilet paper can be flushed in a septic system without causing any issues. However, it is important to avoid flushing other items like paper towels or certain products that can potentially clog up the septic tank. As long as you stick to using designated toilet paper, your septic tank should remain in good condition.

Does Charmin toilet paper clog drains?

Charmin toilet paper is clog-safe and septic-safe, ensuring that you can enjoy a cushiony and soft experience while using it. It has been approved by Roto-Rooter, as our plumbers have personally tested it in their own homes to confirm its flushability and clog-free nature.

How long does it take septic safe toilet paper to dissolve?

Septic safe toilet paper typically dissolves completely within 20 minutes, as confirmed by testing the brand by scrunching it into a cup of water.

Can you flush Kleenex in septic system?

You cannot flush Kleenex in a septic system. Flushing tissues, such as Kleenex and other tissue paper, is not recommended. Tissue is not designed to break down when wet, and its absorbency can lead to blockages and clogged pipes.

Which toilet paper breaks down the fastest?

The fastest breaking down toilet paper is the 1-ply variety, which is ideal for septic tanks and plumbing systems. Unlike the thicker fibers in 3-ply toilet paper, the fibers in 1-ply dissolve quickly in water, preventing potential issues for your plumbing system and home’s septic tank.

What is the best toilet paper for not blocking drains?

The best toilet paper for preventing drain blockage is bamboo toilet paper. This type of toilet paper is naturally biodegradable, causing it to start dissolving as soon as it is flushed. As a result, it is safe to flush and will not clog your drains. Additionally, the force of the flush aids in breaking up the toilet tissue, ensuring that it can easily pass through pipes and sewage systems.

What toilet paper is least likely to clog?

The least likely toilet paper to clog is 1-ply toilet paper, according to plumbers who recommend using Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Supreme.

Which toilet paper clogs pipes?

The toilet paper that clogs pipes is 3 or 4-ply toilet paper. Using toilet paper with three or four layers increases the chances of experiencing plumbing issues. This is due to the additional layers of paper potentially causing blockages in the pipes, leading to sewage backup inside your home.

Is it better to flush toilet paper down the toilet or throw it away?

It is better to flush toilet paper down the toilet, especially if you are using biodegradable, eco-friendly toilet paper that will break down easily in our water systems. This is because methane, a gas that can be more potent than carbon dioxide, is commonly associated with landfills.

Is Cottonelle septic safe?

Cottonelle® Toilet Paper is indeed safe for septic systems and will not cause clogs.

What will break up toilet paper in a clogged toilet?

To break up toilet paper in a clogged toilet, you can use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. When these ingredients are mixed together, they will create a reaction that causes the water in the toilet to become fizzy. Similar to the method mentioned earlier with hot water and dish soap, it is important to allow the solution to sit for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to effectively dissolve the clog.

Is Cottonelle Ultra Clean septic safe?

Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper is safe for sewers and septic tanks as it is a 1-layer bath tissue made with 100% biodegradable fibers. Additionally, it is 3X Thicker, 3X Stronger, and 2X more absorbent† than regular toilet paper.

Does quilted toilet paper block drains?

Quilted toilet paper can potentially block drains when it is designed to be more resistant to breaking down. This includes super-cushioned, quilted, and ultra-premium toilet paper, although even less expensive varieties may also pose a problem.

Is it OK to use regular toilet paper in an RV?

Using regular toilet paper in an RV is perfectly acceptable. There are numerous brands available that dissolve as effectively as RV toilet paper while providing the benefits of lower cost, superior quality, comfort for the skin, and reduced waste due to using less paper to accomplish the task.

How long does it take to dissolve toilet paper in toilet?

Toilet paper dissolves in a toilet within a span of one to four minutes, as it is designed to quickly break down in water. This rapid dissolution allows the toilet paper to easily pass through pipes, septic systems, and be effectively treated by municipal sewer treatment plants.

What happens if you use non septic safe toilet paper?

Using non-septic safe toilet paper can result in a slow dissolution process when flushed, which can cause accumulation in pipes and septic systems.

How do you know if your toilet paper is septic safe?

To determine if your toilet paper is septic-safe, you can perform a simple test. Take a medium-sized glass jar and pour 3/4 tap water into it. Next, place 6-8 sheets of toilet paper into the jar. Seal the jar tightly and vigorously shake it for 10 seconds. After shaking, observe if the toilet paper has completely broken down. If it has, then it can be considered safe for use in most well-maintained septic tanks or plumbing systems.

Is Cottonelle toilet tissue safe for septic tanks?

Cottonelle toilet tissue is safe for septic tanks as it is designed to be clog safe and septic safe.

Can you use any toilet paper with a septic tank?

You can use toilet paper labeled as biodegradable, recycled, or septic-safe with a septic tank. It is recommended to use non-chlorine, non-ammonia, non-antibacterial, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaning products. Most septic-safe cleaning products are all-natural.

Does Charmin clog sewer lines?

Charmin does not clog sewer lines. It is clog-safe, septic-safe, and maintains its cushiony and soft texture, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable bathroom experience. This is why Charmin is approved by Roto-Rooter. Our plumbers have personally tested Charmin in their own homes to confirm its flushability and clog-free properties.

What toilet paper do plumbers recommend?

Plumbers recommend using 1-ply toilet paper in the bathroom as it is the most effective option for preventing clogs.

How long does it take for septic safe toilet paper to break down?

The septic-safe toilet paper typically takes around 20 minutes to completely dissolve. To verify this, you can conduct a simple test by scrunching your septic-safe toilet paper brand into a cup of water.

Is septic safe toilet paper the same as RV toilet paper?

Septic-safe toilet paper is not the same as RV toilet paper, but any septic-safe brand can be used as toilet paper for your camper. It is important to use it sparingly and ensure that enough water is used when using any type of motorhome toilet paper.

What toilet paper can you use in an RV?

You can use Scott toilet paper in an RV as it is highly recognized among the RV community for its fast breakdown. With a single-ply design and 1000 sheets per roll, it reduces the frequency of roll changes. Most importantly, it is safe to dispose of in your black tank.

Is every spring toilet paper septic safe?

Every spring toilet paper is septic-safe, but biodegradable varieties are more efficient in breaking down and require less water, making them a preferable option for use with a septic system.