Does Charmin Clog Toilets? (Read This Before Flushing)

It is natural to wonder if Charmin will clog toilets since it is known to be a very durable toilet paper. Although durability is great for getting the job done, it is not so great for the health of our septic tanks. So, the question remains, does Charmin clog toilets?

Some Charmin products, like their 3-ply toilet paper and their flushable wipes, are more likely to cause clogs in your toilets and plumbing. However, toilet paper that is 1-ply or made from biodegradable material is less likely to cause clogs in your toilet. 

Thankfully, there are solutions to this issue such as other products that are better for your pipes and septic system. In this article, we look at other options, and which Charmin product is best if they are your preference. 

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Flushable Paper and Wipes

Most toilet paper is flushable and in recent years we’ve had flushable wipes. The question is, what qualifies as flushable? In this section, we’ll unpack that question!

Does Charmin Cause Clogs?

Charmin may clog up more easily than other toilet tissues since it is designed to be extra durable. However, all toilet paper can cause clogs if too much of it is flushed down the drain.

Charmin breakdowns down in water and will eventually break down on its own. If you are dealing with a clog of toilet paper, you can pour hot water down the toilet tank.

If the clog is large enough that the toilet is not draining at all, call a plumber. 

Does Charmin Toilet Paper Break Down?

Charmin has been tested by a certified lab that shows Charmin toilet paper breaks down in water. However, it does take longer to break down than other toilet paper. This is because Charmin is made to be durable enough to not break down while being used. 

The lab also tested Charmin to be septic safe, but it is still best to flush more toilet paper than needed when you are using Charmin because it could lead to more frequent septic tank maintenance calls. 

Is Charmin Toilet Paper Flushable?

Charmin toilet paper is flushable and has been tested by a lab that is certified by NSF International. However, the tests are done based on how the product should be used, rather than how people normally use the product. 

It is suggested you only use one or two sheets with each flush. Charmin is very durable and less is necessary.

But, if you use too much you can clog your pipes or need more frequent maintenance attention for your septic tank. 

How Long Does it Take for Charmin Toilet Paper to Dissolve?

It takes 10 to 20 minutes for Charmin toilet paper to dissolve in water. Although, it can take much longer if it’s a clog of toilet paper. Toilet paper is all made to dissolve in the water pipes, but companies also want to make toilet paper durable for use. 

The more durable toilet paper takes the longest to break up and dissolve, but you shouldn’t have to use as much of it.

There are more choices today than a few years ago with better quality organic paper that decomposes naturally and quickly. 

Can You Flush Charmin Wipes?

Charmin’s flushable wipes, along with other flushable wipe companies, have been under attack legally because many believe flushable wipes are causing issues in the sewage systems and septic tanks. However, today they are still considered okay for flushing. 

You don’t want to flush more than one or two down the drain at a time. They do not break up as quickly as toilet paper.

If you have a septic tank, you may need to get it serviced more often if you use flushable wipes regularly. 

What are Charmin Flushable Wipes Made of?

Charmin Flushable Wipes are made up of a combination of non-woven plant fibers, oils, chemicals, and preservatives. Although some may find these ingredients irritating, most individuals do not have a reaction to them.

Here is a complete list of ingredients in Charmin Flushable Wipes:

• Water
• Citric acid
• PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
• Sodium citrate
• Sorbitan caprylate
• Sodium benzoate
• Disodium EDTA
• BIS-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 dimethicone
• Caprylic/capric
• Triglyceride
• Xanthan gum
• Fragrance

Many of these ingredients can be irritating to the skin, but most individuals tolerate them well. Many also say it provides a soft and clean feeling. 

You should only flush one or two per flush at a time. Additionally, it is also suggested by Charmin not to use them if you have a poor plumbing system. 

You might also enjoy our post on How Long a Roll of Toilet Paper Should Last

Does Quilted Toilet Paper Block Drains?

Quilted toilet paper can block drains, like many other types of toilet paper, if too much is flushed simultaneously. It’s best to only flush a limited amount per use. If you get a clog, flush the toilet a couple more times. The clog will eventually dissolve on its own. 

If the clog is taking too long and beginning to smell, you can use baking soda and vinegar to break it up and hot water to follow.

You can also use dish soap, which also helps with the smell. Bleach also works, but it is not suggested for septic tanks. 

Is Charmin Toilet Paper Septic Safe?

Although Charmin toilet paper is certified as septic safe, you will still need to get the septic tank pumped by a professional every once in a while. However, septic systems will need that anyway every few years.

If you are using the wipes and are frequently flushing large amounts of wipes and toilet paper, you will need to get your septic tank serviced more frequently.

You can extend the time between serviced pump appointments by flushing less paper and wipes. 

Frequent Clogging

Are you experiencing frequent clogging? Let’s dig deep to possibly find out why this is happening. 

Why Does Toilet Paper Keep Clogging?

Your toilet paper may keep clogging because you and your family members are using an excessive amount. Charmin claims that you only have to use one or two squares of paper for each use. 

