Best two ply toilet paper for septic systems

[MillCreek]

I am on the hunt for a new brand of toilet paper.  We are all on septic systems in our development. A couple of our neighbors recently had septic issues and were told by the septic contractors to stop using Costco Kirkland Signature toilet paper.  According to the contractors, that brand does not break down very well in the septic systems and could have contributed to the need for pumping out their systems.

My wife buys the Costco toilet paper so I guess we are looking for a new brand.  If anyone has any recommendations, I am all ears.  I was also looking at Lowe's at these enzyme packets that you toss into the toilet once a month, allegedly to help breakdown toilet paper and other materials.  I wonder if those would help.

[Brad Johnson]

Bull. A properly functioning septic system will digest pretty much any toilet paper not coated in plastic. Presuming, of course, the system is properly sized for the home and the issue isn't being cause by an undersized system or excessive fluid volume.

The biggest problem with most septic systems is the amount of sanitizing cleaner and/or bleach-based cleaning solutions people use nowadays. Germicidal-everything is death to a septic system. It kills the cultures that create the breaky-downy enzymes which make everything work.

The second biggest problem is water softeners, at least the ones that meter brine back through the system. The salt works much in the same way sanitizers do, killing off the stuff that makes your septic system work.

Get the paper you like but consider adding booster culture packs every now and then. Also have your system serviced annually. A properly functioning septic system is low-maintenance, not no-maintenance.

...almost forgot... In-sink food garbage disposers are a no-no with septic systems. Food solids are generally too large and too complex for the system to break down properly. If you have one, limited usage only.

Brad

[Ben]

Been using Costco or Cottonelle with a septic system here forever. Got it pumped last year after seven or eight years with zero issues on inspection.

I'd put in a new septic system before I'd give up the Cottonelle.  

[MillCreek]

Brad, in case it changes your answer, both of these neighbors had issues at the 'sand filter' component.  There are a few houses that have these sand filters as part of their septic due to how the soil perked out.  Our house does not have a sand filter.  Also, what is a recommended pumping schedule for a two adult household, in which both adults work full-time?  When we moved in, the contractor told us we should have the system pumped every 4-5 years. He recommended shorter intervals if we had children.

[Brad Johnson]

Brad, in case it changes your answer, both of these neighbors had issues at the 'sand filter' component.  There are a few houses that have these sand filters as part of their septic due to how the soil perked out.

It doesn't. IIRC sand filters are for when their isn't enough soil percolation for the effluent to absorb at a proper rate. If the sand filter is getting clogged the leach lines would have too as they are essentially providing the same functionality.

Sound like the homes in question were either not set up with properly sized systems, are overloading or killing their system, or are just plain not taking into consideration the stuff they are shoving down the drains.

Brad

[brimic]

Brad, in case it changes your answer, both of these neighbors had issues at the 'sand filter' component.  There are a few houses that have these sand filters as part of their septic due to how the soil perked out.  Our house does not have a sand filter.  Also, what is a recommended pumping schedule for a two adult household, in which both adults work full-time?  When we moved in, the contractor told us we should have the system pumped every 4-5 years. He recommended shorter intervals if we had children.

I use charmin....
I got a notice from my township that I had to have it pumped last year... they require a pumping and inspection every 3 years where I'm at. The only problem they found was a bit of black sludge/mat and recommended adding enzymes. My useage up until last fall was pretty much nil...

[Hawkmoon]

Also, what is a recommended pumping schedule for a two adult household, in which both adults work full-time?  When we moved in, the contractor told us we should have the system pumped every 4-5 years. He recommended shorter intervals if we had children.

http://www.carls-septic-tank-systems.com/septic-tank-pumping-schedule.html

https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Tank_Pumping_Schedule.php

http://tallbootspumping.com/tank-pumping-chart-schedule/

http://southernsanitationinc.net/septic-tank-pumping-schedule

https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

[MillCreek]

Holy moly! Two people on a 1500 gallon system need to be pumped only every nine years?  Wow.  Everyone in the development has 1500 gallon holding tanks. I watched many of them being put in.

[MillCreek]

https://www.yourbestdigs.com/reviews/best-toilet-paper/

https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-toilet-paper/

I see that Cottonelle Ultra Care seems to get good ratings, particularly on the breakdown factor.