What's the Best Type of Toilet Paper?

You may feel spoiled for choice, facing shelves full of bath tissue. But, what’s the best type of toilet paper? Everyone knows the single-ply, thin stuff flushes better, but is there a compromise between clear plumbing pipes and a happy bottom?

Your Priorities Make a Difference

Like most “bests” in life, the best type of toilet paper really depends on your situation and needs. If you or someone in your home has sensitive skin, toilet paper really matters.

However, if you live in an older home, you may be concerned about your waste pipes. Even more importantly – are you on a septic tank or sewer line?

Septic Specifics

If you have a septic tank, then you probably already know that it requires maintenance and a specific type of toilet paper.

Since anything that doesn’t break down completely has to be pumped out of the tank, you need toilet paper that dissolves easily.

Old pipes

If you own a home built before the 1960s, you may be dealing with galvanized steel waste pipes. These corrode, which makes them brittle and prone to breakage.

They often accumulate buildup from this corrosion, slowing down the water flow. So, you’ll also need paper that dissolves quickly and completely.

The Best Type of Toilet Paper for All Homes

Luckily, there are a few tissue types suitable for septic tanks, old sewer pipes, and even homes with newer plumbing.

When shopping for the best bath tissue, look for the following kinds that break down easily.

Marine / RV paper

For those who live life on the go, plumbing facilities tend to be a bit less robust. Toilet paper for use on boats and campers is designed to dissolve to avoid clogging up these toilets.

RV and boat toilets require emptying, just like a septic tank. So, recreational vehicle manufacturers recommend using highly dissolvable paper to avoid maintenance problems.

Recycled paper

Toilet paper made from post-consumer paper is also highly dissolvable and easy on pipes and septic tanks. And since it’s manufactured with sustainability in mind, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, like bleach, to irritate your skin.

This is also a plus for those with septic systems since these chemicals can inhibit the chemical reactions of your septic system microbiology.

Bamboo paper

Toilet paper made from bamboo may be the solution to your comfort dilemma. It’s soft and comfortable for both you and your plumbing pipes.

Since it’s made from a grass, rather than trees, the pulp breaks down much quicker in both sewer treatment plants and septic tanks. It also grows quicker than trees, making it a more eco-friendly option. Both of these qualities make it good for the environment, too.

Easy Future Flushing

If you’re having trouble with your septic tank or old corrode pipes, you may need more than a new toilet paper.