How Does Paper Decompose In A Septic Tank? (Question)

Does toilet paper disintegrate in septic tank?

  • Disintegrating Toilet Paper There are some brands of toilet paper that simply disintegrate upon contact with water. Just toss them in the bowl, and they are gone in seconds. Using this type of toilet paper will give you nothing to worry about when it comes to your septic tank.

How long does toilet paper take to break down in a septic tank?

Next, fill your container about 3/4 full of water. Swirl the water around for a few seconds to imitate the toilet flushing. Then, let the mixture sit and time how long it takes for your toilet paper to dissolve. It should take about twenty minutes for it to start to break down.

What breaks down toilet paper in a septic tank?

Best Septic Tank Maintenance Product A great product is Septic Blast, which will eliminate the organic matter inside your tank. It contains beneficial enzymes that will break down toilet paper, hair and more without damaging your pipes or your septic system.

Is paper septic safe?

One-ply and two-ply toilet paper are the most common picks for septic system use, and both are suitable. One-ply tends to be less strong, but it is safer for septic tanks since it’s thinner and dissolves the fastest. Two-ply papers tend to be stronger, more comfortable to use, and can still be septic-safe.

Does Newspaper break down in a septic tank?

When it comes to paper products, homeowners typically view these items as safe to dispose of in a septic system. The truth of the matter is that many paper products (even those which claim to be flushable) can create clogs within your plumbing or the baffles in your septic tank.

Why is toilet paper coming out of outside drain?

Toilet paper can overflow from drains even when you have stopped flushing the toilet. Overflowing toilet paper is the most common sign of a blocked sewer pipe. When a blockage occurs in a sewer drain, the toilet paper will generally float to the top of the water column.

Does clogged toilet paper dissolve?

Will a Toilet Paper Clog Eventually Dissolve? In many cases, a toilet clog caused by toilet paper will dissolve on its own. This is because toilet paper is engineered to break down in water. So, if your toilet doesn’t flush on the first try, it isn’t time to panic.

Can I flush toilet paper in a septic system?

Do Not Flush The best thing to do for your septic system is to be sure not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper, preferably single-ply toilet paper. Even if items are marked as “septic safe,” do not flush them. For example, some baby wipes and cat litter may be labeled this way.

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

What Happens Toilet Paper When You Toss It? Toilet paper that makes it in the trash end up in landfills. Plus, it will take years for the toilet paper to break down and decompose. In comparison, from a sanitary and greenhouse gas perspective, flushing is the better option.

Can too much toilet paper clog a septic system?

Too much toilet paper can fill up the tank quickly, making frequent clean-outs necessary. Over time, or if clean-outs aren’t performed when needed, this buildup can cause the tank to fail prematurely. Toilet tissue labeled safe for use in septic tanks breaks down quickly.

Does Charmin toilet paper clog septic tanks?

Yes. Charmin is septic safe and thoroughly tested to ensure it will settle in a septic tank and then undergo biodegradation in the tank.

Is Kleenex toilet paper septic safe?

The simple answer: no, Kleenex should not be put in toilets. Toilet paper is specifically made to break down in toilets, so that it will not clog your home’s plumbing. [T]hey are designed to safely break down in home septic systems and will not affect the normal bacterial activity in a septic system.”

How often should you pump out a septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

Does toilet paper dissolve in toilet?

While all toilet paper dissolves eventually, the speed at which it breaks down is what matters. If you have an old toilet, bad pipes, a septic tank, or a kid who loves to watch toilet paper disappear down the toilet, it’s even more important you buy the right toilet paper to avoid disaster.

Are Bounty paper towels septic safe?

Paper towels “Even though these items may seem flushable, they don’t break down in the septic system,” Parry cautions. Soggy remnants of paper towels can cause the pump to jam and ultimately lead to costly repairs, Parry says.

AVOID PAPER PROBLEMS IN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

Septic systems provide a safe means to dispose of waste for homeowners who live in locations without access to a municipal sewage system. If you have a septic system, you are surely aware that there are a variety of items that should not be flushed down the toilet. All of the following items: cat litter, dental floss, and antibacterial cleaning products can all cause harm to your septic system with continued use. The majority of homeowners believe that paper goods are safe to dispose of in a septic system when it comes to paper products.

You may avoid the dangers of paper products in your septic system by not flushing typical clog-causing materials down your toilet or sink drains.

Toilet paper is classified as a solid in your septic tank, and it is disposed of accordingly.

