If you’ve ever wondered how much toilet paper is too much, a lot of people are turning to the internet for answers. That’s because it’s not just a question of quantity: there are differences in which type of toilet paper to use, some will cause more problems than others. The answer is that there isn’t a certain amount that can damage your pipes; instead, it all depends on the type of plumbing in your home.

How much toilet paper is too much?

The biggest problem is getting the toilet paper into the pipes. That’s because it’s not just a matter of flushing it down—there are bends and curves in the pipes, and sometimes a big wad of TP can get stuck. This can result in obstructions, which means you have to call in a plumber to snake your toilet.

As for how much TP you should use at one time: that depends on the toilet and plumbing. The average person should use 1 to 2 rolls a day; you don’t want too much because that can clog up your pipes and result in a plumber visit.

Different types of plumbing require different amounts of toilet paper

What about different types of plumbing? Well, there are some differences in what kind of toilet paper you should use. Let’s start with the common brand: Charmin. This toilet paper doesn’t have as many balls as some different brands (such as Cottonelle), so it can break up clogs and fall down your pipes more easily. That means it’s great for older pipes, meaning you can use more toilet paper per flush.

Another type of toilet paper is Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare. This type of toilet paper is softer than generic brands, so it doesn’t cause as many clogs. That said, it does have more balls, so it might get stuck in your pipes if you use too much at one time.

There are a couple of brands which have a reputation for causing backups in your pipes. We’ll start with Angel Soft. This toilet paper is incredibly soft, more so than Cottonelle Ultra ComfortCare, Charmin and some other brands. Here’s the thing: the softness is only on the surface; if you look at it under a microscope, you’ll find that it has micro-sized balls which cause clogs.

Another brand to avoid is Scott Naturals Flushable Wipes. These wipes are incredibly soft, with more surface-area than paper towels. It’s no wonder that they’re known for getting stuck in pipes! If you use these, limit the amount that you use so it doesn’t interfere with your plumbing.

Can you flush any type of toilet paper?

Probably: it depends on which kind of plumbing you have. If you have older plumbing, some toilet paper will clog up your pipes because it’s so thick. However, Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper—and most non-flushable brands—is made of a mix of paper and cotton. This will go down the pipes without causing a clog.

If you have newer pipes—ones that are 1½ or 2 inches in diameter—you can flush any kind of toilet paper. This is due to the high flow rate and because they’re u-shaped instead of straight (which is much easier to clean).

Conclusion: there’s no exact number

So how much toilet paper is too much? There’s no hard answer, but the more you use the more likely it is to cause plumbing issues. It all depends on the type of plumbing, too: newer pipes can handle more toilet paper per flush without clogging. If you have really old pipes—ones from the 1940s or before—you’ll need to be careful about quantity.

When it comes to using paper towels, stick to non-scraggly ones. If your pipes are clogged with paper towels, call a plumber.

Let’s take a specific example, how much of toilet paper is too much at one time?

Let’s say you’re using generic toilet paper. You don’t need to worry about using a lot; while this brand doesn’t break up well, it contains enough cotton balls that it should be fine in any size pipes.

If you have a larger amount of paper (from the mid-sized brands like Cottonelle), you need to be worried about clogs. For example, if you’ve got pipes that are between 1½ and 2 inches in diameter, you’ll probably get clogs from using too much paper; however, you also have older pipes, so it’s okay to use more.

Let’s say you’re using soft toilet paper, like Angel Soft. You’ll need to be careful about how much you use with certain pipes, but the good news is that it breaks up well (unlike Scott Naturals Flushable Wipes).

Similarly, if you’re using Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper, you can probably use any amount without worrying about clogging.

Again, the answer varies depending on the brand and type of plumbing. How much toilet paper to use is an individual decision based on your specific piping. Keep in mind that some brands are more likely to cause clogs than others; if you need to be extra careful with certain brands, that may be the best method of preventing clogs.

How to avoid clogs

You’ve learned how much toilet paper to use and where to find toilet paper coupons, but what about the best way to avoid clogs? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for preventative maintenance—it’s all about how you use your plumbing. Here are a couple of options if you want to maintain your plumbing:

Take care when flushing. The more toilet paper you have in the toilet bowl (and the farther down the pipes you put it), the more likely it will get stuck. If you have larger amounts of flushable products in your pipes, that can cause small problems over time. Not sure if toilet paper is making its way into your pipes? It’s probably best to use less toilet paper and flush it down a bit, then you can see how things go.

The more toilet paper you have in the toilet bowl (and the farther down the pipes you put it), the more likely it will get stuck. If you have larger amounts of flushable products in your pipes, that can cause small problems over time. Not sure if toilet paper is making its way into your pipes? It’s probably best to use less toilet paper and flush it down a bit, then you can see how things go. Check for clogs regularly. Check for clogs at least once per month (or after every two months). If you have clogs after using any amount of toilet paper, it’s probably due to some other issue rather than the number of flushable products in your pipes. But if you use more, then you’re putting extra stress on your piping and that can be a problem over time.

In conclusion, when it comes to how much toilet paper to use, the answer is, “it depends.” You can’t look at one size of toilet paper and say how much will fit in your pipes. It all comes down to the brand you buy and the amount it expands.