Bath bombs are the new rave now, and it's almost impossible to see a household that has never tried using one before. When added to hot tubs, it gives a relaxing and soft feeling.
Everyone loves the idea of having a colorful bathing experience. Unwinding in your bathtub after a long, hard day at work is one of the fastest ways to get rid of fatigue and anxiety.
But, have you ever thought about the potential clogging risk bath bombs might pose to your drains? Are bath bombs safe for plumbing? Can you put a bath bomb in the toilet? In this article, we'll answer all your questions and give you professional advice on how to avoid a clogged bathtub drain.
Are bath bombs considered safe?
To enjoy bath bombs, you must be sure of the complete details of the product before making a purchase. Some bath bombs are not considered safe because of the ingredients used in making them. Why? Because some of these ingredients might be too harsh on the skin.
The ingredients in bath bombs might cause itching, rashes, and plumbing issues. However, some bath bomb products are safe to use and specifically designed to help the skin feel softer.
Some of the basic ingredients you'll find in many bath bombs include:
-
Epsom salt
-
Essential oils
-
Baking soda
-
Citric acid
-
Cornstarch
-
Other additives like flower petals, glitter, and confetti
Can bath bombs clog your drains and damage your pipes?
Most people who use bath bombs are worried about them damaging their pipes, and the truth is that, yes, bath bombs can cause plumbing issues.
When we mentioned key ingredients in bath bombs earlier, salts and oils were included. Allowing oils to pass through your pipes is a recipe for disaster as they don't dissolve properly, causing clogging.
Let's use a more relatable scenario; oils can also be classified as grease because of their texture. So, what happens when substances like grease residue go down your water drains? When oils solidify in your drain, it becomes hard to flush out, and in most cases, you might need professional help from a plumber to fix it.
Bath bombs are made with Epsom salts, aren't they? But do you know that sometimes salts don't entirely dissolve? If that happens, it will wreak havoc on your drains and damage your pipes.
What are the potential dangers for your plumbing and drainage?
While bath bombs may be fantastic for use in the bathroom, they might damage sensitive components in your Jacuzzi or hot tub. Due to the ingredients, some of the dangers bath bombs might cause include:
-
Bath bombs are made using oils. Unfortunately, no matter how small the quantity of oil is, congealed oils in pipes may cause clogs.
-
Sometimes bath bombs contain elements like confetti and glitter that make them look pleasant. But these ingredients can clog your drain because they are undissolvable. Other luxury bath bombs contain larger particles like flower petals that can clog drains when used in bathtubs.
-
Salts that don't dissolve completely will attract other debris and even trap hair, which can spell doom for your pipes.
-
When small pieces of bath bombs get stuck in your hot tub, they can ruin the functionality of your pump or jets.
-
Using bath bombs that contain cocoa butter is tricky because of its melting point. It's easy for cocoa butter to solidify while moving down the plumbing. If it does, you will most likely need professionals to fix it.
What can you do to avoid plumbing issues when using bath bombs?
You might be wondering "are bath bombs bad for use in general?" the answer is NO.
While you need to be cautious when using bath bombs, no rule prevents you from using bath bombs regularly. Keep your drains flowing smoothly by following these tips:
Clean with vinegar
Cleaning bathtub drains regularly with vinegar is a great preventive measure to ensure salts and other substances don't harden in your pipes.
Most bath bombs usually contain a large percentage of salts and oils. So when you don't clean regularly, it affects the draining system of your bath or hot tub.
Pour a fair amount of white vinegar down your drain and let it sit for a few minutes. After, flush it away using hot water, as this will help clear away any extra bath bomb debris and other ingredients.
Always use a drain filter
Having slow drains can be trouble come shower time. Your best bet at having a good time in the shower or bathtub if you use it frequently is to use a drain filter or strainer.
Your pipes get damaged when substances like hair, oil, or butter get stuck. What better way to avoid this than putting a removable strainer over the drain?
The work of a drain filter is to catch and trap any undissolved substances that try to go into the drain. If you want to enjoy a bath with fizzy bubbles, use a drain filter.
Use nylon socks for bath bombs
Bath bomb ingredients can't go down the drain if they are not out in the open. When you use a bath bomb, it tends to dissolve. But if it contains solid additives like flowers or confetti, you might want to protect your drainage opening.
Get a fancy nylon sock and tie your bath bomb inside before throwing it into the tub. Alternatively, you can use pantyhose; yes, it's not fancy, but they will get the job done.
How do you unclog a drain with a bath bomb?
If you use bath bombs, you'll know there's always a possibility that they can clog. However, don't panic or worry because you can save your drains and pipes before the problem gets beyond repair.
The two ingredients you can effectively use to unclog your drains are baking soda and white vinegar.
-
Pour hot water down the drain.
-
Add half a cup of baking soda and vinegar.
-
Allow this mixture to settle for 10 minutes, and use hot or warm water to flush it down.
Conclusion
We all love the fragrant scent that emits when we throw a bath bomb into our bath water. However, to create a long-lasting, relaxing feel, you need to ensure you aren't putting your hot tub at risk to enjoy baths.
A bath bomb is different from liquid soap, and with the former, you need to make sure you follow all due protocols to avoid ending up with clogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bath bombs hard on plumbing?
Bath bombs can cause plumbing problems if they contain additives like glitter, flowers, and other solid components.
Can you use a bath bomb in the shower?
Yes, you can use bath bombs in showers. However, ensure you mix it in a bucket before using it, as this prevents having to deal with components that won't dissolve.
Can I put a bath bomb in the toilet?
No, you can't. Be careful not to put a bath bomb in your toilet, as this can clog and destroy your septic system.
Are bath bombs safe for septic systems?
Solid particles in many bath bombs can cause problems with your septic system. So the answer to the question "are bath bombs bad for septic tanks" is - yes, and it's best to avoid using them, as you might need to contact a plumber to get it fixed.
Will bath bombs clog drains?
Yes, bath bombs can create clogs in your drain, especially if you don't use a mesh screen for your drain.