Despite the fact that the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank can assist to minimize sludge over time, you should still have your tank pumped on a regular basis to avoid the sludge layer from growing too thick and blocking your drains.

  • Using this method, you can simply lengthen the amount of time between pump-outs while also preventing huge bits of toilet paper from being lodged in your septic system.
  • Instead, look for toilet paper that has been labeled as “septic-safe” or “recycled.” Toilet paper that is septic-safe has been thoroughly tested and proved to degrade swiftly.
  • Additionally, recycled toilet paper has short strands that break apart quickly, reducing the likelihood of clogging.
  • Many people consider facial tissues to be of the same caliber as toilet paper, and they are correct.
  • The unfortunate reality is that flushing face tissue into your septic system may put your system at danger.
  • In truth, facial tissue is engineered to be tough enough to withstand the moisture and pressure that is generated when you blow your nose without splitting or breaking apart.
  • The trapped tissue can capture other materials that are traveling through your drain pipes, resulting in a clog that totally limits the passage of waste and wastewater that is moving through your septic system and into the environment.
  • When a large amount of facial tissue is flushed down your drains, you may discover that solid waste is being pushed into your drainfield or that the baffles in your septic tank are not operating correctly.
  • It is critical that you use caution while flushing any form of paper product down your toilet or down your sink drain.

Contact Upstate Septic Tank, LLC if you suspect that you have flushed potentially hazardous papers into your septic system. We can assist you in removing the paper issues and restoring the performance and efficiency of your septic system.

simple test shown here illustrates toilet tissue breakdown in the septic system.

  • Send in your question or comment on selecting toilet paper for use in septic systems, chemical toilets, RVs, and other situations.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Test for the breakdown or biodegradation of toilet paper: So, what happens to the toilet paper that ends up in the Septic Tank? Is it true that certain toilet tissues decompose more quickly than others? Is it really that important? An easy test to demonstrate how toilet tissue should be anticipated to break down inside of a septic tank is described in this article, which includes images of the procedure.

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

Testing Toilet Paper for Septic System Breakdown

Here’s what’s being talked about: Using a simple test, you can see how toilet paper breaks down in the septic tank. Describes the significance of septic tank settling time; discusses if toilet paper causes a problem in the septic tank. The usage of recycled-paper toilet tissue rather than ultra-soft fluffy toilet paper brands is addressed in the recommendations for utilizing recycled paper rather than cutting down standing trees. The usage of biodegradable toilet paper is strongly recommended.

  • In this video, we present a basic, low-tech toilet paper test to investigate what happens to toilet tissue when it enters a septic tank or a wastewater treatment system.
  • TISSUE OPTIONS FOR THE TOILET It was also emphasized that typical toilet paper is not harmful to a normal septic system that is comprised of a tank and a drainfield.
  • In that article, we discuss the environmental consequences of using soft toilet tissue, recycled fiber toilet tissue, and other paper goods that consumers could flush down the toilet or into a septic or sewage system.
  • Because of septic tank baffles, toilet tissue remains in the septic tank and gradually breaks down there, posing no solid-bulk hazard at typical levels of usage.
  • In order to show exactly what happens to toilet paper in a septic tank, we conducted the basic toilet paper test described here in our forensic laboratory, which produced images that some readers may not care to study closely.
  • After we had capped and shaken the water and toilet paper container for roughly 30 seconds (photo at left).
  • This video shows how toilet tissue divided into a huge number of extremely little, fine paper fragments suspended in the water within seconds after being placed in the water.

The purpose of septic tank baffles is to keep floating scum and sediments in the septic tank and out of the surrounding area.

Settling time, or in septic speak, settlement time is the answer.

As you can see in this photo) of our toilet paper test, the toilet paper fragments had already settled out and began to accumulate at the bottom of our test jar after only 1/2 a minute of exposure.

for more information on the septic tank settling time.

Once the toilet tissue has been essentially eaten by the cycle of agitation and settling, it will be reduced to extremely little microscopic paper fibers, which may then be digested further by fungal or bacterial action in the septic tank or drainfield.

When the septic tank is opened for pumping and cleaning, only the most recently used toilet tissue will be visible in the septic tank, as this is the most recent toilet tissue to be used.

See the SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE for further information. We will retain this test in our laboratory and will provide updates and images on this website as we learn more about what happens to toilet paper when it is exposed to normal tap water.

Testing RV-Type Toilet Paper Designed for Chemical Toilets

A parallel research with RV style toilet paper (Coleman® brand) in tap water was started in February 2010 to determine the rate of fiber breakdown. Keep in mind that this version of toilet paper breakdown tests has (for the time being) eliminated the use of toilet paper.

