Are Bath Bombs Bad for Plumbing?

You can find bath bombs in almost any store these days. They come in different colors, shapes, sizes, and scents, and they can help relax your muscles as you lie down and unload in the tub. But what is inside a bath bomb, and what are the potential bath bomb plumbing problems?

Smart homeowners are conscientious of what goes down their drains. Garbage disposals can help in the kitchen, and drain catchers will stop hair from clogging the sink. If you want to consider yourself a smart homeowner, you need to learn what is in a bath bomb and what those things could do to your pipes.

There are essentially two ingredients in a bath bomb: baking soda and citric acid. When they are dropped into warm water, a chemical action occurs between the two where carbon dioxide gas is released. That causes the fizzing and foam. Other ingredients include cream of tartar or titanium dioxide to provide the reaction. Bath bombs also comprise Epsom salts and oils to help hold their shape. The scents come from essential oils, and extras such as colorants, dried flowers, or confetti are there to help jazz up the water.

Plumbing problems will arise if the salts do not fully dissolve. Partially dissolved salts will clog the drain. If some of those clumps get stuck, they will then catch hair and other debris, worsening the clog. Oils are difficult to flush, which may also lead to clogs. Plus, the extra ingredients, like the flowers or confetti, are just as likely to get stuck in the drain.

You can do a couple things to protect your plumbing while also enjoying the relaxing nature associated with a warm bath and bath bombs. Put the bath bomb in a nylon cover to stop the materials from going down the drain. The bath bomb will still release its active ingredients and aromas, but will not lead to the risk of clogging the drain.

Removable drain filters work well with bath bombs, and should help prevent hair or other debris during all baths and showers. A regular cleaning of your tub and the drain will address any small stoppages before they become a larger problem. However, if the issue becomes too much for you to handle, a professional may need to be called in to help clear your drains.

It is unnecessary for you to stop using bath bombs altogether, but you should be mindful of the potential harm it may do to your plumbing if you do not take proper steps to protect it. For more information on keeping your drains clear of clogs, call the professionals at Sunrise Heating and Plumbing today at (616) 293-9326. We pride ourselves in providing nothing but exceptional customer service.