Is Bubble Bath Safe for Your Plumbing?
Somedays, there is nothing better than a nice bubble bath to help you sit down and relax for a bit. Or maybe you want to give the kids something fun to do while they work on getting rid of the dirt and grime they accumulated through the day. But when it comes to the safety and longevity of your plumbing, you may wonder whether that bubble bath is a good idea for the plumbing.
Bubble bath is not considered safe for your plumbing says Front Range Water Heater and Excavation (a plumber in Loveland, Colorado). They may be fun to enjoy when you are relaxing and calming down at the ed of the day, but they can cause issues with clogged pipes. This is due to the fact that they contain colorants, oils, soaps, and sometimes glitter depending on the type you get. The oily and soap can create a coating in the pipes that will allow grime and debris to stick, creating a clog in the drains that is hard to remove. It is best to not use these at all.
While you may enjoy having some bubble bath or you may want to give it to your kids, it is going to do a number on your bathroom and you need to be careful. Let’s take a closer look at how this works and some of the reasons that you should avoid bubble bath to save your plumbing.
Why is Bubble Bath Bad for Your Plumbing?
It seems like something harmless to use. Add a little bit of a special soap to your bathtub or to the bath with the kids and let them have a good time. What could be wrong with that? Many bubble bath products are going to be liquid too, so many people assume that it will just go right down the drain and won’t cause a problem.
The bubble bath may be fine when it is in the water and you can splash around with it. But the problem happens when it starts to go down the drain. The soaps and oils that are found I most of these products are going to stick to the side of the pipes, causing a new coating to appear. This ca be worse if there is some glitter in it because you will start to create blockage in the pipe immediately.
If you just use bubble bath on occasion, this is not too big of a problem. It will rinse right down and not be a big problem. But if you end up using it every night, that coating will keep building up. It will cause some bigger problems because it will be able to hold onto some of the dirt and grime that you and the kids send down the drain as well. Before long, you have a nice clog in the drain and you will need to use some chemicals to clear it out. When the problem gets really bad, then it is time to call in the professionals to help out here.
How Can I Prevent a Clog in My Plumbing?
It is important to take some proactive steps to make sure that you don’t end up with a big problem of clogged drains along your plumbing. The first one is to avoid bubble bath. If you do decide to use this on occasion, it is probably going to clear out long before you get a clog. But avoid using it every night or you will have a major expense and a big mess on your hands to deal with.
Another thing to consider is the amount of debris that you are sending down the drain as well. You will send the dirt and grime down when you are cleaning up, and even some hair while you get all cleaned up. If you use something like a hair catcher, you can prevent some of that stuff going down the drains so that you don’t run into a clog.
Keeping the drains clean with some all-natural cleaners (avoid the chemicals that will ruin the plumbing), can do some wonders. These will loosen up some of the mess that comes with your pipes and can help the water go down smoothly. You can ask a professional plumber if you need some help.
Keeping Your Plumbing Safe
Your plumbing is an important part of your home and you want to make sure it is in good working order for a long time to come. Avoiding bubble bath products and other products that can clog up the drains can be part of the care plan you create to help out. If you do end up with a big issue with your plumbing, then hiring the right professionals to come take a look at the plumbing and ca keep it in good working order for a long time to come.
Maintaining Healthy Plumbing While Enjoying Your Bath
While bubble baths can pose risks to your plumbing, there are ways to enjoy a relaxing soak without causing damage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maintain healthy plumbing while still indulging in your bathtime rituals.
Alternative Bath Products
Consider using these gentler alternatives to bubble baths:
- Epsom salts
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Baking soda
- Pure essential oils (in moderation)
- Natural bath tea bags
Safe Usage Frequency
| Product | Safe Frequency |
|---|---|
| Plain water | Daily |
| Gentle soap | Daily |
| Bubble bath | Once a week or less |
| Bath bombs | Once every two weeks |
| Oils | Once a month |
Signs of Plumbing Issues
Watch out for these indicators of potential plumbing problems:
- Slow draining
- Gurgling sounds
- Foul odors
- Visible residue in the tub
- Water backing up
Cost Comparison
| Service/Product | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional plumber visit for drain cleaning | $150 – $250 |
| DIY drain cleaning products | $10 – $30 |
| Long-term plumbing repairs (if issues are ignored) | $500 – $2000+ |
Tips for Healthy Plumbing
- Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris
- Flush with hot water after each bath
- Regularly clean with baking soda and vinegar
- Limit use of oil-based products
- Schedule annual professional plumbing checkups
By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk to your plumbing while still enjoying a relaxing bath experience.
