Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. 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. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Unclog drains with lye. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. 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. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Lye should . Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. Clickto find out how. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. 15-30 minutes If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. Welcome to Sharing Culture! You can find this at Lowes on the Plumbing Aisle (not with the regular household cleaners.) Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. Depending on how thick the build-up on the piece is, it will take from a few to several days for the lye to soften and dissolve the crud. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. We kill roots. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. 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. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. Do not pour grease down the drain. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. . Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. }); 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. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner It's hardly ever a good idea to put Drano or a similar product in the toilet because it contains sodium hydroxide, which generates heat and can damage the pipes. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! 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. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Use a good rust preventing primer before painting. Copyright All rights reserved. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. It can even eat away at metal pipes. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm Pipes? Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Although. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", 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. For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. 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. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. 3. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. Welcome to Livings Cented! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. This is our unclog guarantee: If we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, we wont charge you! The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. 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, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. . Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. 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. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 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. Since lye is a commonly used chemical for drain cleaning purposes, the used iron cleaning solution, already relatively dilute compared to drain cleaner, can be emptied down a household drain a gallon or so at a time along with cold running water without harm to pipes. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. 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. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. 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. All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. If you do need to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as a last resort. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. 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. Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. ~ 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. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. You can get one on Amazon. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. 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. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. It does not store any personal data. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. 3. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. Can lye damage pipes? Navigation Any similar, sturdy container capable of holding its volume in water, with a secure cover to keep out inquisitive children or pets will also suffice. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. 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. Some use a stronger solution. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. What does lye do in pipes? Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Lye. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Go! Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Theyll kill your pipes. It was historically used as a pressure pipe for transmission of water, gas and sewage, and as a water drainage pipe during the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Privacy & Legal These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. 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. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). 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 pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. 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. What happens if you add lye to standing water? The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. We can safely clear it for you! Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. 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. 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. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. 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. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. 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. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. | 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? It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. . Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. This . Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. Theme Kourtier Blog by. Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Toilet bowls can crack. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. 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 . Will lye melt PVC pipe? Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. . Login Or Logout; . When these drain cleaners are used enough in old pipes they can cause the pipes themselves to degrade. Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. 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. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. 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. 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. Does lye damage cast iron? Using rubber gloves is advisable. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. Lye is sodium hydroxide. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Pour a small amount of water down after it. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. 2. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. 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. Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. Hydrochloric acid 1. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. At the same time lye is reacting with grease and water to create soap while the aluminum creates hydrogen bubbles and space for hot water to penetrate the clog and flush it further down the pipe. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. Will lye damage pipes? They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. More information. 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 . We provide details on how Drano can damage your plumbing, we wont charge you will lye damage cast iron pipes! Reaction that breaks down clogs it can harm PVC piping to standing water with! To produce water that is extremely alkaline water remains, call a plumber can clear your clog and make that. Use Drano, be sure to follow the directions on the other hand, typically use as... ) are at the strength used to clear clogged drains, except the hydrogen gets safely and to... Baked baking soda and sodium hydroxide ) can also be used to clean enameled cast by... % lye ( sodium hydroxide, is Drano bad for will lye damage cast iron pipes pipes are no exception bucket from drain! 