  • The effects of bacteria or fungus found in a septic tank on toilet tissue are investigated. In the septic tank, the effects on toilet tissue are exacerbated since the tank is agitated everytime new wastewater is introduced. The effects of agitation in the septic tank induced by aerobic or other wastewater treatment methods that also agitate and oxygenate waste in the treatment tank on toilet tissue
  • And There is a possibility that additional chemicals or gases contained in the septic tank will have an influence on toilet tissue decomposition. It is predicted that when subjected to the manufacturer’s suggested amount of chemical toilet additive used in portable toilets or in boat and camper RV type sewage holding tanks, toilet tissue disintegration will occur in the wastewater holding tank.
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Without having to look at the tissue under a microscope, our lab photograph (above) demonstrates that this toilet tissue does not just disintegrate when it is submerged in water.

Toilet Tissue Breakdown Test Update

The two toilet paper samples shown below were taken on 2018/06/20, nine years after the test for toilet tissue deterioration was first conducted in 2009. In the tiny bottle sample on the left is traditional toilet paper, but in the bigger bottle sample on the right is ColemanTM brand RV toilet tisse (RV toilet tissue). However, while there is some limited bacterial activity occurring in these samples, greater bacterial activity is observed in the septic tank of a typical household, where paper is broken down more quickly than in the tap-water and toilet-paper samples.

Be Sure to Pump the Septic Tank On Schedule

TOILET TISSUE CHOICES also has comments on this sample that you may read. We make a note there that any toilet tissue that has not broken down in the septic tank will be removed when the septic tank is pumped – which will be done on time. That septic tank cleanout or pumping is the most important step in keeping the septic system in good working order. See PUMPING SCHEDULING FOR SEPTIC TANKS

Be Sure You are Using the Proper Treatment Chemical for RV Tanks, Chemical Toilets, or Graywater Holding Tanks

Chemicals designed for use as deodorants in chemical toilets, RV and maritime sewage holding tanks, and other similar equipment are manufactured by a number of firms, including Coleman (see below) and Thetford’s (Aqua-Kem®), among others. In fact, Coleman® specifically states on the label of their Dry Holding Tank Deodorant and Cleaner that the product is only meant for use in portable toilets and RV/Marine toilet systems. In summary, this is a deodorant and sewage stabilizer designed for use in portable toilets (chemical toilets) and RV sewage holding tanks where it is intended to be used for short (5-day) periods of time.

According to the company’s product labeling, this chemical is harmful.

  • Will decompose waste (presumably sewage) in the tank
  • Is biodegradable (presumably harmless to the environment when used as directed)
  • Has a pleasant fragrance
  • Contains paraformaldehyde and thus could be poisonous to children if consumed in large quantities – “Keep this product away from children ” (and presumably pets or other animals) and avoid getting the treatment chemical or its liquid mixture in your eyes or on your skin
  • ” it contains a chemical that has been identified by the state of California as having the potential to cause cancer.” There is also a formaldehyde-free version of this product available “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

Will decompose waste (presumably sewage) in the tank; is biodegradable (presumably harmless to the environment when used as directed); has a pleasant fragrance; contains paraformaldehyde and thus could be poisonous to children if consumed in large quantities “Keep this product away from children ” (and, presumably, pets or other animals) and avoid getting the treatment chemical or its liquid mixture in your eyes or on your skin; ” contains a chemical that has been identified by the state of California as having the potential to cause cancer; ” An alternative product that is free of formaldehyde may be found “in addition to this, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

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The Best Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks in 2022

If you purchase a product after clicking on one of our affiliate links, BobVila.com and its partners may get a commission. Image courtesy of depositphotos.com If you have a septic tank, it is critical that you use the proper toilet paper in order to keep your system in good working order. Toilet paper that does not degrade can build up and produce blockages, resulting in a messy or expensive repair job in the future. Septic-safe toilet paper degrades rapidly and completely, reducing the likelihood of plumbing issues.

Continue reading to learn about the characteristics to look for in the finest toilet paper for septic tanks, as well as the greatest choices for keeping your system clear of clogs.

