Is Charmin Toilet Paper Septic Safe?

Septic systems rely on gravity to move waste from your home to the septic tank and to separate solids from liquids for storage within the tank. Materials that are too thick or that don’t dissolve rapidly can interfere with this process, causing sewer backups, clogs, or even septic system failures.

That’s why some plumbers and other industry professionals may recommend avoiding thicker toilet paper like Charmin, although it’s considered “septic safe” by the company’s own standards.

How Does a Septic Tank Work?

Inside a septic tank:

• Solid waste is separated from liquid effluent using two or more chambers and a series of baffles.
• Liquid effluent, which is primarily water, then passes into the leach field and filters down into the soil.
• The solids remain in the septic tank, where beneficial bacteria break them down, reducing their volume and increasing the amount of time required between septic pumping services.

What Does “Septic Safe” Really Mean?

Toilet paper that’s “septic safe” is designed to dissolve quickly in water. Materials like thick toilet paper, baby wipes, “flushable” wipes, or feminine hygiene products aren’t considered “septic safe” and can clog sewer pipes, collect on septic baffles, collect inlet or outlet pipes, or clog the leach field, interfering with the operation of the septic tank and causing failures.

Repairs often involve extensive excavation of the septic tank, septic lines, or leach field, which can be messy and costly. By using easily dissolvable toilet paper and avoiding foreign materials like tissues, paper towels, or “flushable” wipes, you can prevent expensive repairs and prolong the service life of your septic system.

Although there’s no standard test that designates whether toilet paper is safe for septic systems, products labeled “septic safe” have been tested by the manufacturer to ensure that they dissolve quickly.

Almost all toilet papers are considered “septic safe,” though thicker ones may add to the solids in your septic tank, meaning you’ll have to have it pumped more frequently.

Is Charmin Toilet Paper Certified Septic Safe?

Charmin designates all of its toilet paper products as “Clog-Free” and “Septic Safe,” and it features a money-back guarantee if there’s ever a problem. Each product is tested at Procter & Gamble’s own flushability lab, and their products are Roto-Rooter-approved.

How Quickly Does Charmin Break Down in Water?

According to tests by Family Handyman, Charmin dissolves faster than most other premium brands, with most material broken down during a 15-minute test, but it dissolves slower than single-ply toilet paper.

When toilet paper dissolves faster, it will:

• Be less likely to cause clogging in drain, sewer, and septic lines
• Be less likely to interfere with the separation of solids and liquids in the septic tank
• Leave behind fewer solid materials that need to be pumped out of the septic tank

Which Charmin Products Are Best for Septic Systems?

Charmin offers three different toilet paper products:

• Charmin Ultra Soft provides the best comfort, but it also dissolves the slowest.
• Charmin Ultra Strong is more resilient and dissolves quicker than Ultra Soft.
• Charmin Essentials is the best Charmin product for your septic system. It dissolves the fastest without sacrificing comfort.

Other great options for septic-safe toilet paper include Scott single-ply or rapid-dissolving toilet paper and generally any one-ply, recycled, or biodegradable product.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Septic System

To keep your septic system working at its best, avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaning products down the drain, and use toilet paper without scents or artificial dyes, as these chemicals can harm the bacteria that help break down solid waste.

Protect Your Toilet Drains

To prevent drain clogs, avoid flushing anything but waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Products to avoid flushing include:

• Tissues
• Cotton balls
• Paper towels
• Wet wipes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Foreign objects like keys, toys, or cigarette butts

Protect Your Sink & Shower Drains

We also recommend protecting your sink drains by throwing away cooking grease, oils, and fats after they have cooled, rather than rinsing them down the sink. You can also add drain screens in all sink, tub, and shower drains to catch food particles, hair, jewelry, and other foreign objects.

Conserve Water

To reduce strain on your septic system and leach field, especially if it’s older, keep the amount of water that flows through the system to a minimum. Basic water conservation techniques can help, including:

• Installing low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets
• Taking shorter showers
• Turning off the sink water while brushing your teeth
• Fixing any leaks right away
• Making sure your toilet isn’t running constantly or leaking from the flapper valve

It’s extremely important to have your septic system, drains, and sewer lines serviced at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help prevent clogs and keep your septic system healthy.

Schedule Sewer Services in Pennsylvania & the Delaware Valley

If you’re having a problem with your septic system, drain, or sewer lines, call Len The Plumber Heating & Air. We serve Pennsylvania’s Chester, Delaware, Bucks, and Montgomery counties and the Delaware Valley, and we have over 25 years of plumbing experience.

Our company features expert plumbers with full licensing and insurance and same day service with upfront pricing. Our services are backed by an industry-leading guarantee. We’ll make the repair process as smooth as possible.

Contact us today to schedule sewer services in Pennsylvania or the Delaware Valley.