Can Soap Block Drains?

Soap block drains are a type of Blocked Drain issue which can be easily avoided. Soap can build up inside the drains and at times stick other items to cause blockages. There are simple tasks which a person can take to help prevent soap from building up inside drainage systems. Optimised Plumbing Services is here to help people remove soap and other blockages from any drain or plumbing system.

When soap block drains it can be caused by bar soap chucks being stuck in the drain. Soap can also stick other items, such as hair or food scraps, to the inside of the plumbing causing blockages. To prevent soap scum blocking drains, cleaning the inside with boiling water regular or changing to liquid soap can help.

How Do I Remove Soap From a Drain?

Soap can block bathroom drains, bathroom sinks to kitchen sinks and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Multiple methods can be made to flush the drain of soap blockages. These can be applied to both bathroom and sink drains to help clear the drain pipe.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used as a drain cleaner and can remove soap build up in drainage. The baking soda works to eat the soap scum and deodorise it to have the drain clean. One tablespoon of baking soda should be mixed with clean water to help clean the system. If this does not work then adding one extra tablespoon of baking soda mixed with water can be done.

It is important to wait one day with each attempt of using baking soda to clear a drain. Any more than two baking soda mixed with water formulas poured down a drain in one day could cause damage.

Boiling Water

Another method to fix the clogged drain from soap is to pour boiling water. This will help with melting chunks of soap which has built up inside of the drainage system. Running hot water from the tap, faucet or shower for a few minutes after pouring the boiling water should be done. Any residue should be cleared because the boiling water will melt and remove the clog.

Ammonia

When boiling water is not effective at removing the soap then ammonia can be used to clear the drain. Using one cup of ammonia mixed with boiling water should help with completely clearing soap buildup. When performing this method it is important to ventilate the room by opening windows and turning the fan on. Blocking any overflow pipes with old rags is also important in preventing the ammonia from entering other drains.

For more tips on how to clear a blocked drain, we recommend reading our article with more easy to follow methods.

Does Bar Soap Block Drains?

Bar soap often blocks drains more than liquid soaps due to re-solidifying inside the drains. This means that clumps of soap can group together to form a large mass over time. This build-up of smaller soap chunks will lead to one larger blockage which can completely clog the drain.

Most times there is no method to limit the chance bar soap block drains. This is why switching to liquid soap over bar soap is often encouraged.

Bar soap can also cause more issues other than blocking the internal piping system. Soap scum building up can lead to bacteria being attracted and growing in the piping system. This is unhygienic which is why having boiling water poured down drains regularly can help with removing soap scum.

Is Liquid Soap Better for Drains?

With bar soap often clogging up drains over time using liquid soap is advised. This is because the liquid soaps wash down drains much more easily when compared to bar soaps. They are also far less likely to cause a blockage due to it not building up inside the drainage lines. The chance of liquid soaps cathing and sticking to hair and other scraps in the drain is also less likely.

If bar soaps are preferred then a waste catcher can be installed to stop chunks of soap going down the drain. A water softener can also be used to help keep the bar soap from being stuck in drains. The water softens the bar soap and is less likely to harden inside the drains preventing clogs.

Does Dishwasher Soap Clog Drains?

Dishwashing soap will not clog drains and pipes as they are a form of liquid detergent. A powdered dishwashing detergent is more likely to block the pipes but is not as common. If using powdered detergent in the dishwasher it is important to put in the correct amount to prevent blockages. Reading the manufacturers instructions will also assist in keeping the dishwasher from being blocked.

How Can Prevent Soap Block Drains?

Once a month performing a 10 minute method to clean drains can help keep them clear of soap blockages. Soap block drains are often due to people neglecting to regularly clean their drains. This method is cheap and easy to follow and can be used on any drainage system where soap enters its plumbing.

1. Pour a cup of baking soda inside the drain and sprinkle a small amount on the drain net.
2. Microwave a cup of vinegar for two minutes.
3. Pour the vinegar which will be hot down the drain and let it sit for five minutes.
4. Rinse out the drain with warm water for 30 seconds.

This simple method performed once a month can help prevent soap clogging up the insides of the drains.

Reliable Blocked Drain Specialists

Optimised Plumbing Services is here to help when soap block drains in any drainage system. Our fully qualified team will have the soap removed from any kitchen sink, bathroom drain and any other plumbing effectively. We utilise reliable and safe techniques to make sure our soap blockage removal service is as efficient as possible.

We will work across all of Sydney to clear soap blockages, from the North Shore to Sutherland Shire. Our Emergency Plumber team is also here to work at any time of the day to resolve any plumbing emergency or dilemma.

For professional soap blockage removal services contact Optimised Plumbing Services on 02 8074 1475!