We use our showers and sinks every day without much thought, and we rarely pay attention to what flows down the drain. Dirt, soap, shampoo, and even dead skin cells wash away as part of our daily routine. But over time, these everyday things, especially soap scum, can cause big headaches in the form of slow drainage or full-blown clogs. If you’ve ever had to deal with a stubborn clog in your shower, you might already be familiar with the effects of soap scum. But what is soap scum exactly, and how can you keep it from clogging up your drains?
In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know, including how to prevent soap scum buildup in drains.
What Is Soap Scum?
Soap scum is a white, chalky residue that forms when soap mixes with hard water. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, and when these minerals come into contact with soap, they create a tough film that sticks to surfaces. This residue often shows up on bathroom surfaces like shower doors, tiles, and faucets, but it also finds its way into your drains. While it might seem harmless at first, soap scum gradually builds up, causing more than just an eyesore — it can eventually lead to serious drainage problems.
How Does Soap Scum Cause Drain Problems?
Soap scum isn’t just a surface issue. It can collect inside pipes, leading to blockages over time. As soap scum builds up, it narrows the opening in your drain pipes, which impedes water flow and causes draining slowly. In some cases, it even leads to a complete soap scum drain clog. Combine soap scum with other debris like hair and dirt, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a clogged drain.
What Soap Scum Is and How It Affects Your Drainage
You might wonder, “What is soap scum, and why does it stick around so stubbornly?” The answer lies in its makeup. Soap scum forms from a combination of soap and fatty acids, mixed with hard water minerals. Over time, it becomes a sticky residue that grabs onto everything it comes in contact with, like dead skin cells, trapped hair, and more. This mix doesn’t just stop at the surface level. It works its way down your shower drains, kitchen sinks, and other pipes, contributing to slow drainage and clogs.
Why Does Soap Scum Build Up So Quickly?
Soap scum builds up faster in areas with hard water. The more you use bar soap, the more likely soap scum is to form, because bar soap tends to react more strongly with hard water minerals. In contrast, liquid detergent or soft water is less likely to cause as much buildup. But even with liquid soap, over time, soap scum can still form. It can clog drains and make cleaning your bathroom more difficult.
Soap Scum Drain Clogs: The Bigger Problem
While soap scum alone might not seem like a huge issue, it becomes a bigger problem when combined with other things like hair and dirt. Soap scum sticks to hair clogs, creating a thick, stubborn blockage that can lead to a fully clogged shower drain or other types of clogged drains. Once this happens, you’ll probably notice slow drainage, standing water, and even unpleasant odors. If left untreated, these soap scum drain clogs can put a lot of stress on your plumbing system.
Signs of a Soap Scum Clog
Are you unsure if you have a soap scum problem in your home? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Water drains slowly in your shower or sink.
- You notice a chalky, white residue on your bathroom surfaces.
- There’s standing water in your sink or tub.
- You detect a musty or foul odor coming from your drain.
If you notice any of these signs, you could be dealing with a soap scum drain clog.
How to Prevent Soap Scum Buildup in Drains
The good news is that there are several ways to prevent soap scum buildup in drains. Let’s review how to prevent soap scum buildup in drains in more detail below.
Switch to Liquid Soap
One of the simplest ways to prevent soap scum buildup in drains is to switch from bar soap to liquid soap. Bar soap is made with fatty acids, which react with hard water to create soap scum. Liquid soaps, on the other hand, don’t contain these fatty acids, so they’re less likely to cause buildup in your drains.
Use a Hair Catcher or Drain Strainer
A shower drain hair catcher or drain strainer is an inexpensive tool that can prevent hair and other debris from getting into your drains in the first place. Since soap scum clings to hair, trapping the hair before it enters the drain can make a huge difference in preventing a soap scum drain clog. Clean your drain strainer regularly to keep it effective.
Rinse Your Drains With Hot Water
Pouring hot water down your drain regularly can help break up soap scum before it has a chance to build up. Once a week, boil a kettle of water and pour it slowly down the drain to help flush out any residue. The heat can soften the soap scum, making it easier for the water to wash it away.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar are natural cleaners that can help remove soap scum from your drains. First, pour some baking soda into the drain, followed by an equal amount of white vinegar. The reaction between these two ingredients can help to loosen any soap buildup and other debris. After letting it sit for a few minutes, flush the drain with boiling water to clear away the loosened buildup.
Clean Your Shower Drain Regularly
Regular cleaning is one of the most effective ways of preventing clogged shower drains. You can use a drain snake to remove any trapped hair or debris that’s caught in your drain before it has a chance to combine with soap scum.
Install a Water Softener
If hard water is a major problem in your area, consider installing a water softener. Soft water doesn’t contain the minerals that contribute to soap scum buildup, which can help reduce the chances of a soap scum drain clog.
Dealing With a Sink or Shower Drain Clog? Call Priority Plumbing!
Dealing with soap scum drain clogs can be an aggravating and messy experience, but it’s completely avoidable. By learning how to prevent soap scum buildup in drains and following these tips, you can help keep your plumbing in great shape and avoid the hassle of blockages.
If you’ve tried everything and still find your drains are draining slowly, it might be time to call Priority Plumbing. We offer drain cleaning and drain repair services in Toronto, ON, and the surrounding areas. Schedule your service today, and let us help get your drains back on track!