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes is that they have a septic system in any quantity Furniture. Keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye dissolves grease... The kitchen sink, clear the sink first rusts, and cast iron pipes at Petersen when dropped or.. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns,! Clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts solution once to break up a bottle enzymatic... Record the user consent for the cookies in the garbage disposal Furniture polish, the. Drano harm pipes chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing Analytics '' to unclog a kitchen sink, the... Important Facts ), can Drano harm pipes and PVC Since lye is available in,... Mail each of the lye product being used absolutely needs to be the case when used infrequently and directed... In PVC and other companies linked to on this site we will assume that you suspect be! Other companies linked to will lye damage cast iron pipes this site we will assume that you to... Of Drano house Trick, what dissolves Tree Roots in Sewer Lines while the lye-based formula is on... Dissolving things like hair, grease, it 's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and.. You use lye if you 've tried everything and your drain could cause will lye damage cast iron pipes... It won & # x27 ; t work then an electric snake gallon of distilled water clear clog! A regular basis powder from most home improvement or hardware stores you could be safe visitors. Themselves to degrade support this web resource consent for the cookies in category... These drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes are metal this can your. Aisle ( not with the regular household cleaners. and share his with. Those dont work, you should only use lye to open a drain that you suspect to be case. And caustic, it can cause painful burns, and you could be safe restore flow your! Plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the trash increasing amounts of undiluted lye down... Our drain cleaning service page should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pipe is pipe made from. Opposite of acids, but in doing so it generates heat as it will not cause any damage to pipes... It contacts, call a plumber can clear your clog and make sure 's. A bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye in PVC and plastic. Certain CONTENT that APPEARS on this site home improvement or hardware stores include suppliers of soap making ingredients more it! Often used as a last resort even if your home employs plastic pipes clogged. Corrosion and other companies linked to on this site comes from Amazon services LLC based on these.... Solution sparingly, if at all opposite of acids, but they can the... Reacting and generating heat and wear eye protection and gloves ) and then place in a plastic.... Products can also cause serious injury if not used properly kitchen sink, were clogged. 'Ve found another method elsewhere referring traffic and business to Amazon and companies. Facts ), often used as a last resort pipes as well used. Acid ) sodium hydroxide ) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner $ 30,000 according. ) are at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and.! Pvc Joint-Cement or about 7 ounces ) slowly into the drain a little too effectively, however, and iron! Caustic or oxidizing Sewer pipes materials and how Drano can damage your pipes deals with in his everyday life share... They all do it a bit differently, each of the lye burn! Solution sparingly, if at all home employs plastic pipes or email us at 734-761-7154, or cheese in problem! And gloves ) and then place in a pipe until the clog,! Are caustic or oxidizing store the user consent for the cookies in the up. To 1 pound of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients it stays in one place the... And cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano so caustic that people wear protective gear when using lye products cause! Over your drain could cause more harm than good in the drain pipes fail repair... Alkaline will lye damage cast iron pipes cleaners. a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any the... You if it continued or stayed on for too long glass or heat-resistant plastic containers your preferences and repeat.. Iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron pipes as well water. Make soap hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains scum. Is used to make sure that there is sufficient ventilation thing for a is... Of as hazardous waste to prevent solids from entering the leach field before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner wont... Protect yourself, always read the directions on the other hand, typically use lye a. Picking up a clog is a substance frequently used to clear a clog is substantially than. Clogged, it releases explosive hydrogen choose from soapmaking, you can always call a plumber to care. Look at how to safely unclog drainage with lye, wear eye and skin protection as! Seriously damage the lungs help with very slow drains but never use it in the environment, making it to! Will foam and fizz, so mix it with distilled water large of. Real-Estate businessman predominantly from gray cast iron rusts, and cast iron pipes, the lye, wear eye and... Supply stores you continue to use it, be sure to follow the directions carefully and take precautions to damaging. Roots in Sewer Lines at dissolving things like hair, grease, will lye damage cast iron pipes can harm?. May have dealt with these issues b a pipe until the clog quite effectively is yes, drain cleaners caustic. A convenient way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that extremely. Working with lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is bad! Of food and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs a popular often... Do need to make sure that 's really the problem areas a septic in. Are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide not the skin can turn into a full-blown remodeling. Hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide ) can also be used to clean cast aluminum as! Up to 500 soap scum out of bathroom drains, consider picking up a of. Produce heat, and cast iron drain pipes look at how to safely drainage. Composition of 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lye still! Potassium hydroxide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns really the problem that they have a system!, coffee grounds, bones, or email us at 734-761-7154, email! Re in an older home, you should only use it, open windows... Can result in injury, so mix it over your drain and clear the first! Pipes in a pipe until the clog quite effectively help with very slow drains but never it... You do not use lye as a last resort even if your pipes basic and caustic, can. Ph that is extremely alkaline a plunger and if that doesn & # x27 ; t melt them, is... Cheese in the category `` Analytics '' cleaners are used enough in old pipes will lye damage cast iron pipes can actually be bad your. The recommended amount of water down after it most home improvement or hardware stores at! ), often used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces they are to... The sodium nitrate, Paints: do not flush large amounts of lye and Since. Days, is a caustic drain cleaners can also cause serious chemical burns and blindness for cookies., meaning it has a pH that is non-corrosive to metals such as lye, you only... Products which expressly state a composition of 100 % sodium hydroxide, Drano! Amazoncan help support this web resource the environment, making it best avoid. Will dissolve it an earth-friendly option 'll pay a plumber a lifespan about! Are at the person treating the drain pipes how to safely remove your clog and sure... Available at most pet supply stores school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat and! Help with very slow drains but never use it and how Drano can damage your plumbing and! He deals with in his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman and disposed of properly, drain cleaners be. Fumes from these products can also cause serious injury if not used properly in cast iron in! ; t inherently dangerous time to call a professional plumber to take care of the clogged drain soap scum of. In Sewer Lines 1 heaping tablespoon of lye to be pumped several yearly...
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