Author: content@catalystrva.com

If you’ve got a septic system at home, you’ve probably worried at least once about what’s going down your toilet. 

And if you’re buying toilet paper in bulk from Costco, the big question becomes: is Kirkland Signature toilet paper actually safe for septic systems?

Good news – it is. For most households, Kirkland toilet paper works just fine with septic setups. It breaks down well enough, it doesn’t clog things up, and it’s used by tons of people without any major issues.

In this post, we’ll explain why Kirkland toilet paper is septic safe and everything you need to know.

What Makes Toilet Paper “Septic Safe”?

Toilet paper is “septic safe” if it dissolves quickly and doesn’t clog up your pipes or septic tank. 

When you flush toilet paper into a septic system, it travels to a tank where solids settle and bacteria go to work breaking things down. Septic-safe toilet paper helps this process by dissolving fast and not hanging around long enough to cause clogs or buildup.

What you don’t want is toilet paper that’s too thick or slow to break down. 

Those kinds of products can clump together in your tank, clog filters, or even mess with your drain field over time. That’s where septic-safe toilet paper makes a difference.

Also Check Out Our: Drain Cleaning in Virginia

To be considered safe for septic systems, toilet paper should:

• Break down quickly in water
  
• Not have a bunch of additives or lotions
  
• Be free of synthetic materials or anything that could resist decomposing

You can actually test this at home. Drop a few squares of your toilet paper into a jar of water. Shake it for 10–15 seconds. If it’s mostly dissolved or falling apart, great – it’s probably septic safe. If it’s still holding together or clumping, you might want to rethink your brand.

Keep in mind, even “septic safe” labels on packaging don’t always mean it’s the best option. Some brands meet the basic standard but still take a bit longer to break down.

Is Kirkland Toilet Paper Septic Safe?

Yes, Kirkland Signature toilet paper is considered septic safe. It’s designed to break down in water and works well in most standard home septic systems.

It’s not the fastest-dissolving paper out there, but for everyday use, it does the job without causing problems.

Plenty of homeowners with septic tanks use it daily without any issues. It’s used by large families, in rural homes, and even in RVs – places where septic efficiency matters a lot.

So unless your system is really sensitive, backed up, or hasn’t been pumped in years, Kirkland toilet paper is safe to use.

That said, how much you use and how often you flush matters just as much as the brand.

Also Check Out Our Virginia Septic Services

What Other People Are Saying On Social Media

People LOVE to talk about toilet paper online. You’ll find tons of threads on Reddit, Facebook groups, and even TikTok where homeowners chat about their septic setups.

A lot of people say they’ve been using Kirkland toilet paper for years with no issues. Some even mention that their plumbers gave it the thumbs up.

Of course, there are always a few who’ll say they switched brands because they wanted something that breaks down even faster. 

But for the most part? Kirkland gets high marks.

A few typical comments from the social media crowd:

• “Used Kirkland TP for over a decade, no septic backups ever.”
  
• “Soft but not too thick—works great for our septic tank.”
  
• “Our plumber said it’s one of the better store brands for septic systems.”

Tips For Using Toilet Paper With A Septic System

Even if your TP is technically septic safe, there are still a few things you can do to keep your system running smooth:

• Use moderate amounts of paper each flush.
  
• Wait between flushes instead of long runs.
  
• Never flush non-paper items like wipes, cotton balls, or dental floss.
  
• Schedule a tank pump-out every three to five years.
  
• Check tank filters at each service visit.

These steps cut down on buildup. They help bacteria do their job. They keep your drain field from clogging. Combined with a decent septic-safe paper, they keep your system humming smoothly.

Also Read: How much does a septic design cost?

Bottom Line

Kirkland toilet paper is septic safe for most households. It’s designed to dissolve quickly, it doesn’t have a bunch of weird additives, and thousands of people with septic systems use it.

Just be smart about how much you use and avoid flushing anything that’s not toilet paper. Pair that with routine maintenance, and you’re golden.

Honestly, Kirkland’s a solid option if you want something that’s affordable, soft, and won’t mess with your plumbing.

Costco wins again.

FAQs

What Is The Safest Toilet Paper For Septic Tanks?

The safest toilet paper for septic tanks are brands labeled “septic safe” or “rapid dissolve.” 

A few popular options people love include Scott 1000, Angel Soft, and yes Kirkland. RV toilet paper also dissolves super fast but tends to be thinner.

Are Kirkland Flushable Wipes Safe For Septic Tanks?

No, Kirkland flushable wipes are not safe for septic tanks. Flushable wipes of any brand are a gamble. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can build up over time. 

Toss them in the trash instead.

Is Kirkland Detergent Septic Safe?

Yes, most Kirkland laundry detergents are considered safe for septic systems. They’re low-sudsing and free of phosphates, which is good news for your tank. 

Still, always use the recommended amount as more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.

Getting a septic system isn’t as simple as digging a hole and dropping in a tank. Before anything gets installed, you need a proper septic design, and that’s where things really start. 

