If you’ve got a septic system, you know the drill. Flush the wrong thing, and suddenly, you’re facing a huge repair bill and a home that smells like… well, you know.
Shoppers are bombarded with “septic safe” toilet paper claims (among other marketing labels), and it’s hard to suss out the truth. You’re also probably asking: where does my favourite bamboo toilet paper fit into all this?
Sit tight, because we’re washing away any confusion with straight facts on septic friendly rolls, bamboo’s benefits, and how to keep your system happy for years to come.
What makes toilet paper septic safe?
Millions of homes worldwide operate on septic systems, with over one in five US households alone depending on them. For them, choosing the right toilet paper isn’t just about comfort — it’s about preventing expensive plumbing disasters.
What makes some loo rolls kinder to your septic system than others? It depends on how quickly they disintegrate.
Septic tanks generally require three to five years to achieve complete waste decomposition — your toilet paper shouldn’t hinder that process. Septic friendly toilet paper should:
Disintegrate almost immediately — breaking apart within seconds of hitting the bowl. The faster it turns to mush, the less likely it is to clog your pipes.
Be lightweight with minimal fibres. Those ultra plush, quilted, multi-ply luxury rolls might feel heavenly on your tush, but they’ll punish your plumbing.
Contain no additives. Fragrances, lotions and dyes all interfere with decomposition, potentially disrupting the delicate bacterial balance that keeps your septic system functioning properly.
Want a quick test? Drop a few sheets in a jar of water and shake it. If it’s still holding its shape after a good swirl, your septic tank might struggle with it too.
Use septic safe toilet paper…or bust
Non-septic safe toilet paper causes a domino effect of plumbing problems. Traditional toilet paper chemicals like bleach, softening agents, and formaldehyde kill beneficial bacteria, disturbing the microbial ecosystem that septic systems rely on.
It’ll start with slow drains as gunk builds up in pipes. Next come the clogs, followed by backups that send sewage into your home.
As for repair bills? Those aren’t cheap anywhere in the world. In the US, residents typically pay an average of $1,830 for repair work and inspections, depending on the septic tank size and the type of fix that’s required.
UK homeowners typically spend between £100 and £250 on unblocking minor drain clogs. Moderate blockages cost up to £400, while severe cases incur costs of £500 or more.
And that’s just for addressing clogs! Practically a bargain compared to complete replacement costs, ranging from $3,000 to $9,500 (£2,263 to £7166).
Why bamboo toilet paper is septic safe
Bamboo toilet paper is a septic system’s best friend due to its quick breakdown and natural composition.
Bamboo is a natural, plant-based material. This means it's biodegradable and doesn't contain the harsh chemicals or additives that some other toilet papers might have.
Unlike conventional toilet paper, bamboo toilet paper produces less lint. Excess lint can accumulate in septic tanks, contributing to sludge buildup and potential blockages.
So, is bamboo toilet paper septic safe? In a word: yes.
Bamboo vs traditional toilet paper for septic friendly rolls
Conventional toilet paper from virgin wood pulp often ranks as the worst contender. Those super soft, multi-ply rolls loaded with lotion and fragrance? They’re kryptonite for your tank, breaking down slowly while their chemicals disrupt your system’s bacterial balance.
Bamboo toilet paper, meanwhile, earns its championship belt as a top-tier option. It plays well with septic systems, is very soft, and has a reputation as a renewable powerhouse with the fastest growth rate of any plant in the world.
Recycled toilet paper varies widely in quality. Premium recycled options use carefully sourced material and proper processing to ensure they’re both septic-safe and free from harmful chemicals.
When shopping for septic safe toilet paper, look for:
100% bamboo or properly processed recycled paper (no sneaky blends)
FSCⓇ certification confirming sustainable sourcing
You can make the planet as happy as your pipes with the right choices.
Tips to maintain septic system health
Your septic system is a complex ecosystem that needs proper care. Here’s how to keep it purring along:
Be mindful of what goes down your drains. Only human waste and septic safe toilet paper should take the plunge. Wet wipes (even those labelled “flushable”) are septic system assassins in disguise.
Ease up on harsh chemicals. Bleach, antibacterial soaps and drain cleaners kill the good bacteria your system needs. Consider switching to septic safe cleaning products.
Conserve your water usage. Running multiple loads of laundry, long showers and dishwasher cycles back-to-back overwhelms your system’s ability to process wastewater.
Schedule regular inspections and pumping every 3 to 5 years, per the EPA. It’s much better to catch problems early than deal with a full-blown septic emergency.
Wiping well with Who Gives A Crap
At Who Gives A Crap, we don’t just talk the talk — we walk the walk when it comes to septic safe toilet paper.
Our 100% bamboo toilet paper is a septic system’s best mate. It breaks down quickly, contains zero nasty chemicals and comes wrapped in plastic-free packaging that won’t clog up landfills.
Our 100% recycled toilet paper, too, is carefully sourced and processed to ensure it’s both gentle on sensitive areas and septic friendly. No BPA, no chlorine, no worries.
But the benefits go beyond your loo. While protecting your septic system, you’re also helping to provide sanitation to communities worldwide, as we donate 50% of our profits to support these initiatives.
That’s what we call a win-win for bottoms and bottom lines everywhere.
Conclusion – Tame your septic system with 100% bamboo rolls
Your septic system works hard. It deserves toilet paper that won’t make its job harder. Now you know that bamboo toilet paper isn’t just septic safe, it’s optimal for these plumbing systems.
Remember, the ideal septic friendly toilet papers share three crucial qualities: quick disintegration, minimal fibres and no chemical additives. Bamboo ticks all these boxes while bringing natural antibacterial properties to help maintain your tank’s bacterial balance.
Regular maintenance and mindful flushing habits will keep your system running smoothly. However, choosing the right toilet paper is an easy daily decision with substantial long-term benefits.
Ready to treat your septic system right? Our toilet paper stands by to save your pipes, please your posterior, and protect the planet.