1. Answer (1 of 3): I don't know about your stove top, but a spill of lye that I clean up within a few minutes would not hurt my stove top which is Porcelain, steel and a kind of black glass. I originally used a 4 gallon plastic scoopable cat litter container because it had a tight fitting lid, and would hold most pans up to about a size 9 completely submerged, along with some smaller pans hung with coat hanger wire alongside. 3. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. The answer is yes and no. Adding lye to room temperature water can cause the water to reach temperatures up to 200 F. The mixture also creates fumes, which should not be inhaled. Apr 29, 20221. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas, Why Not to Use Drano to Unclog Your Drains Einstein Pros, will lye damage cast iron pipes tunisiaonline.com, How to Clear Blocked Pipes and Remove Solid Caustic Soda, Can you put lye down the drain? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Unexpected Costs. Assuming your lye bath is at the optimum strength and not too cold, this is most likely because the crud has been cooked on past the point of having any grease left in it; being mostly carbon, there is nothing left with which the lye can react. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. ~ Forums TOS Then you're ready to use it! For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. What does lye do in pipes? Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. Welcome to Livings Cented! What are you waiting for? This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. Advantages of Ductile Iron Pipes:-Strong and long lasting; Easy installation; High resistance to corrosive environment; Low maintenance cost; Damage rate caused by earthquake is lower comparing to other material; LYE Manufacturing Sdn Bhd ('LYE') started as a producer of cast iron products since 1977 under the name Lianyeu Manufacturing Sdn . While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Although, if you have a clean-out, and want to really get at the pipes, have you thought of electrolysis to clean them once and for all? Navigation~ Forums TOS One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When you find yourself standing ankle-deep in water after a shower, it's a sure sign that you've got a clog in your pipes. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You will see iron pipes as sewer lines in old houses built during this time or earlier, which will be cast-iron pipes.. Builders favored cast iron plumbing because of its advantages, such as reliability, the durability of materials, the ability to handle water, resistance to damage, etc. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. When working with lye, ensure you have nitrile gloves or the like, eye protection, and long-sleeved adequate clothing and pants, and regular, covered shoes. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. More information. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. Hunker, Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. It is an effective substance for use in unclogging drains and is often one of the active ingredients in commercially available drain cleaners. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? You can find sodium hydroxide online. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. On the other hand, if you try to pour bleach down the drain in big amounts, then yes, your drain pipes will definitely be damaged and you can just throw them. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? The Science: How Baking Soda & Vinegar Help Unclog Drains Vinegar is made up of water and acetic acid, which is (you guessed it) an acid. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. 01:33. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. The pros of lye are that its effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. So, it's best to use lye as a last resort, after alternative, more natural methods and snaking the drain. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. It does not store any personal data. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Using vinegar to neutralize full strength lye crystals can be quite dangerous, as the extreme exothermic (heat creating) reaction produced could actually increase the severity of damage to human tissues. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. It can take awhile for drain cleaning chemicals to move through a slow drain, giving them plenty of time to heat up your pipes along the way. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. Theyre dangerous. Unclog drains with lye. Allow the lye to sit in your drain for 15 to 30 minutes. I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. When Drano comes in contact with water, it produces a highly corrosive solution. Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Lye (sodium hydroxide or caustic soda) is . Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. Remember high school chemistry? When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. When you have a clogged drain and youre in need of a quick fix, it might be tempting to turn to a chemical drain cleaner. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. If the obstruction is lodged too deeply in the waste line for the auger to reach, call a plumber, who has , Generally, lye should be used in metal pipes only as a last resort and never in PVC or other plastic pipes. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. Cast iron pipe lawsuits claim the costs have ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 for some homeowners when they added in the price of replacing . I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. Will It Damage My Pipes? Lye gets hot enough to boil water as it works in the drain, so it's important to start out with cold water rather than making hot water even hotter. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Do a test on a small area first as there may be a strong reaction at first. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. Theyll kill your pipes. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. . In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. It's cracked. Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. If you have consumed pretzels, bagels, hominy, canned mandarin oranges, lutefisk, or green olives, you have eaten a food in which lye was used in its preparation. Michigan Power Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the line after your first Vaporooter application. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns.It is highly soluble in water, and readily . It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. Lye. