Sometimes after a long hard day, you want to relax and unwind in the comfort of a warm bath. And the only thing better than that is to add a little fizz and a sweet aroma to your bath. One big bath bomb can wash away the troubles of even the worst day and leave your mind and body refreshed and relaxed. That is unless you begin to think about the clogged drain that could follow the use of a bath bomb. Now your mind is spinning as you try to determine if this warning is just a myth to tank the sale of this fantastic bath product or if there is some truth to this ominous statement. And the answer to this challenging question lies somewhere in the ingredient list for your bath bomb of choice.
What Is In This Little Ball Of Happiness?
Typically, bath bombs are a combination of salts, scents, and oils. The goal is to create a fragrant oasis that relaxes your entire being while also providing a little TLC for your skin. The most prevalent ingredients are Epsom salt and baking soda, which dissolve in the water to make the wonderful fizzy feeling. And the Epsom salts are known to soothe sore muscles and aid in relaxation. However, the minor ingredients are the ones that tend to create major problems. Things like essential oils, cornstarch, cocoa butter, small bits of flowers, and even the occasional glitter do not disintegrate in your bathwater.
When you drain your tub, these particles leave behind a residue in your drain pipes that can be the beginning of a nasty clog. The oils tend to solidify as they cool and stick to the inside of drain pipes. The cornstarch also hardens and settles into elbows and other fittings along the path of the drain. And over time, all of these obstacles snag hair and other bits of debris flowing through the pipe, resulting in the beginning of a clog.
How To Bath Bomb Responsibly
It is possible to relax in a bombed bath without the nagging worries of clogged drains and expensive plumbing repairs. All you need to do is keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Use a barrier to prevent the solids from going down the drain. This could be a small metal or mesh drain screen or even a piece of nylon stocking. You can also place the bath bomb in a piece of stocking and tie the end closed before submerging it into your bathwater. This helps keep all the small pieces from going down the drain with the bathwater.
- If floating flower petals and glitter are the piece that makes your bath the most enjoyable, then definitely partake, but be prepared for the cleanup. Before releasing the bathwater down the drain, use a small mesh strainer to collect all of the flower petals and other solid particles floating in the water.
- Finally, after each bath bomb, rinse the drain with hot water to flush away oil-based residue. Then pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar to scrub away any remaining residue or particles. Let the mixture sit in the drain for about five minutes then flush with more hot water.
Bath Bombs And Hot Tubs
If a bath bomb in a regular tub is good, then a bath bomb in a hot tub should be amazing. But what you think is a fantastic way to relax could mean an early end to your spa. The additives and oils in most bath bombs will quickly clog up the hoses and jets of your spa and can result in damage to the sensors and other components in your spa’s pumping system. Consult your spa’s manufacturer before adding any bath bombs to your tub.
When you notice that any of your home’s drains are clearing more slowly than usual, it is time for professional help. A call to (214) 388-8838 is the best way to ensure that a small blockage does not grow into a massive clog and flood your home. The professionals at Flow Plumbing use nothing but high-pressure water to blast away blockages and clogs in your drain lines and the nasty residue that is coating the inside of the pipes. Give us a call for a complete price quote for drain cleaning so that you can forget about clogs and a flood of dirty water.
