Is Bubble Bath safe for your Plumbing?

Adding a bit of bubble bath to your tub seems like a great way to relax after a long day. But the stress it might put on your plumbing may have you rethinking your next bath.  

Clogging your pipes

To most people, a hot bath after a long and stressful day is the best way to relax and unwind. The warm water soothing your muscles, the luxurious aroma of your bubble bath–that is equivalent to a slice of heaven. Unfortunately, this luxurious ritual might be doing more harm than good when it comes to your plumbing. Just like other items in your bathroom, your plumbing can develop scum and residue buildup as a result of bath products.

Liquid bubble bath is one of those products that people of all ages enjoy using. Additionally, it happens to be one of the products that can clog your pipes due to a couple of its ingredients. Ingredients such as oils, soaps and sometimes glitters and colorants can create a plumbing nightmare! Products that are oily or have lanolin-based soap in them can coat the inside of pipes. This coating restricts flow and makes the walls of your pipes act like a magnet that attracts grime and debris. The oils found in your bubble bath can also congeal together once they are rinsed down your drain–this combined with glitter, colorants and even your own hair can cause major blockages. 

Cleaning your pipes

Luckily, there are ways to clear away the grime and dirt to prevent your bubble bath from causing any damage to your plumbing. By using these cleaning and prevention methods you can continue to use your bubble bath with peace of mind:

1. Clean your drain with vinegar and water. Let the vinegar sit in your drain for several minutes, and then flush it with hot water. The acidic quality that vinegar has will help break down and dissolve the grime, while the hot water pushes it all out!
2. Clean your drain with baking soda and boiling water. Pour a mixture of baking soda and boiling water down your drain once a month  as a preventative. This mixture aids in breaking up oils and grease, while also preventing it from forming! 

Call a Professional

If all else fails and your tub starts to drain slowly or not at all, don’t panic! Instead call Super Terry, Pittsburgh’s most dependable and experienced plumber. Our phone line is open 24/7, so contact us today for all your plumbing emergencies!