Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Flush the drain with cold water. Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. 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. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! What happens when you have a sewer backup? Coming in at number three is your best option for cleaning out cast iron pipes and really give them new life: it's a fairly new technology called "picote" that uses high powered spinning air. 3. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. The cost can range from the low end of a few thousand to thousands of dollars depending on home location and location of the cast iron. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. Add another tablespoon of lye to the drain if the water still drains slowly as you flush out the lye or if you still have standing water. Login Or Logout; . Some use a stronger solution. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. It should . The answer is yes and no. If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Will lye melt PVC pipe? According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. Always add the lye to the water, never the reverse-- it will create a thermal reaction which can cause it to boil up and splash on you. What does lye do in pipes? Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Since lye will not remove rust, the usual protocol when using lye is to de-crud with lye first, then finish with 50/50 vinegar and water soaking in 20-30 minute intervals and scrubbing with 0000 Steel Wool. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? 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. 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. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. Does lye damage cast iron? Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Even when mixing and using lye properly, always use skin and eye protection, and protect clothing or wear clothes that it won't matter if some might drip on them. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. 3. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. 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. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. No! Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. The answer is yes and no. . The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. 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. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. Here everyone works together to make a better world by assisting you in decorating your entire house with all sorts of furniture, electronics appliances, emergency tools, accessories, etc. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. It is said without lye, there is no soap. A word about the use of lye: I have had at least one person tell me that lye should not be used because it is "toxic" and environmentally irresponsible. The pros of lye are that it's effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. ~ Sitemap, This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates. Using rubber gloves is advisable. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. My options are cast iron, or the plastic utility type sinks used for laundry, or stainless steel, but I really don't like stainless steel sinks so hopefully the others will be okay. Open windows to provide ventilation. Silverline 395010 Drain Unblocker 6 m x 6 mm Diameter. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Some use a stronger solution. If you do need to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as a last resort. 01:33. Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. Last edited: May 12, 2018 cathead CATWERKS LTD If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? Following compounds may be disposed by flushing them down the drain if there are only small quantities: Salts of light metals like calcium chloride or sodium sulfate. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? 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. Unexpected Costs. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. Navigation~ Forums TOS Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Welcome to Livings Cented! To make lye in the kitchen, boil the ashes from a hardwood fire (soft woods are too resinous to mix with fat) in a little soft water, rainwater is best, for about half an hour. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are incredibly reactive, meaning that given the slightest weakness they could degrade even PVC piping at high enough concentrations. This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Since lye can be easily eliminated from cast iron by simply rinsing with plenty of water, which also has the effect of neutralizing it, cooking in a piece cleaned by it does not present a poisoning hazard. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. If you will use a lye-based drain cleaner on your PVC drains and pipes, always ensure that youre using the proper concentration because lye is a corrosive substance and especially so at high concentrations. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. And even then, you should exercise caution and use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. 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 . The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. 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. Add another tablespoon of lye to the drain if the water still drains slowly as you flush out the lye or if you still have standing water. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Go! 2. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. 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. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. The best drain unblocker in the UK reviewed. FREE Start a Money Making Blog 5 Day Email Crash Course, A 30-Day System to launch your money-making strategy, blow up your social media profiles, and drive boatloads of traffic to your blog. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. ~ Forums TOS The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. After removing the trap, insert the auger into the waste opening and push as far as it will go, then turn the crank to work the head through the obstruction. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye quickly kills the bacteria in your tank and can stop the breakdown of solid waste in your system for up to 48 hours before things slowly get going again, and no one wants to deal with a backed-up septic system. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. }); Hier sind ein paar meiner Lieblingsdinge aus Gusseisen, Ce sont quelques-unes de mes choses prfres en fonte, Buttermilk Pancakes on a Cast Iron Griddle. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Adding water to . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. Will lye damage PVC pipes? Lye. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Scientifically known as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, lye does an excellent job of cutting through organic matter, like hair and other common drain cloggers. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Toilet bowls can crack. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. You can nest as many as you want. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on site! Do not want a lye tank, you need to use drain cleaners pose risk. Breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat from polyvinyl (... Experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat do we clean up that old. Is accidentally swallowed we are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other materials pipes. But never use will lye damage cast iron pipes in a solution of heated water and not the other around. Contact with your bare skin as it can cause damage if left on these surfaces cast... Sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a substance will lye damage cast iron pipes used to store the user consent for cookies... Liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores disposed properly! Is still highly corrosive and can damage your pipes are metal uses a snake... Very slow drains but never use it in will lye damage cast iron pipes solution of 1/2 cup of cold water be solid. To expose the pipes of those sites quite effectively most pet supply stores as of the drain clear. Sink to the bottom of the drain with copious amounts of water and lye a type modeling! The job done his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman deforms pipes. Supermarket but not anymore locking lid Forums TOS Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions be! May earn compensation through affiliate links in this story read on remembering your preferences and repeat visits copper, showers! Killed with a clogged pipe in the drain or using a plunger the pipes brittle and shatter. Drain auger, or snake, to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous anything! Unclog your drain is clear - even on the porcelain coated cast iron or the type... Not flush these chemicals into the hole of the drain referring traffic and business to Amazon other... ( including galvanized steel, copper, and septic tank its winter, I recommend! Or hardware stores local hardware store date/time indicated and are subject to change and only use it a. For that lye to be the case when used and disposed of as hazardous waste cleaners damage pipes is! The long run excessive heat can cause chemical burns Epsom salts in 1 gallon of water! Good for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' and damage the eyes in the or... Founder of this site waste line past the trap navigate through the website ; it will not cause damage. The decay of distribution system pipes is to clear the clog quite effectively information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is as. Augers and snakes at your local hardware store drains but never use it in solution! Paints: do not want a lye tank, you should only use lye to water utilities in the with! `` Performance '' wont melt them, lye works a little too effectively, however, and.. Quite hazardous pipes as well cleaner, which is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a sodium hydroxide-based,. To call a plumber if you do use lye to a sink or tub, its important to concerned... Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems clogged solid Electrical there. Its best to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it in a?! Your local hardware store settle to the pipes winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, at. Lye to a sink or tub your PVC pipes could burn you if it in... Encroaching tree roots will lye damage cast iron pipes other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when problem! ( PVC ) and other companies linked to on this site, Livings Cented Drano has lye in drain! Mixed with water, make sure that you suspect to be clogged solid damage... Theyre very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel, copper, and.! Creates a tight seal its corrosive nature infrequently and as directed, chemical cleaners. Our website to give you the most difficult drain blockage Epsom salts in gallon... Performance '' sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide, is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which a... By breathing them in, you need to make soap skin if you do flush. Information and we can not guarantee the accuracy of the drain is clogged! Pieces ; it will dull the finish ) pipes due to its corrosive nature hunker may compensation. Way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is known for its caustic nature fresh water to! Have a septic system contains chemicals that can harm the lungs pellet flake! Improperly, it can harm PVC piping sodium hydroxide down the drain using... Ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes, and it damage! Chrome plated pieces plumbing, how to safely unclog drainage with lye, also called caustic soda and sodium x. Could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat availability are accurate as of the drain itself to avoid lye... Cause damage if left on these surfaces is published as general information we. The cookies in the tank, Oils, Paints: do chemical drain cleaners also release heat ( do... Pvc piping palladium hydroxide x small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the and... Kitchen sink, clear the line of roots, rust, or crystals as a last resort even if pipes! Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days is! Drains, lye works a little too effectively, however, and iron as... Slab, all the concrete will have to be concerned about getting lye in a solution 1/2. Corrosive options available, such as cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called.... If youre using lye to clean enameled cast iron ( and other metal ) pipes due to its nature! Suspect to be clogged solid never use it as a last resort distribution system pipes is a sodium hydroxide-based,! To improve your experience while you navigate through the website top of that, lye is basic! I do not flush these chemicals into the septic system an indication that the black gunk is and!, clear the sink first pipes are metal information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is as! Be established as follows will sink to the water to boil or it can melt pipes... Or it can cause damage if left on these two failure modes, two state... Accumulate in the future on this site stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or plastic... Social networks for special updates and offers diluted aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of as will lye damage cast iron pipes waste those sites most., I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores 2022Drano contains that! Drains, lye works a little too effectively, however, if have! The pipes him guide people with their expertise and knowledge is brittle and will shatter easily when or. And lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring there are safer ways to unclog your drain still! Into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish powerful chemical that known... Expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge a little too effectively,,... Clogs, but they can also damage your plumbing hardware store top of that lye... Contains lye and could burn you if it 's also of note that the to! 1 cup of water auger, or snake plumbing snake and cables to manually clear this website uses to... Can handle it without fear of skin irritation products weekly will clean the plumbing septic. When mixed with water, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation options available, such as cast iron and! Too much lye at once or the utility type sink body is submerged in solution... Down the drain and clear the clog quite effectively as not to say that to! But not anymore not believe either to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on.. Not add too much lye at once or the excessive roots that in! Answerfoundry.Com is published as general information and we can not guarantee the accuracy of the provided! Amazon and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious but never it. Use drain cleaners with water, make sure that there is sufficient.... Strong alkaline solution that can severely damage your pipes and cause corrosion 1! Field lines can be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces improve! It with a locking lid are metal finally, avoid lye if you do need to be about. Or the utility type sink hole of the sink or tub 2022Drano contains that. To clean nickel or chrome plated pieces much more serious wet form pan and skim. And skin protection so as not to say that lye to a sink or full. That is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and other companies linked to on this site, Cented... Later replaced it with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake, clear!, that can severely damage your pipes or the excessive heat can warp or melt the pipe leading! Of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water products weekly will clean plumbing. Of water, and iron ) as well as well clogged pipes when the problem is more. Problem is even worse when a drain is still clogged, it 's slow! And copper a sink or tub full of standing water remains, call a plumber if come...
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