  1. Scott 1000 sheets a roll toilet paper is the best value for money. The best overall toilet paper is Cottonelle Ultra CleanCare soft toilet paper
  2. The runner-up is Angel soft toilet paper
  3. And the best value for money is Cottonelle Ultra CleanCare soft toilet paper. The best biodegradable toilet paper is Scott Rapid-Dissolving Toilet Paper
  4. The best recycled toilet paper is Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper, which is 100 percent recycled
  5. The best bamboo toilet paper is Caboo Tree Free Bamboo Toilet Paper
  6. And the best large roll is Presto! Mega Roll Toilet Paper has 308 sheets
  7. THE MOST DISSOLVING:Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue — Paper for RV and marine use. ADVICE: Angel Soft Toilet Paper with Fresh Lavender Scent is the best-smelling toilet paper available. ALSO CONSIDERE: Freedom Living RV Toilet Paper.

Image courtesy of depositphotos.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Toilet Paper for Septic Tanks

Depositphotos.com provided the image.

Dissolves Quickly

One of the most important characteristics to look for in a septic-safe toilet paper is its dissolvability. Toilet paper that is septic-safe is generally branded as such because it degrades rapidly enough for most septic systems to cope with it effectively. Additionally, you may test the toilet paper by dissolving a few sheets of it in a big cup of water and watching to see how quickly it dissolves. Because of the way recycled and biodegradable toilet paper is manufactured, they are generally considered septic safe even if they are not labeled as such.

While all toilet paper is theoretically biodegradable, biodegradable toilet paper degrades at a quicker rate than normal rolls of toilet paper.

Chlorine-Free

Septic tanks are filled with anaerobic microorganisms, which help to break down waste. There are a variety of common substances that can disrupt the delicate equilibrium in a septic tank and interfere with waste decomposition, including bleach, solvents, and some cleaning products. As a result, it’s recommended to stay away from toilet paper that has been exposed to a lot of chemicals. Because too much bleach might interfere with the breakdown process, and because toilet paper is routinely bleached to achieve its white color, chlorine-free toilet paper is a preferable choice in this situation.

Once again, try using biodegradable or recycled toilet paper instead of regular toilet paper. In addition, because it tends to require less chemicals to be processed, biodegradable and recycled toilet paper is less likely to leech harmful elements into your system, which is another advantage.

Strength

The usage of toilet paper that punctures and rips is both inconvenient and unpleasant. Make sure to take into consideration the toilet paper wet strength, which is the ability of the paper to withstand ripping when wetted. A high enough wet strength to accomplish the job without ripping, but a lower wet strength than ordinary toilet paper to break down rapidly once it’s flushed, is the optimal toilet paper for septic tanks. Generally speaking, one-ply and two-ply toilet paper are the most popular choices for septic system use; however, both are acceptable.

Two-ply papers have the advantage of being stronger, more pleasant to use, and still being septic-safe.

Absorbency

Thicker toilet paper is more absorbent than thinner toilet paper, but it can be harmful to a septic system that is already under stress. It’s advised to stay away from ultra-plush toilet paper that looks more like a paper towel than a toilet paper since certain types of toilet paper might be difficult to dissolve. However, even while ultra-thick toilet paper is generally more porous and comfortable to use, it has the potential to clump together rather than break down when flushed. When toilet paper begins to clump and accumulate, it is at this point that difficulties begin to arise, as it can cause an excessive accumulation or cause drainage to become clogged.

Roll Size

Toilet paper is available in a number of various roll sizes and with a number of different labels, ranging from standard to giant rolls. However, because there is no standard size for toilet paper, it is vital to investigate alternative methods of calculating cost-effectiveness and determining the most appropriate size for you and your family. Considering the number of sheets per roll of toilet paper might assist in determining if a certain brand of toilet paper is worth the money or not. It’s also important to consider the quality of the toilet paper; the size and thickness of the sheets will determine how many sheets are required for each wipe.

Because a smaller toilet paper roll holder and limited storage space are required when using toilet paper in an RV or boat bathroom, a smaller roll size is preferable in these situations.

Softness

Using rough or abrasive toilet paper, especially on a regular basis, is something that no one looks forward to. Choose a septic-safe toilet paper that is soft and enjoyable to use for your own comfort and convenience. Please keep in mind that certain ultra-soft toilet paper products are not suited for use in septic tanks. While they are nice to use, their plush surface is generally comprised of thick and lengthy strands that tend to degrade more slowly than other forms of toilet paper.

They are also more expensive to purchase. Instead, search for toilet paper that is soft enough to be used on a regular basis but not so plush that it will not break down in a septic system. When it comes to everyday use, two-ply toilet paper may be more comfortable than one-ply toilet paper.

