Bath bombs have become increasingly popular in soothing self-care regimens. Their bright colors, perfumes, and sometimes hidden treasures can provide relaxing aromas and additives to bath water that many find enjoyable after a long hard day. The appeal is understandable and bath bomb manufacturers have done quite well with their marketing efforts, but from a septic care standpoint, bath bombs are anything safe. Read more about how bath bombs can be harmful for septic system and to learn about septic-safe alternatives with similar benefits.
What are Bath Bombs?
Bath bombs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are compressed mixtures of dry powders and ingredients that dissolve into a fizzy cloud when dropped into water. Some bath bombs even feature glitter or flower petals once dissolved. They can be homemade or store-bought, but most bath bombs contain similar ingredients, such as:
- Salts
- Citric acid
- Baking soda
- Perfumes
- Essential oils
- Dyes
- Oils
The baking soda and citric acid work together to create the bomb’s fizz. The salts and oils – commonly olive oil, vanilla, shea butter, or cocoa butter – work together to pamper the skin.
Are Bath Bombs Safe for My Septic System?
We’ve seen time and time again that the ingredients in bath bombs pose significant problems for your system. We do not recommend bath bombs for regular use if you want to keep your septic system in proper running condition.
Decorative Solids
Solid particles in many bath bombs, such as flower petals, glitter, and confetti, will not dissolve. Instead, they create clogs in plumbing and in septic tanks. Once in the tank, they will float on the surface of the liquid, adding to the layer of scum. If they find their way out to the drain field, they can clog the pipes, causing significant damage to your system.
Oils
All oils that go down any drain in a home, whether from cooking or hygiene care, will mix with the layer of fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) that floats on the surface of the liquid in a septic tank. Oftentimes, bath bombs are infused with cocoa or shea butter, which are dense and solid at room temperature. As they flow down the drains and out into the septic system, they can solidify and collect on the pipes, creating clogs that could cause wastewater to backup into your house. Once the FOGs from bath bombs find their way into your tank, they can continue out to the drain field, creating clogs that will cause your system to fail.
Salts
Bath bombs also often contain Epsom salt to help soothe muscles and joints. However, when the salts do not dissolve completely, they can create damaging clogs within your plumbing or the septic drain field. In addition, even fully dissolved salts can harm the bacteria in your septic tank.
Septic-Safe Alternatives to Bath Bombs
While bath bombs are not a good choice to maintain a healthy septic system, there are alternatives that are better for your septic tank and for you. Free of artificial colors and heavy perfumes, any plain soap or bubble bath will offer just as relaxing an experience for those times when you need to decompress. Remember to only run a bath on days when you are not otherwise handling water-heavy household chores, like the laundry.
Curry’s Can Keep Your Septic System Running Smoothly!
Curry’s has the experts, equipment, and know how to care for your system properly. From emergency repairs, to routine septic maintenance and installation, we’ll be here for you. Contact us to schedule your septic service today!
