Can Bath Bombs Block Drains?

Have you ever looked at your bath bomb collection and wondered if they block drains? For many, a self-care session is not complete without indulging in the luxurious aroma and cleansing magic of bath bombs.

They often contain essential oils, Epsom salts, fragrances, and other soothing ingredients that can make your bath time a truly relaxing experience.

While bath bombs are a delightful addition to your self-care routine, there has been a growing concern about their impact on the drainage system. Can these harmless bath bombs block drains?

In this article, we will provide insights into the potential drain blockage risks associated with using bath bombs and how you can avoid them.

The Anatomy of a Bath Bomb

Before knowing whether bath bombs can block drains, it’s essential to understand what bath bombs are made of and how they work.

At the heart of every bath bomb’s effervescence lies a simple but dynamic chemical reaction between key ingredients, which include the following:

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate): This is the primary ingredient responsible for the fizzing action. When exposed to water, baking soda reacts with citric acid (another common bath bomb ingredient) to produce carbon dioxide gas, creating the characteristic fizz.
• Citric acid: As mentioned earlier, citric acid is essential for the fizzing reaction. It reacts with baking soda to create an effervescent effect.
• Essential oils: As the bath bomb dissolves in the water, the fizzing action creates a captivating visual display. At the same time, it releases the fragrant aromas and therapeutic benefits of essential oils. These oils are typically diluted in a carrier oil and infused into the bath bomb mixture.
• Epsom salts: Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) are known for their muscle-relaxing properties and can help soothe sore muscles, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. They enhance the overall bath experience, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
• Colourants and fragrances: Bath bombs are known for their vibrant colours and scents, thanks to various colourants and fragrances.

How Bath Bombs Can Block Drains

Now that we understand the primary composition of bath bombs, let’s address the main concern: can bath bombs block drains?

The short answer is yes, bath bombs can potentially block drains. However, it largely depends on several factors, including the type of bath bomb, the state of your plumbing, and your usage habits.

1. Foreign objects: Bath bombs contain various ingredients, including oils, colourants, and fragrances, which may not fully dissolve when the bath bomb is slow to fizz away. As bath bombs disintegrate slowly, these ingredients can cause blocked drains in your shower or bathtub. Over time, this residue can accumulate and adhere to the walls of your drain pipes. When combined with other substances like hair or soap scum, it forms a sticky mixture that can lead to clogs.
2. Hard water and calcium deposits: If you have hard water, which is high in mineral content, bath bomb residue can combine with calcium deposits to form stubborn clogs. Hard water can cause minerals to accumulate in your pipes, reducing their diameter and making them more susceptible to blockages.
3. Slow dissolving bath bombs: When a bath bomb dissolves slowly, it spends more time in contact with the water and your plumbing system. This extended contact time allows more of its ingredients to be released and adhere to the interior surfaces of the pipes. Eventually, it contributes to the build-up that can lead to more severe blockages over time.
4. Frequent use: If you use bath bombs regularly, the cumulative residue from multiple baths can increase the likelihood of blocked drains over time.

Early Warning Signs of Blocked Drains

When ignored, a drain blockage can be more than just a minor inconvenience. Here are some of the potential effects that a blocked drain can bring into your plumbing system:

• Reduced water flow: The accumulation of bath bomb residues causing a severe blocked drain can significantly hinder the flow of water through your pipes. As residues and grease build up, they act like traffic jams within your plumbing system, causing water to move at a frustratingly slow pace. What was meant to be a soothing bath can turn into a test of patience as you wait for the water to drain away.
• Increased risk of pipe damage: Stubborn drain blockages, often caused by bath bomb residues, create elevated pressure within your pipes. Over time, this heightened water pressure can take a toll on your plumbing system’s integrity, leading to pipe damage. In severe cases, it can lead to pipe bursts. The financial consequences of such damage extend beyond mere inconvenience. You may find yourself shelling out money for costly repairs and dealing with the disruptions they entail.
• Plumbing system inefficiency: When bath bomb residue accumulates solid blockages within your plumbing system, it can compromise its efficiency. As your plumbing works harder to maintain water flow in the face of a blocked drain, it consumes more energy and resources. The outcome? Higher water bills can put a strain on your budget. It’s a financial implication that arises directly from neglecting the effects of bath bomb residue accumulation in your pipes.
• Foul odours: Blocked drains don’t just affect water flow; they can also trap debris and stagnant water. These stagnant pools become breeding grounds for unpleasant odours, which waft up from your drains, filling your bathroom with less-than-pleasant scents. Foul odours aren’t just about discomfort; they can also mar the overall ambience of your bathroom, making it a less inviting space.
• Potential for water backups: The most severe blockages caused by bath bomb residues, can lead to wastewater backing up into your bathtub or other fixtures. This creates unsanitary and hazardous conditions within your bathroom, posing health risks and rendering the space unusable until the issue is resolved. Water backups are not just inconvenient; they can be distressing and require immediate attention to restore cleanliness and safety.