Our Top Picks

Using rough or abrasive toilet paper, especially on a regular basis, is something that no one looks forward to doing. Choose toilet paper that is soft and enjoyable to use in order to maximize your comfort. Please keep in mind that certain ultra-soft toilet paper products are not suited for use in septic tank systems. However, while they may appear to be comfortable to use, their plush surface is often comprised of thick and lengthy strands that degrade more slowly than other varieties of toilet paper.

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When it comes to everyday use, two-ply toilet paper may be more comfortable than one-ply ones.

FAQs About Toilet Paper for Septic Systems

When you have a septic tank, you must be cautious about what you flush down the toilet and what you flush down the sink drain. By using a toilet paper that is designed specifically for septic systems, you may avoid potential plumbing difficulties like as blockages and clogged systems. More inquiries regarding selecting the best septic-safe toilet paper for your house can be answered by reviewing the commonly asked questions and answers listed below.

Q. Do I need special toilet paper for the septic system?

It’s crucial to use toilet paper that dissolves readily, even if you don’t need to use septic-system specific toilet paper. Look for toilet paper that is labeled “septic safe” if you’re in doubt.

Q. What is wet strength?

Water resistance measures how well paper holds up against rips and punctures when it is wet.

Q. Can I use two-ply toilet paper with a septic tank?

Yes, there is septic-friendly two-ply toilet paper available, and it is completely safe to use in septic systems as well.

Q. How long does it take for toilet paper to decompose in a septic tank?

The length of time it takes for toilet paper to decompose will vary depending on the kind, thickness, and components in the paper, as well as the conditions in the septic tank. In an ideal situation, toilet paper should begin to dissolve within seconds of being flushed; nevertheless, it may take longer to degrade.

Q. What is the worst toilet paper for septic tanks?

Most septic tanks are damaged by toilet paper that does not break down readily; this type of toilet paper will add to the buildup of scum at the bottom of the tank, which can result in more frequent septic tank pumping and/or the occurrence of blockages.

Q. Are flushable wipes OK for septic tanks?

It is not recommended to flush flushable wipes down septic systems since they do not disintegrate.

Final Thoughts

If you have a septic tank, it is critical that you use the proper toilet paper in order to keep your system in good working order. Toilet paper that does not degrade can build up and produce blockages, resulting in a messy or expensive repair job in the future. Septic-safe toilet paper degrades rapidly and completely, reducing the likelihood of plumbing issues.

Why Paper Matters with Your Septic System

It happens all too frequently that individuals believe that all paper products are made equal when it comes to their septic system. They may be aware that some items such as kitty litter and dental floss should not be flushed, but they believe that as long as they are just flushing paper products, they are safe. Absolutely nothing could be further from the truth! In some situations, products will accumulate in your septic tank, causing an overabundance of solids to build up. In other circumstances, these paper items might produce major obstructions in your plumbing or in the baffles of your tank, resulting in a sewage backup.

However, even in circumstances when some items are labeled as “flushable,” they can cause significant damage to your septic system, often in disastrous ways. Here are some of the most prevalent paper hazards, as well as reasons why we do not suggest utilizing them with septic systems:

Over-Plied and Overly Plush Toilet Paper

The multi-ply, excessively plush kinds of toilet paper, while still “septic safe,” will take substantially longer to break down in your septic tank, putting an additional pressure on the microorganisms in your tank and contributing significantly to the layer of sludge already present. As your sludge layer grows, the more frequently your tank will need to be drained, or you will run the risk of your septic backing up into your home, which will be costly. Opening the toilet tank and seeing what seems to be little cotton balls develop in the tank is always a good indicator that a client is using a multi-plied, excessively plush toilet paper.

But if giving up the velvety luxury of a quilted paper square is too much for you, we propose selecting your favorite three or four toilet papers and subjecting them to the Toilet Tissue Test.

Colored Toilet Paper

More than 40 years ago, having a bathroom that was completely synchronized was all the rage. Everyone and everything, down to the pastel hue of the toilet paper, was intended to be flawlessly coordinated. Not long after, studies revealed that the dyes in these brightly colored toilet paper rolls were causing skin irritation and, in the worst case scenario, cancer in experimental animals (see box). As a result, the craze faded away, and we were left with drab, white toilet paper. That is, until lately, at any rate.

While we cannot rule out the aesthetic attractiveness of a well-coordinated bathroom, we strongly advise against the use of colorful toilet paper owing to the dyes, which have a severe impact on the biological environment of your home’s septic system (see below).

