Plumbers generally recommend toilet paper that dissolves quickly and breaks down entirely in water to prevent clogs and protect septic systems. Top choices that meet these criteria include Angel Soft, Scott Rapid-Dissolving, and Seventh Generation 100% Recycled.
Most plumbers recommend 1-ply or 2-ply toilet paper that breaks down quickly in water. Look for options labeled “septic safe” or “rapid-dissolving”—these reduce the risk of buildup in your pipes and are better for both standard and older plumbing systems.
PMRs for malignancies of the stomach, kidney, brain, and lymphopoietic system were also elevated, especially among plumbers. Chronic rheumatic heart disease, emphysema, liver cirrhosis, and all external causes of death were the major non-cancer causes with significantly elevated PMRs.
To prevent plumbing blockages, switch to 1-ply or fast-dissolving/septic-safe toilet paper. These options break down rapidly in water, protecting older pipes and low-flow toilets from clogs.
Plumbers often advise against using Charmin toilet paper because it is known for being particularly thick and plush, which can lead to clogs in plumbing systems.
Gynecologists recommend choosing white, unscented, and unbleached toilet paper to maintain vaginal health. To prevent irritation, burning, or recurrent infections, doctors suggest avoiding heavily dyed, fragranced, or "ultra-soft" papers that leave behind lint.
The most advanced washlets can mix the water jet with soap for an improved cleaning process. The washlet can replace toilet paper completely, but many users opt to use both wash and paper in combination—although use of paper may be omitted for cleaning of the vulva.
Plumbers strongly advise against flushing ultra-plush, 3-ply, or heavily quilted toilet papers (such as Charmin Ultra Soft/Strong and Kirkland Signature). These premium, highly absorbent brands are designed to be thick and durable, meaning they dissolve slowly and are notorious for forming stubborn clogs in pipes and septic systems.
Many traditional Amish communities consider manufactured toilet paper an unnecessary luxury and use resource-saving alternatives instead. In outhouses, families often repurpose old newspapers, magazine pages, or catalogs (like the Sears and Roebuck catalog). To make the paper soft enough to use, they crumple it vigorously multiple times.
Yes, an estimated 70% of the world does not use dry toilet paper to wipe. Instead, many cultures across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe prioritize washing with water.
In plumbing, the "135-degree rule" is a code standard that dictates how much a horizontal drain pipe can bend or change direction. It limits the total cumulative angle of pipe fittings before a system requires an access point (cleanout) or must be vented, ensuring proper flow and preventing chronic clogs.
10 Things That Your Plumber Wishes You Knew
In November 1954, Albert Einstein famously expressed admiration for the plumbing profession, stating that if he were a young man again, he "would rather choose to be a plumber in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available."
Ultra-soft, thick, and multi-ply toilet papers clog toilets the most. Brands like Charmin Ultra Soft and Cottonelle are notorious for clogging because their thick, plush fibers are designed for softness and do not dissolve easily.
The "best" toilet paper largely comes down to personal preference, but top-tier brands consistently lead the market in softness, strength, and overall value.
Plumbers recommend sticking to three major brands: Toto, Kohler, and American Standard. They value these brands for their durable parts, reliable flushing mechanisms, and the ease of sourcing replacement components years down the line.
Muslims use water instead of, or in addition to, toilet paper to clean themselves after using the restroom. This practice, called Istinja, is rooted in Islamic hygiene and purity laws.
Amish wedding nights prioritize community, tradition, and practicality over the modern idea of a private honeymoon. On their wedding night, the bride and groom typically return to the bride’s parents' home, where the newlyweds must wake up early the next morning to help clean the house after the large celebration.
Before modern toilet paper, humans used readily available natural materials—including leaves, moss, sand, seashells, snow, and sticks—or water to clean themselves, depending on their environment and social status. Historical options ranged from Roman sponges on a stick (tersorium) to corn cobs, old rags, and, later, newspapers.
What toilet paper do gynecologists recommend? Most clinical guidance points to white, unscented, unbleached paper, with hypoallergenic or bamboo options favored for sensitive skin.
And, Charmin toilet paper is used by more plumbers than any other brand. Is Charmin septic safe? Yes. Charmin is septic safe and thoroughly tested to ensure it will settle in a septic tank and then undergo biodegradation in the tank.
Around 70% of the world doesn't rely on toilet paper in the way we do, turning to water before tissue.
Around 70% of the world does not primarily rely on toilet paper. Instead, people in these regions use water, bidets, or handheld sprays (often called "bum guns") for personal hygiene, citing better cleanliness and reduced plumbing issues.
The Japanese do shave their faces, arms, legs, and pubic areas. Those with hairy pubic areas are considered sexy. However, as the Western culture has influenced the country, this practice has become more accepted in Japan. A Japanese woman who is hairless is not considered sexy – she is like a neutered man.
The "5-minute rule" in Japan refers to a strict cultural practice of punctuality where you are expected to arrive at least five minutes before a scheduled meeting or appointment. Arriving "exactly on time" is often viewed as late, while being too early can also be seen as an imposition.