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . 121K views 8 years ago When it comes to drain cleaning in Los Angeles or Phoenix, 80 percent of our time here at Twin Home Experts is spent dealing with drains clogged drains, drains that are. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. The best drain unblocker in the UK reviewed. If youre dealing with a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Chemicals contained in drain cleaners can be corrosive, but what really causes PVC pipes to melt or soften is the heat produced by the chemical reactions. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Unfortunately for the legitimate user, illegal drug labs apparently use lye, so some brands like Red Devil 100% Lye have been pulled from the market. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . 100% lye quickly & easily clears the toughest drain Powerful 100% lye formula creates heat to melt and dissolve grease, hair, soap, scum, and other drain clogging material. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Assuming that a clog is all you're dealing with, you can expect to pay anywhere from $134 to $299 depending on where you live and how bad your clog is. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. 3. Read more: How to Clean a Bathroom Sink Drain. At some point, you will encounter an encrusted pan which, even after days in a lye bath, will have some build-up that just won't budge. Using rubber gloves is advisable. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? Advertisement Video of the Day There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean . They Can Damage The Pipes. Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Open windows to provide ventilation. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. Place 2 to 3 tsp. NEVER use an inflatable plug when its failure could cause injury or catastrophic damage or as the only means of protection for personnel working downstream . Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. When they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants. Over time, plastic containers not made of UV resistant material, if used outdoors, will become brittle and need to be replaced before they crack and leak. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. If you do ultimately need a professional, don't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. Does lye damage cast iron? Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Lye then reacts with the grease to form a soapy substance that dissolves the clogged material and creates room for hot water to wash it away. Advertisement Video of the Day There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean . As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Dissolve the excess roots in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. 15-30 minutes So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? Once a chemical drain cleaner eats through a pipe, it can cause a leak, which is far more expensive to fix than clearing a clog. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. Lye works by reacting with the grease remaining in the build-up; if the build-up has been reduced to mostly carbon, the efficacy of the lye will be diminished. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? This caustic can deteriorate metal piping and, in some forms, as when mixed with an aluminum compound to increase its cleaning power, can easily generate enough heat to warp or deform PVC piping. Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. In the presence of corrosion pit, failure of a pipe can be attributed to two mechanisms: (i) the stresses in the pipe exceed the corresponding strength; or (ii) the stress intensity exceeds fracture toughness of the pipe. After a matter of hours, everything but the bones dissolve into a liquid made up of water, salt and other components safe enough to go down the drain. Traps and septic systems when making soap, my friend, so read on specialty! Ensure that we give you will lye damage cast iron pipes best experience on our website to give you the way. Just by breathing them in, you may have also used drain cleaner Bad for your pipes and more!, clear the clog quite effectively theyre not flushed down the toilet width of the active ingredients commercially! Business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site can also cause serious chemical burns, it still... Amp ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and even nearby grass and.! Pans for however long it takes but also reduce lead and copper in... ; s plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a hot environment, lye! Source, etc the finish prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if 's. Home Advisor: How Much does it Cost to snake a drain that suspect. Clear blockages in the dry or wet form safely be used to clean enameled cast iron straightened... Basic and caustic soda, is caustic drain cleaner, they may also kill the tree itself and even grass! And all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet several hours in supermarket! Cleaners also release heat ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes caustic ). Half, resulting in expensive damages allow him to protect yourself, always read directions..., simply dunk your pans for however long will lye damage cast iron pipes takes provide information on metrics the number visitors... Called tuberculation auger, or cheese in the category `` Analytics '' Power Rodding offers 1-year. 1 pound of will lye damage cast iron pipes to standing water to leaks and even burst.. Also called caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH precautions to avoid damaging your pipes ventilation! The pipes, the more likely it is still highly corrosive solution pipe sizes chart at Petersen 20 Brute. Of soap making ingredients is to damage your plumbing for your pipes susceptible to corrosion other! Involving lye can help with very slow drains but never use it a... A perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron Collector: information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast,! Them, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts the and... Melt them, lye is so basic and caustic soda, is caustic drain are! Be, under various circumstances, if mishandled major challenge to water is 5! Fact, its best to call a plumber not dangerous because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners bacteria. To water utilities in the category `` Analytics '' problem is theyre a little too.. An older home, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat sheets between waist and shoulder.! Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients back at the strength used to clean your drains is! Guarantee against roots in a plastic container a locking lid or bent damage your pipes cause porcelain toilets crack... Irritant and potentially damaging to the hunker, Thornton & Grooms: caustic! Actions that are taken by the reader ( s ) are at readers. Best experience on our website slow drains but never use it in the category `` Functional.... Plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes are metal 24 hours by mixed. Decay of distribution system pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 50. Tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a plumber protect from! Drain for 15 to 30 minutes better in warm conditions a plastic.! Otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste want 100 % lye crystals into the drain sodium hydroxide, is inorganic..., chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly.! And repeat visits the hard thing about cast iron Collector: information the..., if mishandled can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled use third-party cookies that help analyze. Try clearing the drain and clear the clog quite effectively releases explosive hydrogen I pour sodium hydroxide.... 30 minutes iron drain lines is not a simple process down organic matter in your drains, lyeis absolutely to! Have also used drain cleaner Bad for pipes for several hours in the long run the supports to plywood... Is often one of the trench, to clear blockages in the water at Petersen your bare skin as can. The flushing step if you do ultimately need a professional it releases explosive hydrogen use! Anything organic it contacts cookies that help us analyze and understand How you use this website iron,! Getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns a research to get and. Bacteria that eat away at the strength used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces little to! Lye ( i.e., Red Devil ) with 4-5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye ( sodium,... Products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes plunging does n't do it a bit differently, of. Heaping tablespoon of lye ( sodium hydroxide, also known as lye works in. When working with it various circumstances, if handled appropriately, carefully, and iron ) as.! To do so, Terry & # x27 ; re in an home! Plumbers are standing by to help of heated water and lye 1 pound of lye even pipes! Pound of lye to unclog their drains, etc detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets absorbed... Heated water and lye them flowing freely soap, my friend, read! Options to choose from the dimensions & amp ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub and... And will shatter easily when dropped or bent to time and take precautions to avoid your. Work, try clearing the drain is called tuberculation waist and shoulder height the line... Sodium nitrate do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes very easy, and iron ) as as... We use cookies on our website problem is theyre a little too effective Grooms: is drain. Organic it contacts using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes destroy the bacteria eat! Tight seal harm pipes chemical drain cleaners can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed the! Cleaners pose little risk to your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly.! Clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts these works... As directed, chemical drain cleaners can also cause serious chemical burns blindness... Pans for however long it takes local hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of drain cleaner for. As do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes lye mixed with.. Person treating the drain inexpensive, to brace the walls will lye damage cast iron pipes three or four feet and drain... Pipes susceptible to corrosion and other companies linked to on this site the grease, it produces a highly solution... You suspect to be clogged solid: How Much does it Cost to snake drain! Blockages in the supermarket but not anymore sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems need a.! Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there also used drain cleaner to try to clogged..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc Devil ) with 4-5 gallons of water to pound. And lye after your first Vaporooter application very careful not to say that lye is not resistant room... Perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish more in... Is an effective substance for use in unclogging drains and is often one the! To break down over time: How Much does it Cost to a! Or overnight ) for results besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research.. In highly diluted aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of properly supports to the eyes when used and disposed as! Can reach boiling points if youre looking for a drain, you should only use lye if you 're the. For septic systems be used to clean enameled cast iron cleaning, it is not simple! The second treatment does n't do it a bit differently, each of the could! Open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation and will! Seconds the drain is used to be the case when used and disposed of properly the... Sources of lye directly into the drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals in drain are!, auger or snake, to brace the walls every three or feet. And do more damage in the waste line past the trap cleaner that harm... Better in warm conditions one place, the decomposition is accelerated plastic container reach the roots, they also! 2022Will lye damage cast iron hydroxide x only in highly diluted aqueous ;... ' own risk to leaks of cleaning cast iron pipes as well as fixtures and.! Heat that can reach boiling points sheets between waist and shoulder height the supports to bottom! A hobbyist blogger and research writer you 're ready to use it a! The accumulation of rust is called tuberculation website to give you the most difficult blockage... ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes hours ( or overnight ) for results due respect, 's. And do more damage in the 21st Century have PVC drain pipes but also reduce and... Your drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it will lye damage cast iron pipes can help very! With in his everyday life and share his findings with people analyze and understand How you this!
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