RV & Septic Safe Toilet Paper Checker

Using the wrong toilet paper in an RV or septic system can lead to costly clogs and damage. This simple, 15-second test will tell you if your brand is safe to flush.

Gather Your Materials

You’ll need a clear jar with a secure lid, a few sheets of the toilet paper you’re testing, and some water.

Set Up the Test

Fill the jar about 2/3 full with water. Add 2-3 squares of the toilet paper, then securely fasten the lid.

Shake Vigorously

Shake the jar hard for about 10-15 seconds. This simulates the flushing and agitation within your plumbing system.

Step 4: Observe the Results

After shaking, look at the toilet paper in the jar. Which of the following best describes what you see?

The paper has broken down into small, fine particles.

The paper is still mostly intact or in large, distinct clumps.

Verdict: RV & Septic Safe!

This result is excellent. Toilet paper that dissolves quickly like this will move easily through your plumbing, preventing clogs in your RV’s black tank or buildup in your septic system.

Verdict: Not Recommended

This toilet paper did not break down sufficiently. Using it in an RV or septic system poses a high risk of causing blockages and requiring expensive maintenance. We advise against using this brand.

What to Look for When Buying Safe Toilet Paper

While the shake test is the most reliable method, here are some helpful labels to look for on the packaging:

“RV & Marine Safe” or “Septic Safe”: This is the most obvious indicator.
“Rapid-Dissolving” or “Fast-Dissolving”: These terms are specifically used for this purpose.
Recycled & Unbleached: Toilet paper made from recycled fibers often contains shorter fibers that break down more easily.
Avoid “Ultra-Plush,” Lotions, or Scents: Extra soft, quilted papers and those with added lotions or oils are often held together by chemicals that inhibit dissolving.