Who doesn’t like the enhancement bath bombs bring to the tub? They make baths more fun, colorful, and fragrant – the reason these spheres of delight have become so popular in the last few years.
But other than making your shower moments more delightful, have you ever wondered whether or not these popular shower companions are suitable for your plumbing system, especially if you have a septic tank?
Well, you being here tells us that your septic tank is something you really care about, and we’re here to try as much as possible to answer the question, “Are bath bombs septic-safe?” Just follow us closely so that you don’t miss any details. But of course, first things first!
What Are Bath Bombs, Anyway?
Bath bombs are small balls made of citric acid, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Epsom salt, essential oils, and colorants. Sometimes the 2 to 3-inch balls contain hidden surprises like dried flowers, confetti, or glitter, which makes them all the more fun.
When you drop a bath bomb in your tub, it fizzes and releases its ingredients into the water. The essential oils infuse the water with a pleasant scent. The colorants also add a beautiful hue to your bathwater.
Generally, the ingredients in bath bombs provide benefits such as;
- Relaxing your muscles
- Easing pain
- Soothing the skin
- Reducing stress
- Boosting circulation
- Improving sleep quality
With all the benefits bath bombs offer, it’s pretty understandable why you would want to use them frequently.
But before you do, there’s something else you need to know about these little spheres, and that’s whether or not they are septic-safe.
Are Bath Bombs Septic-Safe?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a big NO! Bath bombs are not septic-safe because they contain ingredients that can damage your septic system. So, as long as they make shower moments more enjoyable, know that they don’t bring the same joy to your septic.
Bath bombs are undoubtedly a surefire way to enhance your shower moments. That perhaps explains why they are becoming a staple bathroom essential in many households. But as much as we would want to use them frequently, we can’t ignore that they are not septic-safe.
And yes, it all goes down to those ingredients confined within these small balls. Not everything in bath bombs will dissolve when they get into your septic, and that’s where the problem begins.
The salts, fats, oils, and decorative solids in bath bombs are all a threat to the proper functioning of your septic tank.
The Salts
Some bath bombs contain large amounts of Epsom salt, chemically known as hydrated magnesium sulfate.
When Epsom salt gets into your septic tank, it may not dissolve completely, and that may cause clogs. That’s especially true when the partially-dissolved salt catches other things such as hair, dental floss, and other problematic materials.
The Oils
If you thought the leftover oil in your cooking pot was the only oil that shouldn’t go down your plumbing system, you’re wrong! All kinds of oils are a threat to your septic, including the ones used in bath bombs.
The problem with essential oils is that they don’t mix well with water. So, when they enter your septic, they will float on top of the sewage, causing a layer of grease to form. That layer of grease can easily block your septic’s exit, and that’s not good news.
The Fats
Just like essential oils, fats don’t dissolve in water, which can also cause a layer of grease to form in your septic. So, if you use bath bombs containing moisturizing agents such as cocoa butter or shea butter, know that they can cause problems for your septic.
The Decorative Solids
The last ingredient we’ll discuss is the one that makes bath bombs more fun, and that’s the decorative solids. These include confetti, dried flowers, and glitter.
While they may not sound like a threat, know that these solids can cause clogs in your septic. That’s because they can quickly accumulate in your system and cause blockages.
What Makes Bath Bombs A Problem For Septic Tanks?
Bath bombs are a problem for septic tanks because of the components that go into making them. Each ingredient in bath bombs is a threat to your septic, from salts and oils to fats and decorative solids.
As much as your septic is meant to handle all the wastewater in your home, it can’t take everything. As such, be mindful of what goes down your drains, especially if you have a septic tank.
And as said, one thing that isn’t meant to go down your drain is bath bombs. So, the next time you’re tempted to use one, remember that it may cause more harm than good to your septic tank.
Using a bath bomb once or twice may not harm your septic tank. However, as you keep using them, the chances of your septic tank getting damaged become higher.
It’s much like flushing a baby diaper down your toilet. It won’t cause any problems the first time you do it. But if you keep on doing it, then that’s when things start to get messy.
