Bath bombs have become a popular part of many people’s self-care routines. After all, who doesn’t love enhancing their bath with the luscious perfume and silky feel of a bath bomb? Unfortunately, bath bombs are a big no-no if you have a septic system, so you’ll need to find septic-safe alternatives to pamper yourself.
What are Bath Bombs?
Bath bombs are aromatic, single-use spheres made of mostly dry ingredients that bubble and fizz when dropped into a bathtub full of water. The two- to three-inch balls sometimes contain hidden treasures, such as glitter, confetti, or flower petals, making the bath extra glamorous. Bath bombs can be storebought or homemade and typically contain these ingredients:
- Baking soda
- Citric acid
- Epsom or sea salt
- Perfumes
- Dyes
- Olive oil, shea butter, or cocoa butter
- Decorative solids
Why Bath Bombs Aren’t Septic-Safe
Bath bombs are not recommended if you have a septic tank because several ingredients are problematic for this type of plumbing system, including:
- Salts: Epsom salt and sea salt are great for soothing sore muscles and joints. Unfortunately, undissolved salt can clog your plumbing, harm the bacteria in your septic tank, or cause problems with the drain field.
- Oils: Any oil that goes down the drain—from cooking grease to bath bomb shea butter—contributes to the fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) floating on the liquid surface inside your septic tank. FOGs can clog your plumbing, both inside your home and out toward the drain field, which may cause system failure.
- Decorative solids: The solid particles found in some bath bombs never dissolve. Instead, they clog your plumbing or float on the liquid surface inside the septic tank. Decorative solids may also clog the pipes leading to the drain field and cause catastrophic damage.
Septic-Safe Bath Bombs Alternatives
While bath bombs are a bad idea if you have a septic system, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy self-care in other ways. Replicate the experience of using a bath bomb with these septic-safe alternatives:
- Plain bubble bath: First, pour non-antibacterial bubble bath under the flow of water entering the tub. This creates the bubbles you love so much.
- Finely grained Epsom salt: Next, toss a small handful of finely grained Epsom salt into the tub to soothe your aches and pains. In this amount, salt also promotes vegetation growth in the drain field.
- Scented candles: Finally, fill the air with a pleasant scent while you bathe by lighting your favorite candles. The flickering light also adds to the ambiance.
Keep Your Septic System Running Smoothly
Trinity Liquid Waste is a family-owned business providing residential septic services to San Francisco homeowners. Trust us for everything from septic pumping and routine inspections to emergency septic repair. We are committed to keeping your septic system running smoothly so you can focus on other things. To schedule your next visit, please contact us online or call us at 510-874-6489.
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