Toilet paper does dissolve on its own, but it takes time when it is flushed in large amounts. To help break up a clog, pour hot water into the towel drain.

Wait 10 minutes and then flush. Repeat the process as needed. 

Can Thick Toilet Paper Cause Clogs?

Thicker toilet papers, like Charmin, can clog up the toilet and pipes more if the same amount is used as the thinner paper. However, you don’t need as much of the thicker toilet paper.

If you or someone in your household uses too much and it clogs the toilet, then you can pour hot water down the drain to aid in breaking up the clog.

You can also add vinegar or dish soap to help as well. Both also help with the smell from that clog.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eA2JkZbtng

Can Flushing Too Much Toilet Paper Cause a Clog?

If you flush too much toilet paper you will cause a clog. You can cause a clog to form with any type of toilet paper. However, you are more likely to deal with them for a longer period of time if you use Charmin or another thick toilet paper. 

You can remove the clog manually with a drain snake or plunger, or you can flush it through after breaking it up with hot water.

You can also use vinegar and baking soda to aid in breaking up the clog. 

Worst and Best Toilet Paper

Each brand of toilet paper has its strengths and weaknesses. Some papers focus on softness, some on durability, and others focus on a faster breakdown in water.

Let’s determine which one is the best and which one is the worst.

What is the Worst Toilet Paper for Plumbing?

Flushable wipes are the worst for your plumbing, especially if you use them instead of toilet paper. Thick 3-ply or more quilted toilet paper is also more difficult for your pipes to move through. 

If you are using thick toilet paper or flushable wipes, use only what you need. You should easily be able to use less paper if it is high in thickness.

If you use a large wad of thin paper, you can also clog up your pipes. 

What’s the Best Toilet Paper That Won’t Clog Pipes?

Bamboo toilet paper does not clog up toilets easily because it is made from organic bamboo, thus, it decomposes naturally and breaks down faster. Many of these products are also bleach free which is better for your pipes and septic systems. 

There are also toilet paper brands that have a single product toilet paper that is made to break down faster in the plumbing system.

The Scott brand markets one of its products for RVs and boats because of the limited plumbing system that comes with these forms of transportation. 

What Toilet Papers Do Plumbers Recommend?

Plumbers recommend Scott 1000 1-ply toilet paper because of its ability to break down effectively. Thus, Scott 1000 is known to not cause issues with septic tanks which is a major win in the eyes of a plumber. 

Plumbers also recommend Angel Soft’s 2-ply because it breaks down much faster than other 2-ply products.

Charmin Ultra Strong and Charmin Ultra Soft are considered just okay but they rank higher than Quilted Northern and Cottonelle.

Is There a Rapid Dissolving Toilet Paper?

The Scott Brand has a rapid dissolving toilet paper. It is made for RVs and Boats because of their lack of plumbing quality and waste tank space. You can also use their 1000 1-ply paper which dissolves quickly. 

Other organic paper products are good at breaking down as well because they decompose naturally.

There are many products made from bamboo, which grows much faster and more abundantly than trees. 

You might also enjoy our post on If Bounty Makes Toilet Paper

Does Angel Soft Clog Toilets?

Angel Soft has a decent 2-ply toilet paper that breaks down relatively well and is suggested by plumbers. The higher ply number a toilet paper has the more likely the paper will cause an issue. 

If you have children who do not know the proper amount of toilet paper, plumbers suggest 2-ply or less and the Angel Soft 2-ply or Scott 1000 are good options.

If you use Quilted Northern Ultra Plush, kids will most likely clog the toilets. 

Does Cottonelle Toilet Paper Clog Toilets?

The Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care is also one of the worst toilet papers for plumbing systems because it takes a long time to degrade. They have a 1-ply option that breaks down much better while still holding some durability. 

The Cottonelle Clean Care 1-ply toilet paper is also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This means it meets standards for being environmentally responsible and is better for our water systems. 

You might also enjoy our post on How to Stop Your Toilet Bowl From Refilling

Related Questions

How Long Does it Take for Toilet Paper to Decompose?

If toilet paper is not wadded up in a clog, then it takes 20 minutes or less to break down. If toilet paper gets in a large clog it can take hours or more to dissolve. 1-ply toilet paper and organic toilet paper decompose faster than 2-ply or 3-ply.  

3-ply paper that is quilted takes much longer to break down and decompose.

If the paper clogs up the toilet, pour hot water into the toilet drain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and flush the toilet. Repeat the process as needed. 

Does Bleach Dissolve Toilet Paper?

Bleach can breach down some of the components of toilet paper, but depending on what the paper is made of, bleach only helps some. Bleach is also bad for septic tanks and messes with the bacteria. 

A good alternative to bleach is vinegar and baking soda. The fizzing effect it creates helps dissolve the paper faster.

After the mixture has time to work through the clog for 30 minutes, pour hot water down the drain and then flush. 

Final Thoughts

I hope this article will help you decide on the best toilet paper option for you, your family, and your plumbing situation.

If you want to see for yourself which toilet paper breaks down the fastest, you can test them against each other in containers of water.