As a plumbing and drainage company, we see time and time again the impact different bath products have on drainage systems. Bath products are among the most common causes of plumbing issues and drain issues, often leading to clogs and blockages.
This guide will take you through the 5 most common bath products to avoid, the impact they have on your drains and alternatives you can use instead.
Bath Products You Should Probably Avoid
These are the top 5 bath products we recommend avoiding, as they are bad news for your plumbing due to the increased probability that they will cause a drain clog.
Jelly Bath products
“Jelly baff” and other similar products are bath time play products that help encourage children to have fun in the tub. These products are usually in the form of a powder which is added to the bath water and turns it into a jelly or goo like texture. The issue with Jelly baths is that we’ve had many reports from people who are unable to dissolve or dilute the jelly bath water despite following the product’s instructions. The undissolved product can cause damage to your drainage system, especially over time with repeat usage of the product.
Bath jelly has a gelatinous texture that can cling to the inside of your pipes, and over time, the undissolved jelly and thickening additives can accumulate within the drainage system and cause or influence a blockage. This buildup can eventually result in a clogged drain, which may require professional unclogging services to resolve.
Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are popular as they are therapeutic, smell good, make the water look pretty by changing colour and overall improve the experience of taking a bath. Although bath bombs elevate your bathing experience, are they worth the plumbing problem and headache a bath blockage can cause?
Most bath bombs include oil and butter contents within the ingredients. These materials solidify within your drainage system and coat the inside pipes. Not only is this an issue in itself for your plumbing, but it also makes it easier for hair to get stuck within your pipes, increasing the risk of a blockage even further.
Many popular bath bombs also include other additives such as glitter, parts of flowers and confetti. Not only can these additives irritate your skin, but they are also terrible for your drainage system as they don’t dissolve in water. Other ingredients, such as cocoa butter, are also commonly found in bath bombs and can contribute to blockages if they do not dissolve completely. When the oils from the bath bomb turn cold and solidify within the pipes, the additives like glitter or flowers, will stick to the walls of your pipes. To help prevent these ingredients from entering your pipes, consider placing the bath bomb inside a mesh bag or sock before use, allowing the beneficial ingredients to dissolve while keeping solids out of your drainage system.
Bubble Bath
Bubble bath is typically a liquid or powdered product which creates bubbles in the water. It’s a popular product, especially with parents when bathing their children. Although it makes bathing more pleasant, it’s important to remember the issues it may cause with your drainage system over time.
If bubble bath is used frequently, the foamy lather may linger within your pipes which can hinder the water flow. Some bubble baths have ingredients that include additives such as oils and waxes which will dry up to the walls of your pipes and also restrict water flow. Over time, this buildup from bubble bath can eventually lead to clogs in your plumbing. To help prevent buildup from causing clogs, it is recommended to regularly flush your drains with hot water after using bubble bath.
Coconut Oil
Many people love using coconut oil as a nourishing hair mask, and when finished tend to rinse it off in the shower. Like the other bathing products within this list, when the oil that goes down the drain turns cold and solidifies, it will stick to the walls of your drainage pipes. Coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, which can cause it to clog drains and lead to clogged drains.
Coconut oil, like grease and cooking oils, can break down in liquid form when warm, but as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of the pipe. Improper disposal of coconut oil and other substances increases the risk of drain blockages.
Many people will value the skin benefits of coconut oil compared to the risk of drain blockages. If this is the case, we would recommend using the product less frequently than every bath you take. This way you will at least minimise the risk of causing a blockage over time.
Body and Face Scrubs
Body scrubs and face scrubs are exfoliating gels that are typically sugar or salt-based. Although they are amazing for your skin, they are the complete opposite for your drains.
Some body scrubs contain coffee grounds, which do not dissolve and can contribute to drain blockages. Avoid disposing of scrub particles or coffee grounds in the toilet, as this can cause plumbing issues.
The sugar and salt within the different body or face scrubs don’t dissolve in water. This means that the particles within your scrubs travel down your drain and over time they will build up and clog your bath.
If you use other products that include oils and waxes that solidify within the inside of the pipes, the sugar and salt will stick to the inside walls, alongside hair and dead skin cells. Eventually, the bath drain will clog as this is a disaster waiting to happen.
Bath Products Safer Alternatives
There are safer alternatives to these types of bath products that aren’t going to be as damaging to your drain pipes. To decrease the risk of any product clogging up your drain system then it’s best to rinse well after the use of any of these products. Using a drain catcher is also recommended to help stop anything travelling down the drains that shouldn’t.
Regular drain cleaning using natural methods, such as pouring baking soda followed by boiling water down the drain, can help keep your drains clear and prevent buildup. Flushing your drains with hot water after using bath products is another effective way to maintain clear pipes. Taking extra steps, like using a drain catcher and choosing bath bombs with safe ingredients such as epsom salt, will help keep your drains in good condition and reduce the risk of clogs.
Natural and homemade solutions such as essential oils and bathing salts
Bath bombs or jellies that are free from oils, butter and waxes
Liquid soaps that don’t stick to the pipes
Final Thoughts
If bathing products are something you enjoy using, you don’t have to completely stop using them. When possible, switch to safer alternatives such as homemade remedies or when purchasing store-bought bathing products, ensure they are free of oils and waxes. This will minimise the risks of a drain blockage occurring. Ignoring drain issues can lead to costly repairs and disrupt your home comfort. If baths are a daily occurrence within your household, limiting the amount of bathing products used would be a wise idea.
For a long-term solution, your best bet is to consult a professional plumber who can efficiently address your plumbing needs and help maintain your plumbing system.
Need a Drainage and Plumbing Expert?
Our drainage experts have over 30 years of experience. If you are having any issues with your plumbing and drainage, we offer various services for commercial and domestic clients. We can help with sewer backups, clogged pipes, slow drains, and stubborn clogs.
Improper disposal of items like wipes, oils, and even human waste or toilet paper can contribute to these problems and cause significant plumbing issues.
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