Other Paper Products

The concept of a fully synchronized bathroom first gained popularity more than 40 years ago. Everyone and everything, down to the pastel hue of the toilet paper, was expected to be precisely coordinated. The dyes in these colorful toilet paper rolls were discovered to cause skin irritation and, worse, cancer in laboratory rats a short time later as a result of studies conducted at the time. After that, the craze fizzled off, and we were stuck with drab white toilet paper for the rest of time.

Possibly as a result of certain celebrities’ love with their colorful toilet paper, the toilet paper industry has suddenly become a riot of brilliant hues once more!

The “Unflushables”

However, while we highly advise against flushing any of the goods listed above, none of them are as potentially harmful to your septic system as “flushable” wipes. Even though these products are touted as being safe for your septic system and sewers, they have been implicated in a number of catastrophic septic system failures and sewage clogs, among other things. These wipes will never disintegrate, no matter how long they are submerged in water. They take up a large amount of space in your septic tank, causing the layer of sludge to increase much more quickly than you may imagine, resulting in a system backup into your house or solids being driven into the drain field, depending on the situation.

It is recommended that you dispose of these non-flushable “flushable” wipes in a garbage can rather than flushing them down the toilet if you have to use them.

Is it possible that you’ve flushed some of these paper dangers down the toilet? It is possible that you will want a tank pumping sooner than you anticipate. To arrange for a routine maintenance visit, please contact us right away.

Septic Maintenance Tips Atlanta GA – Septic Maintenance Near Me

Anyone who has dealt with a clogged septic system will attest to the fact that it is not a pleasant experience. However, at Septic Masters, we have discovered that the majority of septic system backups and problems may be avoided by correctly maintaining and caring for your septic system. We believe it is critical for anybody who lives or works near a septic system to be aware of the best practices for septic system maintenance.

Septic Maintenance Tips

The first and most important septic care advice that everyone should be aware of is that you should get your tank maintained or pumped on a consistent basis. This is the most effective technique for your septic expert to avoid blockages as well as identify any little difficulties that might cause a major problem later on in the future. You should have your tank pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. But what happens in the intervals between pumpings?

The wrong things or garbage that is flushed down your drains might cause your septic tank to become overburdened and rupture.

  • Oil or grease, baby wipes, paper towels, cat litter, and feminine things are all prohibited.

Grease or oil; baby wipes; paper towels; cat litter; genital adornment

Septic System Repair Near Me

Septic Masters is here to assist you whether it is time for septic tank pumping or servicing or you are experiencing problems and require septic system repair. We provide emergency septic service in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding metro region 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To book an appointment, please contact us right away.

Does My Toilet Paper Actually Dissolve Once I Flush?

Everyone has bills to pay and has seen the cost of food rise steadily over the previous five years, so it seems sense that when it comes time to restock on toilet tissue, you’d go for a less expensive brand in order to save a little money. In other words, while you may prefer the fluffier and cozier brands, the less expensive options may be be a blessing in disguise! We’re here to explain why this is the case, as well as what you can do to ensure that your toilet paper is both healthy for you and safe for your septic tank.

Not All Toilet Paper is Safe for Your Septic Tank

Everyone is aware of the detrimental effects grease has on drains, but few are aware that some toilet papers may be just as detrimental to your septic tank as grease is to your drains! Given that only liquid waste and water exit your septic tank, while toilet paper and solid waste remain within, it is advised that you clean or pump out your tank once every few years or so to remove the accumulation of waste. The kind of toilet tissue you choose will actually decide how frequently you will have to pump your tank since certain toilet tissues degrade more quickly and fully than others do.

Not only would purchasing thinner, septic tank friendly toilet paper be beneficial, but you need also be cautious not to overfill your tank before water and bacteria have had a chance to breakdown the waste in it.

Overfilled septic tanks might potentially result in you spending more money on septic tank repairs than you originally intended to save on toilet paper by doing so. Although we all prefer multiple-ply toilet paper, single-ply alternatives are actually the greatest all-around choice for most people.

How To Test If Your Toilet Paper Dissolves:

Using this toilet paper test, you can examine what happens when your toilet tissue goes to your septic tank without ever having to leave your house. It is also really simple. Let’s get this party started:

  • Fill a Tupperware container halfway with 4 sheets of your favorite toilet paper
  • And Fill the container with water until it is approximately two-thirds full
  • Shake the Tupperware container gently for approximately ten seconds, then let it to rest for a bit.

