How Toilet Paper Is Produced

Toilet paper can be made of eco-friendly bamboo or, more commonly, wood pulp. The most important factor to consider when purchasing toilet paper is not its design, its fragrance, or its softness but how quickly the paper dissolves in water. Bamboo disintegrates quickly, whereas wood pulp disintegration time can vary depending on the pulp’s purity. A general rule is the purer the pulp, the faster the breakdown speed.

Another factor influencing dissolve rates is whether the paper is air-dried or not. Toilet paper that is air-dried feels softer and more plush, but this practice makes paper slower to dissolve.

Some toilet paper is harshly bleached to produce a pure white “sanitized” look. The problem with bleaching is the chemicals used to whiten the paper are destructive to plumbing pipes, leading to leaks. 

Additives, such as fragrances and binders, hold the paper together during production and make the toilet paper more aesthetically pleasing. These additives are harmful to plumbing pipes as they are chemically based.

Wood Pulp Paper

Wood pulp paper is typically made from a blend of hard and softwood trees. After removing the bark, the tree is cut into small pieces and cooked in a chemical mixture for hours. The binders and additives are mixed in to create what is known as pulp and then removed before the pulp is bleached to remove all color. The pulp is then pressed, dried, and formed into long perforated strips before being cut into rolls and packaged for distribution.

Paper made from wood pulp can also come from a combination of recycled materials with the added production step of de-inking. De-inking is needed to remove all of the ink on the recycled papers before it goes through bleaching.

Bamboo Toilet Paper Production

Bamboo paper is made similarly to wood pulp paper, except the use of chemicals is omitted. Instead, the small pieces of bamboo are cooked in water before being bleached. This healthier alternative makes bamboo a more environmentally friendly choice. Bamboo paper is also better for plumbing pipes, especially aging pipes since chemicals can be harsh on pipe linings.

Paper You Will Want To Avoid

My Oh My, Which Ply?

The type of paper you purchase should consider the number of layers that make up the roll. Many prefer plush paper with a higher ply number because it is less likely to break and feels softer. Regularly using 2, 3, and 4-ply toilet paper will make you more likely to experience a plumbing clog as these thicker papers are slow to dissolve and more likely to cling to your pipe’s interior. Even using triple the amount of a single-ply paper is better than a few sheets of a heavier ply.

Other Factors To Consider

Quilted paper adds another level of issues as it, too, will resist breaking down. Instead of dissolving, it will form clumps restricting water and waste flow and creating plumbing blockages that may be difficult to fix. 

Papers treated with fragrances, dyes, and bleaches are also not recommended since the chemicals used to enhance these papers can cause harm to plumbing pipes and will work their way into the water supply.

Although not correctly categorized as paper, flushable bathroom wipes should never be flushed down the toilet, primarily if you use a septic tank rather than a public sewer system. They will not dissolve despite their marketing label as “flushable” and will interfere with the septic pump operation or form significant blockages in the sewer line or municipal system.

Reasons To Choose The Right Paper

Choosing the right toilet paper will mean you select only single-ply toilet paper that has not been chemically treated and has a fast dissolve rate. When it comes in contact with water, the paper should dissolve quickly, not enlarge in size, and move swiftly and smoothly through plumbing pipes. In addition, there are other reasons to choose the proper paper to extend the life of your plumbing, which we will discuss here.

Clog Prevention

The main goal of proper toilet paper selection is to prevent unnecessary clogs in your pipes. A clogged sewer line can lead to sewage backups, loosening of pipe joints, and even costly and damaging pipe bursts. Clog prevention is reason enough to select the proper paper.

Septic Health

As noted, a septic tank’s pump can be overwhelmed by toilet paper with a higher ply, and flushable wipes will burn your pump out prematurely. 

Economic Benefits

First, using single-ply, unbleached, and unadorned toilet paper will cost less at the supermarket. It will also cause fewer plumbing issues, which means fewer repair calls for additional savings.

Environmental Advantages

Toilet paper that dissolves quickly is good for the environment for two reasons. First, it takes less tree pulp to make single-ply paper. Hence, it better protects our forests and natural resources. Secondly, avoiding chemical use during production leads to less chemical residue entering our water system.

Peace Of Mind

Knowing you are choosing paper that is easier on plumbing pipes and fixtures gives you peace of mind you are doing your best for your home’s infrastructure. You will enjoy peace of mind that your selection is safe for the environment, less stressful on your finances, and will lead to fewer service calls or early replacement of your plumbing pipes.

Looking For A Reliable Plumber?

You will agree that choosing function over fancy designs and fragrances will help you save money and significantly prolong the life of your plumbing system. Simple decisions such as these can make all the difference in the operation of your plumbing and will bring you peace of mind you are being responsible for the environment.

Call us to schedule an appointment for a plumbing inspection and learn new ways to keep your plumbing in tip-top shape! 

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