Soap scum is a white solid residue that sticks to shower stalls, bathtubs, pipes, and drains. It is created when hard water mixes with soap. While water generally contains mineral deposits, scam forms in water that has more magnesium and calcium than normal water. The minerals mix with the fatty acids in soap to create soap scum. When scam gains access to your drains, it causes a build-up over time and this eventually causes clogging. Soap scum is not only gross but is potentially unhealthy at is a host for bacteria. While it also occurs in kitchen sinks, it is most common in baths and showers. Fortunately, you can get rid of scum with a bit of effort. Here’s the best way to remove soap scum.
1. Using Hot Water
Boil water and pour it down your drain. This will melt the soap scum that may have formed around the drainage pipe. After pouring the hot water, run hot water in your sink or bath for a few minutes. This is one of the ways to clear your drain without necessarily having to use harsh chemicals.
2. Using Baking Soda
You can also dissolve soap in drain using baking soda. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda to one gallon of water and pour it down the drain. If this does not clear the scum, you can mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda to one quart of the water. This mixture will clear the scum quickly and effectively. Baking soda will deodorize the drain to give it a fresh smell too.
3. Using Ammonia
If flushing hot water down the drain does not clear the soap scum, you pour ammonia down the drain. Afterwards, pour more boiling water. Flush the ammonia by running hot water for a few minutes. This method is more effective for drains that have become slow because of scum build-up. When working with ammonia, make sure to run the fan or open your windows because the odor is overwhelming. Do not mix vinegar or chlorine bleach with ammonia or consider using them together. They form a toxic mix that can be unhealthy for you.
4. Using Mesh Traps
If you are not using mesh traps on your drains, you should consider buying one for each drain in your home. A mesh trap is the most reliable trap for soap scum and hair or anything else that goes down your drain and can potentially cause clogging.
5. Avoid Disposing of Waste In Your Drain
If you live in an area with hard water, you need to be more observant about what goes down your drain. Anything else that goes down your drain will stick to the scum and can potentially cause a plumbing issue. Therefore, ensure grease, waste food, and hair does not gain access to your drains. Dispose of them in other ways to ensure your drains do not clog.
If you can’t seem to sort out the clogging by yourself, call in the pros at Drain Rescue plumbers. They will diagnose and sort out the problem once and for all.