Fill a Tupperware container halfway with 4 sheets of your favorite toilet paper. 2/3 of the way fill the container with water, and then close the lid. shake the Tupperware container for approximately ten seconds, then let it to rest for a few seconds;

Paper Products to Avoid

Many people are unaware that only specific types of toilet paper should be flushed down your toilets and into your septic system, while others are well aware of this. While many products have been developed that appear to be environmentally friendly and are even labeled as flushable, those items are not easily processed by a septic system and can eventually cause back ups in your pipes, malfunctions in your drainfield, and, ultimately, costly repairs to your septic system and drainfield. Even particular varieties of toilet paper have been identified as common causes of frequent backups and system failures.

  1. Products that have been treated with chemicals or unbleached toilet paper are examples of this.
  2. It is the natural biological balance of a septic tank that is incredibly sensitive, and it is this balance that permits your system to operate effectively on a daily basis.
  3. The use of chemical agents can also inhibit the breakdown of papers, resulting in the paper being entangled in the effluent filter or screen.
  4. Wipes, napkins, paper towels, and more are available.
  5. Take care not to flush paper towels, napkins, or baby wipes down the toilet if you are using them.
  6. In fact, even wipes made by toilet paper businesses that are labeled as “flushable” should not be flushed since they can create major problems with your septic system and have even been known to cause problems with centralized sewer systems.
  7. Due to the fact that these goods are especially designed to be extremely absorbent, they are among the most difficult to break down.
  8. Some firms even go so far as to recommend that you may rip up your organic diapers and put them down the toilet.
  9. If the product looks to degrade promptly upon contact with water, it should be okay to flush down the toilet.
  10. Make sure to look for paper goods that are classified as rapid dissolving or biodegradable in order to get the best materials for your septic tank in order to maintain the health of your septic system.

Contact us if you would like more information about septic system maintenance or if you would like to schedule an inspection.

What You Need to Know About Toilet Paper and Septic Tanks

Previous PostNext PostIf you have a septic tank as part of your home’s waste management system, you may be concerned about throwing toilet paper in it. Here’s what you need to know about doing so. What is the impact of toilet paper on your septic tank, and what should you do to mitigate the problem?

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The Truth About Toilet Paper and Septic Tanks

The fact is that toilet paper is intended to be flushed, and there is no evidence to suggest that your septic tanks will have any problem filtering out conventional toilet tissue. You may continue to purchase your favorite toilet paper and flush it without fear of repercussions, as long as you don’t flush too much at once. However, if you are still afraid or unconvinced that toilet paper will not harm your septic tank, there are several actions you may take to alleviate your concerns.

Disintegrating Toilet Paper

The fact is that toilet paper is intended to be flushed, and there is no evidence to suggest that your septic tanks will have any problem filtering out conventional toilet paper. As long as you don’t flush too much at once, you may continue to purchase your favorite toilet paper and use it without fear of consequences. You may, however, take a few precautions if you are still anxious or unconvinced that toilet paper will not damage your septic tank.

Judicious Use of Paper

Instead of wadding up a gigantic ball of toilet paper every time you go to the bathroom, tear off five or six sheets of paper, fold them over once, and use them that way to ensure that no large chunks of paper are flushed down the toilet at the same time as you.

Throw the Toilet Paper Away

There is no legislation requiring you to flush your toilet paper down the toilet, and you are not required to do so. Alternatively, you might purchase a specialized toilet paper trash can with a lid that is particularly built for toilet paper and tell all family members to place all toilet paper in that bin.

Recycled Toilet Paper

Some individuals choose to use recycled toilet paper because they believe it will be healthier for their toilet tank than some of the soft, fluffy brand-name toilet paper options available. There is no concrete evidence to support this. However, it is unlikely to cause damage to the septic tank, and it is also healthier for the environment, so you should consider using it.

Maintaining Your Septic Tank

Because you are clearly concerned about your septic tank, you want to make certain that it, as well as the rest of your plumbing, is in proper operating condition at all times. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse will assist you whether you live in or around the greater Syracuse region. The free plumbing examination we provide means that we will examine your pipes and make sure everything is in working order for no additional cost to you. Otherwise, we can tell you what has to be done and provide you with a reasonable estimate so you are aware of what is to be expected.

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Avoid Putting These Items Into Your Septic System

Residents of residential properties with septic systems must exercise caution while flushing toilet paper or other toilet paper down the toilet. Eventually, anything you flush down the toilet or down the drain will wind up in the septic tank, and not everything will be suited for the tank. Here are some objects that should never be dumped into your septic system, as well as instructions on how to properly dispose of them. Products for Feminine Hygiene Place the trash in the garbage can. A septic tank is safe to flush down with toilet paper that has been intended to decompose fast in a septic tank; nevertheless, this is about the only paper product that should be flushed down a toilet that is connected to a septic system.