Is Rock Salt Safe For Septic Systems?
Yes, rock salt is safe for septic systems. In fact, most homeowners rely on rock salt to maintain their sewer lines. This salt kills any tree roots attacking your sewer lines and won’t affect the septic system in any way.
If you live in areas that experience a lot of ice, you’ve used or seen people use rock salt to melt the ice. Rock salt – or sodium chloride – is an effective de-icer. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, thereby helping to melt the ice.
But have you ever known that you don’t always have to wait until winter to use rock salt? In fact, you can use this salt all year long to keep your septic tank in good working condition.
Yes, rock salt works well to maintain your septic tanks. It kills off tree roots that may have found their way into your septic system. So, you’ll find rock salt beneficial if you live in an area with a lot of trees.
Additionally, you can rely on rock salt to solve the clogging problem in your toilet. This salt works by breaking down the matter that’s causing the blockage. Actually, most plumbers highly recommend it as a way to free your bathroom from clogs.
Are Epsom Salts Safe For Septic Tanks?
Yes, Epsom salts are safe for septic tanks, but only in small amounts. These salts can damage your septic system in large amounts, so it’s best to work with minimal quantities if you want to use the product for your sewer.
Like rock salt, you can use Epsom salts for breaking down clogs. But that’s not the only benefit they deliver. You see, Epsom salts raise magnesium and sulfur concentrations in the drain field, which is good news for the plants growing there.
However, that doesn’t mean that these salts are 100% harmless. No, not at all. In massive amounts, they can clog the soil pores, and that eventually leads to a system failure.
And that’s why it’s essential only to use small amounts of Epsom salts in your septic tank. A couple of tablespoons should do the trick. If you need to use more, it’s best to consult with a septic professional first.
Is Coke Safe For Septic Systems?
Yes, Coke is safe for septic systems. This carbonated drink can actually help to clean the toilet limescale and several other types of stains if you don’t want to shell out a decent amount for a dedicated toilet cleaner.
While it makes a favorite soft drink for many worldwide, the usefulness of Coke extends beyond just being a drink. Coke contains phosphoric acid, which breaks down limescale and other stains.
Plus, Coke is also quite effective in removing bad smells in your toilet . If you have a really smelly bathroom, pour a can of Coke down the bowl and let it sit for about an hour. After that, flush the toilet, and you should notice a significant difference in the smell.
Just remember that you should never use Coke as a regular toilet cleaner. You see, this drink is quite acidic, and that means it can damage your toilet bowl if you use it too often. So, only use it when you need to get rid of tough stains or bad smells.
What Products Should You Not Use With A Septic Tank?
Some products you should not use with a septic tank include fabric softeners, medicines, detergents containing phosphates, drugs, Fat Oil, Grease (FOGs), additives, and crushed food.
As much as your septic tank looks like it can handle anything, that’s not actually the case. In fact, your septic tank is one thing you must guard and protect because it’s pretty delicate.
You see, your septic tank is designed to break down human waste and toilet paper. However, it can’t handle other materials.
That includes;
- Fabric softeners
- Medicines
- Detergents containing phosphates
- Latex products
- Feminine products
- Fats, Oil, and Grease (FOG)
- Crushed food
- Cosmetics
- Additives
- Kitty litter
- Dryer sheets
- Dental floss
- Cigarette butts
- Baby wipes and diapers
- Cotton buds
- Too much water
- Too little water
- Large wads of toilet paper
- Paint
- Pesticides
- Chemicals
As you can see, there are several things you should never put down in your septic tank. Some of these products might seem harmless, but they can cause a lot of damage to your septic system. So, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
Final Words
Bath bombs are a bundle of delight when enjoying a relaxing bath. However, one thing you must remember is that most of the ingredients in these products aren’t septic-safe.
The essential oils, fats, salts, and solid particles in bath bombs can cause problems for your septic. That won’t happen if you use them sparingly. But if you make them a regular part of your bath routine, it’s only a matter of time before you start noticing problems.