If you’re in Virginia, you’re probably wondering how much it’s going to cost and what to expect.

In this post, we’ll shed some light on how much a septic design costs, and what drives the prices up and down. Plus, we’ll also break down our  septic design prices. 

Our Septic Design Prices

Our septic design prices range from $1,500 to $4,500, depending on the type of system you need. Our conventional system design starts around $1,500, and engineered drip system design can go up to $4,500.

Here’s what our service includes:

• Site evaluation and soil review
  
• Perc testing (if needed or not already completed)
  
• System layout based on home size, usage, and land conditions
  
• Health department coordination
  
• Full design plan ready for permit submission
  
• Support with local requirements and follow-ups if revisions are needed

We take care of the technical side so you don’t have to stress about it. You’ll get a clear design that meets state and county guidelines and is ready for the next step: installation.

Check Out Our: Virginia Septic System Installations

Let us know your property details and we’ll get you a FREE quote.

How Much Does Septic Design Cost?

Septic design can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 in Virginia.

For a straightforward residential lot with good soil and plenty of space, you might stay at the lower end of that range. If your land is tricky like if it’s sloped, rocky, or has poor drainage, you could be looking at the higher end or even more.

This is a rough estimate. Your final price could be higher or lower based on a number of other things.

And keep in mind that this price range is just for the design itself, and not the actual installation or digging.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Septic Design

There are a handful of things that play into how much you’ll end up paying for septic design. Here’s what really makes a difference:

#1 Soil Testing (Perc Test)

Soil testing, or the Perc test, is pretty much a must when you’re designing a septic system. 

This test checks how quickly water drains through your soil. If it drains too slowly or too quickly, you may need an alternative or engineered system, which affects not just the design, but also your installation cost down the line.

A Perc test is usually done by a licensed soil scientist or a professional engineer. 

The cost of this test varies, but generally it’ll set you back somewhere between $200 to $3,000, depending on the size of your property and how complicated the test is.

Sometimes, the septic designer will include this test as part of their service, but that’s something you’ll want to double-check before hiring.

#2 System Type

Not all septic systems are built the same way, and the more complex the system, the more time and effort it takes to design.

If your property can handle a traditional gravity system, great. These are the cheapest and easiest to design. 

But if you need a pump system, a sand filter, or something more specialized like a drip irrigation or mound system, the design process becomes more technical, and more expensive.

Advanced systems require more detailed plans, calculations, and sometimes coordination with additional professionals. Expect to pay more for the added complexity.

#3 Property Size And Layout

Bigger properties usually mean higher septic design costs. 

A large, flat lot is easier to work with compared to a smaller, sloped, or oddly shaped lot. 

The size of the property impacts how much room you’ll need for the septic tank and the drain field. A larger drain field, for example, might be necessary to handle the increased wastewater from a bigger home.

 Likewise, if your property has a lot of trees, rocks, or other obstacles, the design may need to be adjusted to work around them.

So the more complicated the layout of your property, the more expensive the design will be.

Also Check Out Our: Emergency Virginia Septic Services

#4 Permits

To get your septic system approved in Virginia, you’ll need a permit from the local health department. 

Most counties require the septic design to be submitted with the permit application.

Permit fees vary by locality, but they usually fall somewhere between $300 and $1,000. 

In some cases, the designer may handle the permit process for you.

This can be super helpful, but keep in mind that their help might come with an added fee or it might already be baked into their pricing. Ask up front.

#5 Local Regulations

Different parts of Virginia have different rules when it comes to septic systems. What works in one county might not be allowed in another. 

Some areas have stricter environmental guidelines or building codes that require more detailed plans or upgraded systems.

If you’re in a more rural area, the process might be simpler and less expensive. 

But if your land is close to a protected waterway or in a dense neighborhood, the rules could be tougher, and the design might cost more because of it.

That’s why it’s important to work with someone who knows the local codes and has experience dealing with your specific county. They’ll know what to expect and how to avoid delays.

Also Read: Is Kirkland toilet paper septic safe?

Other Possible Costs

While the design itself is a big chunk of the cost, there are other expenses that could pop up along the way. Here are some examples:

• Site surveys or elevation mapping for sloped or oddly shaped land
• Redesign costs if the health department rejects the initial plan.
• Environmental studies, if you live near wetlands or protected areas.
• Consultation fees for second opinions.

Also, don’t forget that installation costs are completely separate. Once the design is approved, the actual construction of the system will be its own expense, and that’s usually much more than the design itself.

Bottom Line

If you’re in Virginia and need a septic system design, expect to pay around $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your property and the kind of system you need. 

Simple setups on good soil will stay on the low end. Complicated sites, tough regulations, or advanced systems will cost more.

Remember – this doesn’t cover the actual installation of the system, which can add thousands more to your bill.

To avoid surprises, we recommend getting a detailed quote from a licensed designer in your area. Ask what’s included, what’s not, and how they handle permitting. 

It also doesn’t hurt to check reviews or ask around for recommendations.