Are low-flow toilets bad for septic systems?

Author: Ahmad Abbott  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

The more water flushed, the quicker your septic tank fills, and the more often it needs to get drained. Acquiring a low flow toilet can decrease how often your septic tank needs to be drained, saving you time and money.

Can you use a low-flow toilet with a septic system?

All of the parts of your residential septic system work together to effectively and efficiently process all the waste from your home. Low-flow toilets can be an important part of a well-run septic system.

Do low flush toilets cause sewer problems?

because of the lower water content per flush the sewage/solids can be more likely to settle/build up on the more horizonal parts of the sewage pipes. This is especially problematic in older plumbing systems (pre PVC pipes) .

Are low-flow toilets more likely to clog?

Clogs - Because low-flow toilets use less water, solid waste may be more likely to become stuck somewhere inside the toilet or drain. If a clog goes unnoticed, a low-flow toilet can clog the next time it is flushed.

What are the disadvantages of low-flow toilets?

Cons of Low-Flow Toilets
  • Clogged Pipes. Because low-flow toilets don't push as much water through the pipes, they're not as effective at eliminating waste. ...
  • Sewage Smell. If enough waste gets backed up pipes, smelly odors can build up and float back into your home. ...
  • Higher Installation Costs.

Understanding Septic Systems | Ask This Old House

Why does my low-flow toilet keep clogging?

It could be a non-flushable item, too much toilet paper, or simply excess waste. If your toilet constantly clogs, there's a reasonable chance that the S-trap has a lot of matter stuck inside. Unclogging the S-trap may be the answer to why your toilet clogs easily. Plunging should move most clogs along.

What is the hardest toilet to clog?

Champion 4 Toilet Meet the Champion 4, the undisputed leader in high performance toilets. With the industry's widest 2 3/8" trapway and 4" flush valve, it created a plunger free world for homeowners and virtually eliminated clogged toilet call backs for plumbers.

How long do low-flow toilets last?

Low-flow toilets can last up to 30 years without being replaced. Moreover, they can also add to your home's resale value. Low-flow toilets are increasingly available as an option for newly constructed homes.

How can I make my low-flow toilet flush better?

A Plumber Outlines Ways To Increase Flushing Power In A Low-Flow Toilet | Burleson, TX
  1. Replace the Toilet Flapper.
  2. Adjust the Water Level in the Tank.
  3. Install a Dual-Flush Toilet.
  4. Clean the Toilet Tank.
  5. Install a Toilet Booster Pump.
  6. Upgrade to a Higher Capacity Toilet Tank.
  7. Replace the Entire Toilet System.

What are the corrosive consequences of low flow toilets?

Often, if the pipe is already corroded, toilet paper and waste can get caught on the rough corroded surface, further exacerbating the problem. In the end, reduced flow and more concentrated waste result in a rapid acceleration of the corrosion process, ultimately leading to clogs, back-ups, broken pipes and leaks.

How to convert a low-flow toilet to high flow?

How to Convert a Low-Flow Toilet to High-Flow. Unfortunately, it's not possible to convert a low-flow toilet to a high-flow or pressure-assisted toilet. The only option is to replace a gravity-flush toilet with a pressure-assisted flush toilet.

Can a running toilet cause a high sewer bill?

The most common source of abnormally high water/sewer bills is leaky plumbing inside the property. More often than not, the source of that leak is a toilet.

What brand of toilet paper is septic-safe?

Cottonelle UltraComfortcare is clog-free, septic-safe, and sewer-safe. Cottonelle uses renewable plant-based fibers, which makes this toilet paper biodegradable and great for your septic system. They do not contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals, so should not disrupt the delicate balance in your septic system.

Why won't my toilet flush on septic?

It can get plugged with hard water deposits or objects. Your septic system isn't working. Many septic problems can cause issues with toilet flushing. You may need a new outlet filter for your tank or a new drainfield.

How many gallons per flush is a low-flow toilet?

Standard toilets us approximately 7 gallons per flush, while the regular low-flow toilet model uses 1.6 gallons per flush. (Some models are even more efficient.) This means an automatic reduction in you water bills each month, and over a full year the savings can add up to be tremendous.

What are the disadvantages of low-flush toilets?

The most apparent disadvantage associated with low-flow toilets is that they aren't quite as effective as traditional toilet models when it comes to flushing away waste, and this is largely because of their overall water-saving purposes.

Do low-flush toilets cause septic problems?

Homeowners who purchase low flow toilets often do not have enough water or water pressure to fully clear their sewage system, which can cause costly and stinky sewage backup problems.

Should I replace a 20 year old toilet?

But, the rule of thumb is to replace your toilet every 25 years, due to damage and regular wear and tear. If you have an older toilet, you should consider newer model toilets as they will be more efficient in conserving water and utility costs.

What is the best toilet to avoid blockage?

Pressure-assisted toilets and dual-flush toilets are often known for their strong flushing performance, which helps prevent clogs.

Do KOHLER toilets clog easily?

Flushing performance means reliable power without wasting water. In other words, KOHLER flushing technologies, like AquaPiston®, give you a consistently powerful clog-free flush.

What toilet flushes golf balls?

To verify its power and unmatched performance, the Champion Right Height Toilet has been tested and proven by American Standard to flush a bucket of golf balls in a single flush, using 20% less water than conventional toilets.

Why does my toilet keep clogging every time I poop?

The Short Answer Is: A toilet can repeatedly clog due to several reasons, including inadequate flushing power, an obstructed trap or drainpipe, or an accumulation of non-flushable materials like toilet paper, hygiene products, or foreign objects.

How much does a new toilet cost?

Replacing a toilet costs between $275 and $480 in most cases, and the average cost sits around $375.

Do dual flush toilets clog more?

Clogs are a terrible inconvenience to your day, and unfortunately, they're more common with dual-flush toilets than single-flush ones. A common mistake is pushing the wrong button for the waste type. So, the toilet can clog if you accidentally use the liquid waste button for solid waste.

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