Septic systems rely on bacteria inside the tank that works to break down toilet paper and solid waste. As the solids get broken down, they are transformed into sludge that settles at the very bottom of the tank.
Naturally occurring bacteria inside your septic tank work to dissolve and consume the solid waste. This is the good bacteria you need to help keep your septic tank system working properly. The liquid in your tank then drains through small holes in the pipes into your drain field.
If you purchase toilet paper that is labeled septic safe it should dissolve completely within 20 minutes. You can test this yourself by taking your septic-safe toilet paper brand and scrunching it into a cup of water.
Using Plunger With Chemicals
You can also use bleach for this purpose and some other chemicals designed specifically for dissolving toilet paper clogs in drains and pipes.
Septic system owners have long relied on RID-X® along with occasional pumping to help keep their septic systems free-flowing. Breaks down paper. RID-X® contains cellulase enzymes, the only enzyme that can digest paper.
Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly into the toilet bowl water surrounding the blocked toilet. Slowly pour 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar down the inside of the bowl to avoid splashes. Stand back as a fizzy foam reaction occurs, potentially breaking apart paper. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush it repeatedly.
Charmin toilet paper and flushable wipes are clog safe and septic safe, guaranteed! If you experience a clog due to your use of Charmin toilet paper, we'll refund your purchase price. For more information click here.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and vinegar (5% acetic acid) react to make sodiom acetate and carbon dioxide and water with the carbon dioxide vigorously bubbling out. So yes, the water and the bubbling CO2 would likely break the toilet paper down.
Drano is a top-rated product that has proven its effectiveness in clearing clogs in toilets and other plumbing fixtures.
Bleach can often clear a toilet clog by breaking down the clog-causing materials. These include toilet paper, waste, and other debris. Pouring bleach into the toilet bowl and letting it sit can dissolve the blockage, improving water flow. But, bleach might not work for very tough clogs.
Healthy septic tanks already have enough bacteria to support the biological processes that treat human waste and wastewater. By adding more bacteria in the tank, you create conditions in which bacterial populations compete against each other. This competition can do more harm than good.
Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.
You can replenish good bacteria in your septic tank by adding three rotten tomatoes or 1/4 ounce of yeast every three months. Put three overripe tomatoes in the garbage disposal while running the faucet. Or pour 1/4 ounce of yeast in the toilet and flush it down.
Your septic tank naturally contains good bacteria, and you won't really need to do much to put good bacteria in the septic tank. You can use additives like active yeast, rotten tomatoes, or store-bought septic enzymes or chemicals if you'd like, but typically, the system will produce beneficial bacteria on its own.
The only form of Drano® product recommended for use in a slow toilet is Drano® Max Build-Up Remover. When used according to label directions, the microorganisms in this product will break down toilet paper and organic matter in pipes, which can slow water flow. (This product will NOT open a completely clogged toilet.)
Epsom Salt. Epsom salt isn't just for bath time—it's also a surprisingly effective method for breaking down toilet paper clogs. To use this method, begin by pouring one to two cups of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl. Add hot water from the tap to help dissolve the salt.
Epsom salt helps break down toilet paper stuck in the sewer line. Pour one to two cups of Epsom salt into the toilet bowl. Add warm (not boiling) water. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes or even overnight.
The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.
Septic systems rely on bacteria inside the tank that works to break down toilet paper and solid waste. As the solids get broken down, they are transformed into sludge that settles at the very bottom of the tank.
Avoid using cleaner tabs—they often contain bleach, which is a no-no for cleaning toilet tanks because of bleach's corrosive properties. Add a cup of white distilled vinegar to the tank once a month. Leave it to sit overnight and then flush it in the morning.
It's essential to clean the inside of a toilet tank to remove mineral deposits that can damage or interfere with the toilet's operation. Baking soda will absorb odors, break down stains, and dislodge fungal growth with its abrasive power.
As a general rule, it is advised that you pump out your septic tank once every 2-5 years.
Yes. Angel Soft® toilet paper is safe for well-maintained septic and sewer systems.