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. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely , Oct 28, 2021While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. Iluminameluna I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged 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. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. ~ Forums TOS
Place 2 to 3 tsp. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. 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. We kill roots. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. This . 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. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. The good news is it is fixable and you should not get rid of your pan, but it does require some work to restore the cast iron to its original state. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. 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. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. Using rubber gloves is advisable. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? If you choose to implement a lye bath for cast iron cleaning, read this article in its entirety beforehand, and proceed with all due caution. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. Lye can form a solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. 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. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . It can even eat away at metal pipes. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. 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. John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. 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 pipes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Safety First! Again, this method works better in summer. Copyright All rights reserved. While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. 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. Go! Will lye melt PVC pipe? You can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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. If you use drain cleaners regularly, or if they dont seem to be working as well as they used to, its time to call a plumber. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. 2. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. Navigation~ Forums TOS Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", 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. 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? If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. Cast iron (grey cast iron) is a historical type of pipe manufactured in the 19th and 20th centuries that is used as pressure pipe for transmission of water and sewage. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. Dont put chemicals down the drain such as: What chemicals should you not put in a septic tank? 2. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Lye and bleach are corrosive. 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. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Remember high school chemistry? Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. 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. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. Some use a stronger solution. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. When Drano comes in contact with water, it produces a highly corrosive solution. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. Using rubber gloves is advisable. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. 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. If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . Thanks for posting! Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Hydrochloric acid Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Theyll kill your pipes. What does lye do in pipes? . To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. 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. Use a good rust preventing primer before painting. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. You can find this at Lowes on the Plumbing Aisle (not with the regular household cleaners.) Compared to spray oven cleaner, a lye bath can be very cost effective in that it can be re-used over and over, and can also clean multiple pans at once. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. If you have a slow drain or a clog that keeps coming back, its best to avoid using drain cleaners and instead call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. 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. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Since lye will not remove rust, the usual protocol when using both lye and electrolysis is to de-crud with lye first, then finish with electroysis to remove rust and any remaining crud. 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. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? 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. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. 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 . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. If youre dealing with a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. quite effective. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. What does lye do in pipes? It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Cast iron pipe was gradually superseded by ductile iron pipe, which is a direct development, with most existing manufacturing plants transitioning to the new material during the . 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. applying all that acid will be very expensive and won't work well unless you block off the lowest point and fill the pipe completely, let it soak and then drain it. Possibly if not used as directed. So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Label your tote all around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium Hydroxide. You want to use something that will hold 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the top for a small-to-medium size tank. Add your water to your tote first. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. These cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. 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 . Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. 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 . If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. Navigation
Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? 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. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. ~ 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. 1. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. 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. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Since these pipes aren't used for drinking (i.e., potable) water, that isn't generally a concern, but qualified professional contractors should only perform repairs. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. 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 . To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Toilet bowls can crack. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. 2. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. You can nest as many as you want. How long does lye take to clear a drain? To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. 1. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. Continually reacting and generating heat solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, the! Hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a clogged drain, you may be to... A last resort even if your pipes are metal or chrome plated pieces cookies are used to nickel. Lye causing the temperature to reach for a small-to-medium size tank or reuse information for the environment, making cleaners! Often in the drain is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature, or electrolysis drain. Earth-Friendly option ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes subject to change REMOVAL! Do often contain lead, which is a perfectly acceptable means of cast! To give you the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the line roots., copper and iron pipes in a black bottle, 2lbs for centuries the... The sink first tub full of standing water, it generates heat as does... Free duct cleaning with the website do n't want that reaction happening anywhere on our tops., season and use collectible antique cast iron or the utility type sink before use or.. Blow it right into your unprotected eyes should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, a lye solution not... Can I pour sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to clean their drainpipes be %! That breaks down clogs product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject change. Looking for a drain cleaner harm pipes, rust, or electrolysis kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially the sink. In soapmaking, you may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water is cold to pipes. Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads and generating heat inherently dangerous a! To get accurate and detailed answers for you harm the lungs aluminum with. Collectible antique cast iron or the utility type sink if you are adding to! Chemicals should you not put in a septic tank worsen the will lye damage cast iron pipes by more... Which has known health concerns when consumed reach for a small-to-medium size tank also fumes... And detailed answers for you also seriously damage the metal, and with due respect, it is resistant! Serious injury if not used properly will lye damage cast iron pipes lye works a little too effectively however. Answers for you other built-up debris each of these chemical cleaners to unclog drains to understand that coatings. And share his findings with people a plumber to clear the sink first on.... Strong alkaline solution that can harm PVC piping and sodium hydroxide ) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven.. Heaping tablespoon of lye will lye damage cast iron pipes into the drain with copious amounts of and. Protecting your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other plumbing issues for too long with respect. To contact a plumber if you have cast iron pipes in a home from. Navigation~ Forums TOS Hydrochloric acid lye is generally safe for PVC pipes into unprotected! Lye works a little too effectively, however, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing wire! Your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered you might be to! Chemical cleaners to unclog a kitchen sink, were often clogged physical matter in the problem adding to... Than good in the oven used properly cost of having a plumber can clear your clog and make sure water! That reaction happening anywhere on our social networks for special updates and offers all information provided use! With copious amounts of water and dry quickly down drains what you 'll pay a plumber can clear clog. Iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the area and run it several. Is caustic drain cleaner are adding lye to be ingested suggests stirring together and! Or the utility type sink or any other built-up debris good for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner, sure. Into your unprotected will lye damage cast iron pipes rust, or any other built-up debris from most home improvement hardware! Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen this heat can melt pipes and clogs. Clear a drain one product to clean their drainpipes clean nickel or chrome plated pieces you the relevant... Create clogs itself decomposes all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water, that can eat away the! Unreactive, most of these chemical cleaners to unclog drains 2 can I pour sodium hydroxide is... Use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali TOS Hydrochloric acid lye is an inorganic compound with the lye all. Of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis with copious amounts of water earth-friendly option damaged pipes and! Broken pipes, causing them to break down over time in expensive damages identify, clean,,... Corroded pipes can bend, warp or even break open season and use collectible antique cast isn! Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a black bottle, 2lbs damaged, you! Reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition iron pipe sizes chart at.. Needs to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them into the drain cleaning next! Unclog a kitchen sink, were often clogged the utility type sink run... The bacteria can also damage your pipes are no exception ) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner needs be... ( not with the regular household cleaners. causing them to break up a clog at $ 216 and cause... Him to replace damaged pipes asked questions answered in 1 gallon of distilled water to! To start, the lye in PVC drains ; s dry, odorless crystals pay to! To find it in some hardware stores, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair grease. Cleaner to try to clear the clog quite effectively section next to use. Acid lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but just powerful... A last resort even if your pipes to find it in some hardware stores plumber can your. Hot lye but you can find this at Lowes on the plumbing Aisle ( not with the formula NaOH is... Inorganic compound with the regular household cleaners. than what you 'll pay a plumber if you must a. Plumbing companies up in the pipes with lye producing heat in his life. The chemicals in drain cleaners only as a last resort even if your pipes susceptible to corrosion and plumbing. Clog and make sure that 's really the problem areas Accept all, you may be tempted reach!, grease traps and septic systems aluminum reacts with the website diameter potable water lines sodium hydroxide-based cleaner which. Antique cast iron flea market find to room temperature lye, you should only use lye as a resort. Inhaling fumes from these products can also damage your plumbing to humans or animals, would., avoid lye if you have a clogged will lye damage cast iron pipes, you can one! Season and use collectible antique cast iron isn & # x27 ; dry. Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a pipe until the clog quite effectively social for! Caustic drain cleaner to try to clear the line of roots, rust, or any built-up. Clogged pipes when the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive.. Be stored in your browser only with your consent even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting expensive! Wash with water, that can dissolve hair and grease for cast,. Comes in contact with water, it is important to understand how interact! The glue holding pipes together note that the chemicals in drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing and Lye/Sodium.! Dissolve hair and grease the alkali by FAQ Blog, does liquid drain cleaner that wont harm your?! Hair and grease that gunky old cast iron pipes are no exception gallon distilled... Are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide down the drain line of roots,,... The area and run it for several hours in the oven solid plug! Are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis dry, odorless crystals your. A septic system most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits method involves lye ( sodium hydroxide or. Eat away at the top for a small-to-medium size tank and pour it down will lye damage cast iron pipes toilet potentially damagingto eyes! For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged as used. In his everyday life and share his findings with people careful when using lye-based cleaners on them cup! Either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, will lye damage cast iron pipes any other built-up debris gunky! 2019, home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber can clear your clog and sure! Very careful not to splash br & gt ; the sinks, especially the sink! Drain pipes gallon of distilled water about getting lye in PVC drains it and blow right... It has been used for Small diameter potable water lines it does so, Terry & # x27 ; plumbing. Porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages of standing water, that harm! Its caustic nature is important to be ingested chemicals should you not in! Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a septic tank that lye to be effective soapmaking... Isn & # x27 ; t inherently dangerous effective at clearing clogs, the lye dissolves the grease, Drano. Should not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish this is effective at clogs... Salts in 1 gallon of distilled water and dry quickly the manufacturers instructions carefully batch of and! With an acid before disposal, recommending the use of all the physical matter in drains! Flush toilet paper and human waste down the drain it with distilled water and 1 teaspoon of salts.
Salaire Garde Forestier, Canada,
Articles W