How to Prevent Blocked Drains

While there’s a possibility that the bath bombs you’re using can eventually block drains, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop using them altogether.

All you need to do is take extra precautions like the following:

1.  Use high-quality bath bombs: As mentioned, different bath bombs can block drains in varying intensities. Invest in high-quality bath bombs that are made with premium ingredients. These are more likely to dissolve completely and leave behind fewer residues.
2. Wrap your bath bombs in nylon: The thing with bath bomb ingredients is that they don’t magically disappear down the drain system when you use them. If it’s got solid bits like flowers or confetti, those can cause drain blockages. A nifty solution to this is to grab yourself a fancy nylon sock. Before you toss that bath bomb into the water, simply secure it inside the sock, and then let it take its fizzy bath. This way, you can enjoy all the bath bomb goodness without worrying about a blocked drain afterwards.
3. Avoid using bath bombs in hot water: Although the idea of tossing bath bombs into your hot water tub might be alluring, it’s best to resist the temptation. Bath bombs have the potential to obstruct your hot tub’s hoses, metal or ceramic pipes, and jets, causing a blocked drain. Therefore, it’s advisable to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before introducing anything into your hot tub that isn’t explicitly intended for it. Failing to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations might not only result in a clogged drain but also lead to the voiding of your warranty.
4. Regularly clean your bathtub and shower drain: For the record, it’s not advisable to use bath bombs and hot water together. However, you can use boiling water and caustic cleaners to clean bath bomb residues that clog drains afterwards. All you need to do is rinse your bathtub drain or shower drain thoroughly with hot water. Pouring boiling water helps wash away any residue left behind by the bath bomb, clearing blocked drains.
5. Invest in a good toilet plunger: Sometimes all it takes is a few fast plunger thrusts to start the water flowing again. You may get one at your local hardware store. Toilet plunger is relatively easy to use. Simply place the plunger head over the drain hole to create a seal, then quickly thrust the dowel up and down.
6. Install a drain strainer: Installing a drain strainer in both indoor and outdoor drains is an effective way to keep your plumbing system in great shape. These simple yet highly functional devices serve as a proactive defence against various substances that are notorious for causing clogged drains. In particular, drain strainers and hair catchers offer a simple solution for preventing blockages, with a special emphasis on combating large residues.
7. Limit frequency: While it’s tempting to enjoy bath bombs often, using them in moderation can help reduce the risk of clogged drains. The most you can enjoy is a few times a week.

Know When to Seek a Professional

Whether you have a blocked drain, an overflowing drain, or you’re generally concerned about your plumbing system, especially if it’s surrounded by tree roots, it’s time to contact a local plumbing service.

The skills of a professional plumber, who will use a plumber’s snake (also known as a drain snake), drain auger, or perhaps a CCTV drain camera, can surely combat a severely blocked drain. After all, having a skilled plumber by your side is a lot better than working on a DIY drain snake on your own.

Final Thoughts: Baths Bombs and Blocked Drains

In conclusion, bath bombs can indeed cause blocked drains. However, its likelihood still depends on various factors, such as the quality of the bath bomb, your plumbing system, and usage habits. While these fizzy, fragrant creations can elevate your bathing experience, it’s essential to be mindful of their potential impact on your drains.

However, if you ever find yourself dealing with bath bomb residues that block drains, it is best to contact a reputable plumbing service like Upside Down Plumbing.

Having a team of professional plumbers to clear blocked drains will not only solve your dilemma on unblocking drains but also provide the utmost peace of mind.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.