Which Toilet Paper is Least Likely to Block Your Drains?

While it might come as a surprise, the type of toilet paper being used could be the reason you have a blocked toilet. Although it isn't the most common cause, toilet paper is known to cause blocked drains, especially when used in excess. Luckily, we're here to explore which toilet paper would be best for you so that you can avoid any unwanted drainage nightmares.

Does it Matter What Type of Toilet Paper to Use?

In short, yes. It's easy to assume that all toilet paper brands and types are essentially identical. However, this is far from the truth. There are a number of distinct differences between the various types of toilet paper, and it's important to know how these affect the quality, and what that means for your drains.

What to Consider

When it comes to choosing the best toilet paper, there are three main factors to bear in mind.

Dissolvability

Dissolvability is possibly the most important factor when attempting to avoid a blocked toilet. The longer a piece of toilet paper takes to dissolve the more chance there is for it to form a blockage. Generally speaking, bamboo toilet paper is the most dissolvable of all the various types, being 100% biodegradable. Next would be recycled toilet paper, leaving regular toilet paper in last place.

Strength

This refers to the ply level of different toilet papers. If you were unaware, 2-ply toilet paper consists of two layers, while 4-ply consists of four layers, so on and so forth. This can impact characteristics such as softness, thickness, and strength. However it's important to remember that, while 4-ply might seem more luxurious, 2-ply is going to dissolve at a faster rate.

Environmental Impact

In recent years, eco-friendly toilet paper has taken the industry by storm due to the social push to be more environmentally conscious. These toilet papers are crafted from either recycled paper or bamboo and are designed to be incredibly biodegradable, meaning they dissolve faster than regular toilet paper.

What to Avoid

If you're looking to avoid any expensive plumbing problems, try to avoid the following:

Extra Soft Toilet Paper

Most extra soft toilet paper is made to be more durable, meaning it doesn't always readily disintegrate in water, leading to the possibility of the toilet paper adhering to the internal wall of your pipes. Over time this can result in a blocked drain, impeding the smooth flow of water and potentially leading to further problems.

Flushable Wipes

This might come as a shock, but flushable wipes are not actually flushable. While they are undoubtedly convenient, they should not be flushed down the toilet. Though they are marketed to be, these wipes are not designed to dissolve easily.

Toiletries

And finally, it goes without saying that you should not flush any other sanitary items down the drain. Much like the flushable wipes, these products are not made to dissolve or biodegrade as quickly as toilet paper does, and can gradually cause a drain blockage. In terms of environmental impact, flushing toiletries down the drain can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic systems.

The Best Toilet Paper For Your Drains

When it comes to choosing toilet paper that is least likely to block your drains, all of the above factors should be considered. Regular toilet paper, when used responsibly, is generally safe for most plumbing systems. However bamboo or recycled toilet paper both offer a sustainable choice with better dissolvability and reduced environmental impact.

Ultimately, regardless of the type of toilet paper you choose, it's crucial to use it in moderation. Most issues surrounding toilet paper and blocked drains usually stem from excessive use and are often exacerbated by pre-existing problems.

If you are worried about a possible blocked toilet, Jetset Plumbing has got you covered. Call us on 1800 443 996 and one of our blocked drain specialists will be out to fix the problem in no time.