If you have a septic system, you know the right toilet paper’s importance. Septic systems are designed to break down organic waste safely and efficiently dispose of it. However, not all toilet paper is compatible with septic systems. Some toilet paper is too thick, strong, or slow to dissolve, which can cause clogs, backups, or overflows in your septic tank.
One of the market’s most popular toilet paper brands is Kirkland, which is sold exclusively at Costco. Kirkland toilet paper is known for being soft, absorbent, and affordable. But is Kirkland toilet paper safe for septic tanks? In this article, we’ll answer this question and more. We’ll also share tips on choosing, using, and maintaining toilet paper for your septic system.
Is Kirkland Toilet Paper Septic-Safe?
The short answer is yes, Kirkland toilet paper is septic-safe. According to Costco’s website’s
, Kirkland toilet paper is “safe for standard sewer and septic systems.” This means it meets the biodegradable, flushable, and dissolvable requirements.
However, this does not mean Kirkland toilet paper is best for your septic system. Some factors may affect how well Kirkland toilet paper performs in your septic tank, such as:
- Thickness: Kirkland toilet paper is 2-ply, meaning it has two layers of paper. This makes it thicker and stronger than 1-ply toilet paper and slower to dissolve. Thicker toilet paper may take longer to break down in your septic tank, which can reduce the capacity and efficiency of your system.
- Quantity: Kirkland toilet paper comes in large rolls that have 425 sheets per roll. This means that you get more toilet paper for your money, but also more potential waste. Using too much toilet paper can fill up your septic tank faster and increase the risk of clogs or backups.
- Quality: Kirkland toilet paper is made from virgin pulp, which is derived from wood. This makes it softer and smoother than recycled toilet paper, but also less eco-friendly and sustainable. Virgin pulp requires more water and energy to produce than recycled pulp, and it also contributes to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.
How to Choose Toilet Paper for Septic Systems
If you want to choose the best toilet paper for your septic system, here are some tips on what to look for:
- Look for the label: The easiest way to tell if a toilet paper is septic-safe is to look for the label on the package. Some toilet paper brands have a logo or a statement that indicates that they are safe for standard sewer and septic systems. You can also look for certifications from independent organizations, such as the [National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)] or the [Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)], that verify the quality and sustainability of the toilet paper.
- Choose 1-ply or single-ply: 1-ply or single-ply toilet paper has only one layer of paper, which makes it thinner and weaker than 2-ply or multi-ply toilet paper. However, this also makes it faster and easier to dissolve in water, which reduces the chances of clogs or backups in your septic tank. 1-ply or single-ply toilet paper also uses less material and resources than 2-ply or multi-ply toilet paper, which makes it more eco-friendly and economical.
- Choose recycled or bamboo: Recycled or bamboo toilet paper is made from recycled paper or bamboo fibers, which are renewable and biodegradable sources. This makes them more environmentally friendly and sustainable than virgin pulp toilet paper, which comes from wood. Recycled or bamboo toilet paper also tends to be softer and smoother than virgin pulp toilet paper, which makes them more comfortable and gentle on your skin.
How to Use Toilet Paper for Septic Systems
If you want to use toilet paper properly for your septic system, here are some tips on what to do:
- Use less: The less toilet paper you use, the better for your septic system. Using less toilet paper means less waste and less water consumption, which can improve the performance and lifespan of your septic tank. To use less toilet paper, you can try using a bidet or a wet wipe instead of dry tissue, or using only as much as you need to clean yourself.
- Flush properly: Flushing properly means flushing only when necessary and only flushing what belongs in the toilet. Flushing too often or too little can disrupt the balance and function of your septic system. Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can cause serious problems for your septic system. You should never flush items such as paper towels, napkins, wipes, diapers, tampons, pads, condoms, or dental floss, as these can clog or damage your pipes or septic tank.
- Maintain regularly: Maintaining your septic system regularly means checking and cleaning your pipes and septic tank periodically. Checking your pipes means looking for signs of leaks, cracks, or corrosion, and fixing them as soon as possible. Cleaning your septic tank means pumping out the solid waste and sludge that accumulates over time, and replenishing the beneficial bacteria that help break down the organic matter. You should have your septic system inspected and serviced by a professional at least once every three to five years, or more often if you have a large household or use a lot of water.
Conclusion
Kirkland toilet paper is safe for septic systems, but it may not be the best option for your septic system. Kirkland toilet paper is 2-ply, virgin pulp, and large roll toilet paper, which can make it slower to dissolve, more wasteful, and less eco-friendly than other types of toilet paper. To choose the best toilet paper for your septic system, you should look for 1-ply, recycled or bamboo, and small roll toilet paper, which can make it faster to dissolve, less wasteful, and more eco-friendly than Kirkland toilet paper. You should also use less toilet paper, flush properly, and maintain your septic system regularly to avoid any problems with your septic system.
We hope this article has helped you learn more about how to use toilet paper for your septic system and how to do it effectively. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
