Can Soap Clog Your Drains?

The topic of soap and its potential to clog drains is one that often sparks debate. Some believe that soap can lead to drain clogs, while others argue that it's an unlikely culprit. After all, doesn’t soap dissolve in water? NuFlow St. Louis, the experts in delve into this common question and provide some clarity on the matter.

The Composition of Soap

To understand whether soap can clog your drains, it's essential to grasp the composition of typical bar soaps and body washes. Most bathing soaps contain fatty acids, oils, and various cleaning agents. These components are essential for breaking down dirt and oils on your skin, helping you feel clean and fresh. While these ingredients are excellent for personal hygiene, they can potentially pose a challenge for your drains. Because of this, it’s important to schedule routine drain cleaning services to prevent clogs.

Causes of Drain Buildup

The primary culprit in the potential for soap to clog your drains is the formation of soap scum. As soap is rinsed off your body, it reacts with minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, to form soap scum. This soap scum can stick to the sides of your pipes, creating a sticky, stubborn residue, and eventually, a clogged drain.

Hair is another frequent clogging factor. When hair goes down the drain, it can accumulate over time, forming clumps and blocking water flow. To prevent hair clogs, consider using drain screens and calling your local drain cleaning company for drain maintenance.

Using liquid body wash or soap-free cleansers and scheduling regular drain maintenance can help prevent soap-related drain clogs. Avoid using chemical cleaners for drain cleaning, and instead, turn to a professional like NuFlow St. Louis for professional drain snaking. Schedule an appointment with our expert team today.