Post By Admin
March 13, 2025Soap scum buildup in your drain pipes can cause slow drainage, unpleasant odours, and even full blockages if left untreated. This common issue is caused by a combination of soap residue, hard water minerals, and hair.
In this guide, we’ll explain what causes soap scum, how to remove soap scum from drain pipes effectively, and how to prevent soap scum buildup in drains.
Our blocked drain service can help you if the issue is beyond DIY solutions, but first, let’s try these methods to get your pipes clean and flowing again!
What is Soap Scum and What Causes Its Buildup?
Soap scum is a filmy, sticky residue that forms when soap mixes with hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Over time, this residue accumulates inside pipes, trapping hair, dirt, and other debris, leading to slow drains and blockages.
The combination of body oils, dead skin cells, and soap remnants creates an ideal environment for buildup, which can be difficult to remove once it hardens.
Hard water is one of the biggest culprits behind soap scum in drains. When hard water minerals react with soap, they form a sticky, insoluble substance that adheres to surfaces.
If you’ve noticed a chalky white or grey film in your bathtub, sink, or shower, that’s soap scum. And it’s likely accumulating in your drain pipes as well. Thus, you need to learn how to remove soap scum from drain pipes if this ever happens.
How to Remove Soap Scum from Drain Pipes
If your drain is slow due to soap scum buildup, you need an effective removal method. Fortunately, there are several ways to dissolve and clear the residue, allowing water to flow freely again.
Let’s go over some of the best techniques to remove soap scum from your drain pipes.
1. Use Boiling Water
One of the simplest ways to break down soap scum is by pouring boiling water down the drain. The heat helps dissolve soap buildup, allowing it to flush through the pipes more easily.
- Boil a pot of water.
- Carefully pour it down the drain in small stages to prevent pipe damage (especially for PVC pipes).
- Repeat this process once a week to keep soap scum in drains from accumulating.
Using boiling water is an easy maintenance tip, but it works best for mild soap scum buildup. For tougher clogs, additional methods may be necessary.
2. Try a Vinegar and Dish Soap Solution
A mixture of vinegar and dish soap can help break down soap scum and clear your drain pipes.
- Heat one cup of white vinegar and mix it with half a cup of liquid dish soap.
- Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Flush with hot water to remove loosened soap residue.
This method works well because vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits, while dish soap breaks down grease and oils. However, avoid using baking soda with vinegar excessively, as it can be ineffective for serious clogs.
Read more about why baking soda and vinegar may not be the best solution.
3. Use a Drain Snake or Wire Hanger
If soap scum is mixed with hair, it can form a stubborn clog. A drain snake or an unbent wire hanger can help pull out debris.
- Insert the drain snake or wire hanger into the drain.
- Twist and pull to catch hair and soap scum.
- Dispose of the debris and flush the drain with hot water.
This method is particularly useful for shower and bathtub drains where hair is a major contributor to soap scum buildup.
4. Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners
Enzyme-based drain cleaners are a safer alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. They break down organic matter, including soap scum, without damaging pipes.
- Pour the enzyme cleaner into the drain as per the product instructions.
- Let it sit overnight for the best results.
- Flush the drain with hot water the next morning.
Unlike chemical cleaners, enzyme cleaners are eco-friendly and won’t corrode your pipes over time.
How to Prevent Soap Scum Buildup in Drains
Now that you know how to remove soap scum from your drain pipes, let’s focus on the prevention. Regular maintenance can save you from dealing with clogged drains and expensive plumbing repairs in the future.
Here’s how you can keep soap scum from accumulating in your pipes.
1. Use Hot Water Regularly
Running hot water down the drain after every shower can help prevent soap residue from settling and hardening inside the pipes. This simple habit can reduce buildup and keep your drains clear.
2. Switch to Liquid Body Wash
Bar soaps contain fats that react with hard water to form soap scum. Switching to liquid body wash can significantly reduce residue in your drain pipes.
3. Install a Drain Cover
A drain cover can catch hair and debris before they enter the drain, reducing the chances of soap scum mixing with hair and causing blockages. Clean the cover regularly for the best results.
4. Use a Water Softener
If you have hard water, installing a water softener can help reduce mineral deposits that contribute to soap scum formation. Softened water prevents soap from creating a sticky residue, making it easier to rinse away.
Prevent blocked drains by combining these strategies for long-term maintenance.
FAQ About Soap Scum in Drainage
Here are some commonly asked questions about dealing with soap scum in drains.
What Dissolves Soap Scum in a Drain?
Hot water, vinegar, enzyme cleaners, and commercial drain cleaners can effectively dissolve hair and soap scum in pipes and drains. Regular maintenance can prevent buildup from becoming severe.
What is the Best Soap Scum Remover for Drains?
Enzyme-based drain cleaners and vinegar-based solutions work well. For tough clogs, a drain snake or plumber’s tool may be necessary.
What Do Professionals Use to Remove Soap Scum?
Plumbers often use hydro jetting or professional-grade drain cleaners to remove stubborn soap scum blockages. If DIY methods fail, consider calling a blocked shower drain expert.
Conclusion
Soap scum buildup in drains is a common issue, but with the right cleaning and prevention methods, you can keep your pipes clear.
Knowing how to remove soap scum from drain pipes can help prevent stubborn clogs. Regular maintenance, switching to liquid soap, and using hot water can reduce buildup and keep your drains flowing smoothly.
If you’re dealing with persistent drainage problems, professional help may be necessary.
Contact Neighbourhood Plumbing for expert drain cleaning and maintenance services!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