  • Tampons and some wet wipes are appropriate for municipal water systems and will flow through pipes, but they will cause difficulties in a septic tank because they contain chemicals that are toxic to bacteria.
  • Using more of these goods, the available capacity in your tank will decline until you are forced to have your tank pumped out completely.
  • The number of times you’ll need a service depends on how many individuals are flushing these things, but even if only one person is flushing these items, your tank’s service period will be reduced.
  • If people are uncomfortable with the idea of seeing items in the garbage when they use the restroom, you may purchase a tiny covered trash bin for the room that keeps its contents hidden from view.
  • Coffee grounds are a type of soil that is rich in nutrients.
  • For two reasons, coffee grinds should never be allowed to enter your septic tank.
  • When this occurs, the entire system stops to function as it is intended to do.

The bacteria survive best in a pH range between 6.5 and 7.5, with a preference for pH values between 6.5 and 7.

This is more acidic than the microorganisms in a tank are capable of withstanding.

Although the liquid in the tank will not be transformed into anything like a cup of coffee, the chemicals that drain from the grounds will acidify the tank in the same way that tap water does when coffee is brewed in a coffee pot.

If you flush coffee grounds down the toilet on a daily basis, they will build and make the tank too acidic for the bacteria to survive.

Useless coffee grounds are best disposed of in a compost pile, which you can simply create if you don’t already have one.

To compost coffee grounds if you don’t already do so, simply toss them in a heap and they’ll begin to decompose on their own as nature takes its course.

Ticks, which may transmit a variety of deadly diseases, should not be flushed down the toilet or into a septic tank – but not because it is harmful to the tank.

Ticks do not drown while submerged in water, therefore flushing them down your home’s plumbing and into your septic tank will not result in their death.

If the creature resurfaces after a period of time, it will still be alive and will be able to reproduce, make its way to your yard, and attack animals or people once more.

Ticks are poisonous to alcohol and will die if they come into contact with it, therefore most people have a bottle of rubbing alcohol in their home.

Even with the finest maintenance, a septic system will require service from time to time. Contact Walters Environmental Services if you need to have your septic tank pumped out.

Will Too Much Toilet Paper Harm My Septic Tank?

Residents of residential properties with septic systems must exercise caution while flushing toilet paper or other toilet paper into the toilet or sink. Whatever you flush down the toilet or flush down the drain will ultimately end up in the septic tank, and not everything is acceptable for a septic tank to house. Below, you’ll find a list of goods that should never be dumped into your septic system, as well as instructions on how to properly dispose of them. Products for Women’s Hygiene Dump your garbage somewhere else.

A septic tank should never be used to store other things, such as feminine hygiene products and wipes.

These types of items will not degrade in a septic tank and will thus accumulate at the bottom of the tank.

People in your family who flush tampons and wet wipes will be required to pay for septic tank service more frequently if this occurs.

Instead of flushing tampons and wet wipes down the toilet, throw them away in the garbage.

Make a classy notice for your bathroom if you often party so that guests are aware that they should not flush feminine products or wipes (if they have young children).

Place it in the Compost Pile if possible.

Furthermore, grounds might cause your tank’s pH to fluctuate because they do not decompose and take up room as feminine products and garbage do.

The bacteria that live within a septic tank work together to treat human waste as they consume it in a carefully orchestrated ecosystem.

Brew coffee, on the other hand, has a pH that ranges between 4.5 and 6.0, depending on how it’s brewed and what’s in it.

In the case of coffee grounds that make their way into a septic tank, they can be used to make coffee again.

Because any influence that they may have will be overpowered by other material in the tank, a few stray grounds that fall from a mug as you rinse it are unlikely to significantly alter the pH of your septic tank.

Nothing in the tank will decay correctly if the bacteria are not allowed to flourish.

While decomposing, the grounds will release nitrogen into the soil, which is beneficial to a variety of plants in the process.

Ticks Make your way into Rubbing Alcohol!

When you flush a tick down the toilet, it doesn’t get rid of the bug completely.

Yes, flushing a tick will temporarily eliminate it from your house or yard since it will no longer be there.

Ticks can be killed by soaking them in alcohol, such as rubbing alcohol, for a short period of time.

Fortunately, most people keep some rubbing alcohol in their homes, which is poisonous to ticks and will kill them. Service for a septic system is required on a regular basis, even with the finest maintenance. Contact Walters Environmental Services if you need your septic tank drained out.

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