Do Bath Bombs Clog Drains?

This is one of the common questions homeowners who love taking relaxing baths often ask. Unfortunately, it’s true that bath bombs can clog your drains. But that doesn’t mean you should stop using them altogether. There are ways you can use bath bombs to prevent clogging your drains.

In this article, Mr. Rooter Plumbing explains how bath bombs can clog drains and provides tips on how you can protect your plumbing. For professional drain cleaning, trust our plumbers to offer top-notch services and keep your drain lines in tip-top condition.

What Are Bath Bombs?

Bath bombs are colorful, fragrant, and fizzy bath products that are designed to enhance your bathing experience. They are made from a mixture of dry ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, essential oils,and Epsom salt.

The problem with bath bombs lies with the ingredients they contain. One of the problematic ingredients is Epsom salt. While it helps to soothe sore muscles and smooth the skin, Epsom salt does not dissolve fully in water. It leaves behind some residue that can accumulate in your drain over time. The residue will combine with soap scum and other debris to form stubborn clogs.

The essential oils in bath bombs are not good for your drains either. While they do dissolve in hot bathwater, they will eventually cool down and cling to the walls of your drain lines. You’ve probably heard that fats, oils, and grease are harmful to your plumbing. That’s entirely true. The oils in bath bombs are no different. Do not let their liquid nature fool you—they will cool down in the pipes and cause clogs.

Some types of bath bombs contain more than essential oils and Epsom salt. Additional ingredients such as flowers, confetti, and glitter can find their way into the drain pipes and cause blockages. They do look pretty and might add to the sensory experience, but they can damage your plumbing.

Tips to Safely Use Bath Bombs

• Install Drain Guards

This is an inexpensive way to keep bath bomb debris out of your drains. These mesh covers fit over your drain and catch hair, soap scum, and other particles. Choose a fine-mesh drain guard to ensure that even the smallest glitter particles are captured.

• Wrap the Bath Bombs in Nylon Cloth

Before dropping a bath bomb into your tub, wrap it in a piece of nylon cloth. This will help contain the fizzy mess and prevent loose ingredients from escaping and clogging your drain.

• Flush the Drain with Hot Water

After enjoying a bath bomb, flush the tub with hot water to dissolve and wash away any remaining residue. The hot water will help to break down any soap scum or oils that may have clung to the sides of the drain. For stubborn clogs, you can use a plunger or a drain snake to clear the blockage. If it won’t budge, reach out to a professional plumbing repair service for help.

• Schedule Regular Drain Cleaning

To maintain the health of your plumbing system, it's important to schedule regular drain cleaning. A professional plumber can use specialized tools to remove any buildup or clogs that may have formed over time. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent future problems and keep your drains flowing smoothly.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Clogged Drain Line Repair

If you’re looking for a professional plumbing service to help you inspect and fix your drains, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing.