Relaxing in the tub with a fizzy, sweet-smelling bath bomb is a great way to relieve stress. However, did you know that bath bombs could cause a Houston plumbing stoppage in your home? Bath bombs can negatively affect your plumbing and lead to serious hazards in your home. However, there are a few ways to help prevent bathtub drain clogs without sacrificing your fizzy, scented bath products. If you do experience a clogged drain from bath bombs or shower bombs, contact your plumber for emergency drain cleaning to help prevent larger, more expensive issues.
How Can a Bath Bomb Cause a Houston Plumbing Stoppage?
There are several ingredients in bath bombs that can clog your drains and create a Houston plumbing stoppage. These products are made up of three basic ingredients: salts, oils, and scents. However, many bath bomb makers also include other things like corn starch and solid items in their products. Some of these ingredients can do serious harm to your plumbing. Also, lower quality bath bombs may not completely dissolve, leaving small chunks behind that go down your drain. This can easily clog your drains and require the help of your plumber to resolve.
Salts
First, bath bombs contain bath salts, but sometimes those salts don’t fully dissolve. While Epsom salts are generally safe to use on their own in your bathtub, when combined with other ingredients they may not fully break down. These salts can then get caught in your drains and catch hair, grime, and other materials to create a Houston plumbing stoppage.
Oils
Bath bombs also contain oils that help moisturize your skin and essential oils to provide relaxing scents. For example, many bath bombs use coconut oil. While these oils may sound completely harmless, they can do a number on your bathtub or shower drain. Oils congeal when they cool down, which means they can get stuck in your pipes and clog your drains to create a Houston plumbing stoppage. Also, because oil and water don’t mix, they won’t simply wash away the next time you use the bathtub or shower.
Insoluble Ingredients
Some bath bomb manufacturers and DIY recipes also include cornstarch. This acts as a filler and also helps slow down how fast the bath bomb dissolves. However, cornstarch doesn’t dissolve in water, which means it can harden in your pipes and create a Houston plumbing stoppage.
Finally, many bath bombs also contain flowers, glitter, confetti, and other materials. These solids also don’t dissolve in water and therefore can get stuck in your drains. While these small objects are certainly fun, they are your drain’s worst nightmare.
In many cases, continual use can gum up your plumbing to where you have slow moving drains or even a complete obstruction. When this happens, you will likely need emergency drain cleaning from your Houston plumber.
Dangers of Clogged Drains
A Houston plumbing stoppage can cause many problems for your plumbing, your home, and even your health. Naturally, a drain clog can cause many issues for your plumbing, such as slow-moving drains or a complete stoppage. This can damage your pipes and make them more prone to breakage and leaking that could cause expensive water damage in your home.
Additionally, a plumbing clog can leave standing water sitting in your shower or bathtub drain. At the very least, this can lead to bad odors in your bathroom. However, clogged drains can also lead to other issues that could affect your health. Stagnant water may encourage mold and bacteria growth, which can cause many illnesses. Also, it can affect the indoor air quality in your home. This may lead to respiratory issues, especially if you or your family members have chronic respiratory issues like asthma. However, there are a few ways you can help avoid a Houston plumbing stoppage while still using your bath bombs.
Solutions to Prevent a Houston Plumbing Stoppage from Bath Bombs
The first way to help prevent drain clogs from bath bombs is to use these products sparingly. An occasional bath bomb likely won’t do much harm to your plumbing, but one a night can quickly turn into a stopped drain.
To catch undissolved salts and many of the insoluble items that may be inside your bath bomb, consider tying it up in a pair of nylon pantyhose before placing it in the bath. You can also use a removable drain strainer for your bathtub or shower drain to help catch solids like flower petals and glitter.
Additionally, schedule regular drain cleaning from your Houston plumber to help remove some of the gunk and grime that bath bombs may leave behind in your drains. In between professional cleanings, you can also try this at-home trick for cleaning your drains:
- Pour a kettle of hot water down your drain
- Funnel ½ cup of baking soda down the drain
- Pour ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain
- Let sit for at least 5 minutes
- Run hot tap water down the drain to flush away oil and debris
This may help break up some of the buildup in your drain from bath bombs. However, it’s important to discuss bath bomb use and drain maintenance with your plumber based on your specific plumbing system for the best outcomes.
Clearing a Houston Plumbing Stoppage from a Bath Bomb
If you do end up with a clogged drain, whether due to bath bombs or other issues, don’t panic. Your Houston plumber is here to help. If you notice slow-moving drains or complete clogs, your plumber can help break up the clog and clean out your drains to prevent odors, mold, and bacteria in your drains. Larger clogs often require a professional plumber’s snake to remove the stoppage. We may also use other drain cleaning methods to help keep your plumbing in good condition.
At Santhoff Plumbing Company, we are a leading Houston plumbing company with over 46 years of experience. We provide master plumbing services for homes and businesses at affordable prices. Our experts leave no stone unturned when you have a plumbing issue, whether it’s a small leak or a burst pipe. We are here for you for all your plumbing needs. Call us today at (713) 665-4997 or schedule service online today. We are here to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.