Bath Bombs and Septic Systems

Anyone who has a septic system at their home or business knows that the rules can be a bit different than for a property that’s hooked up to a municipal sewer line. There are certain types of products that you can never put down a waste pipe into a septic system—certain types of toilet tissue, for example.

One product that’s recently gained popularity is bath bombs. These can be a relaxing treat for people who like to take long soaks, but unfortunately it seems that in most instances bath bombs are not safe for septic tanks. There are a number of reasons for this, so read on for more insight into why these are probably something to avoid if you rely on a septic system for your home’s waste disposal.

What is a bath bomb?

Bath bombs are a wildly popular item on the market right now, but what exactly are they? First things first, no, they’re not explosive. Rather, they are densely compacted dry ingredients (usually in the shape of a ball) that can be tossed into a tub. There, they dissolve and release various scents, colors and even objects like dried flower petals to create a more luxurious bathing experience. (A quick note: Never use bath bombs with glitter, no matter your waste disposal system. These microplastics are incredibly destructive on the environment).

Unfortunately, these dried items can also cause bath bombs to clog drains, which is just another reason to avoid them. Bath bomb ingredients can include things like salt, citric acid, baking soda, dyes, oils and other perfumes. Taken together, these can spell bad news for a septic system.

What risks do bath bombs pose to septic systems?

First of all, as we noted above, introducing solids to a bath is never a good idea. Bath bombs can easily clog drains when they release things like lavender buds or confetti, which can wreak havoc on your system. Second, oils are never beneficial either. Things like cocoa butter or shea butter can build up in grease deposits on the walls of your pipes, much like cooking grease will do in your kitchen.

A good rule of thumb is that any fat that’s a solid at room temperature should never go down the drain, because it’ll easily solidify. Since the oils in these bathing products fit this criterion, it’s easy to see why bath bombs are not safe for septic tanks.

What can I use instead?

All of this can sound quite disheartening to people who love a good bath. That said, the good news is that not all bath bombs are unsafe for septic tanks. There are septic-safe bath bombs on the market, made by people who understand all of the above information and have created products to keep your system running smoothly. Furthermore, septic-safe bubble bath products can also give you the experience you’re after.

If your septic system has incurred some damage from bath bombs or other causes, then it’s time to give the pros at Orchard Plumbing a call. We specialize in everything from residential plumbing to drain cleaning. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!