Ideally, bathroom breaks are a flush-and-go event.  However, when the water in the toilet bowl begins to rise, panic can set in.  And while toilet paper is a luxury of modern society, you can’t help but wonder if excess toilet paper could be causing you more problems than convenience.  While there are many reasons a toilet could be clogged, people often don't look at toilet paper as the culprit.  So is it?  Or isn’t it?  BEST’s London Ontario plumbers are here to settle the debate once and for all.

A Not-So Definitive Answer

As it turns out, this issue isn’t a black and white one.  Falling into the realm of gray, it’s the quantity and amount of toilet paper that dictates whether or not a clog and subsequent plumbing repairs will result.  Using a minimal amount of toilet paper between flushes will keep your system healthy and free from damage.  On the other hand, if you use half a roll at a time, be prepared to suffer the consequences! 

Preventing Toilet Paper Related Clogs

The annoying part about toilet paper clogging your toilet is that it’s 100% preventable.  Some countries may not flush anything, including toilet paper. In Canada, we like to flush our used toilet paper with our waste.  The most important thing you can do to prevent clogs is to limit the amount of toilet paper per flush, even if it results in multiple flushes. 

BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors also suggest that you be more scrutinizing in terms of toilet paper selection.  While toilet paper companies market their ultra-soft, ultra-thick toilet paper, it’s actually not ideal for your plumbing system. The thicker the toilet paper, the longer it takes for it to dissolve.  Your three criteria in toilet paper selection are:

• Soft to the touch.
• Strong enough so that it does not fall to pieces when you use it.
• Has a fast rate of dissolving.

To keep yourself from going cross-eyed while strolling the aisles at the supermarket, put the plunger down and spend a little time on the Internet.  Research a good toilet paper that fits your needs and your plumbing system.  Compare one, two, and three ply versions and check out other categories, such as:

• Absorbency
• Softness
• Strength
• Clog-ability

There are many brands on the market, so one is bound to fit the bill!  Constant plumbing repairs can now be a thing of the past.

As for Flushing those Extras

From feminine products to flushable wipes, it’s like playing Russian Roulette with your sewage system.  It may be easy and cleaner to flush these items down the toilet, however not all systems are meant to accommodate these extras. 

In fact, did you know that the supposed “flushable” wipes don’t dissolve and – even worse – can accumulate in your pipes over time?  The end result is a softball-like wad of unruly and un-dissolvable material.  This translates into costly plumbing repairs for you, not to mention potentially embarrassing toilet overflows.

To keep your internal pipes and your toilet healthy and clog-free, stick to flushing human waste and toilet paper (not too much!) down the toilet.  The rest should be disposed of in your garbage. 

Learn more about how a toilet works

Without moderation and consideration, toilet paper and plumbing problems can, and do, go hand-in-hand.  As such, it’s important to keep an eye on your usage per flush.  And if you experience any problems with your toilet system or pipes, call in the professionals.  Our London Ontario plumbers at BEST are trained professionals who can take on any task!  Contact us today for more information.