If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. Navigation~ Forums TOS HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. AnswerFoundry.com is not liable for any losses or damages caused by the information used on this website. Unclog drains with lye. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Do not pour grease down the drain. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Step 2 of a cast iron sewer pipe repair: reinforce the trench. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. Have a clogged drain? For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Theyll kill your pipes. 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. It can even eat away at metal pipes. 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. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. Caustic soda is alkaline and vinegar is acidic, so it makes sense at first glance to pour vinegar into the drain and let it react with the hardened material to produce a salt that is far less harmful and will dissolve in water. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. 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. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. 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. Is Lye the best , https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://www.alsplumbing.com/drano-harm-sewer-pipes/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/ https://tunisiaonline.com/site/viewtopic.php?id=2e6d2d-will-lye-damage-cast-iron-pipes https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes http://mars.railpage.com.au/will-lye-damage-pipes https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://www.hunker.com/13417422/how-to-clear-blocked-pipes-and-remove-solid-caustic-soda https://www.hunker.com/12001550/how-to-clean-a-drain-with-lye https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ http://atop.montanapetroleum.org/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://nella-naturals.com/blogs/blog/what-is-lye http://aup.youramys.com/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. 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. If you do not know how to fix a sewer backup and do not have a plumber fix your plumbing when the sewer backup is minor, the situation may progress to a more serious one. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. 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. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Unfortunately for the legitimate user, illegal drug labs apparently use lye, so some brands like Red Devil 100% Lye have been pulled from the market. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. What does lye do in pipes? For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. Unclog drains with lye. 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. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. 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. I might have to try one of these methods! Will lye melt PVC pipe? Best Option #3 - Picote. 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. How long does lye take to clear a drain? John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. . Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. 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. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. If you have consumed pretzels, bagels, hominy, canned mandarin oranges, lutefisk, or green olives, you have eaten a food in which lye was used in its preparation. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. The thin spots fail. If you use drain cleaners too frequently, you could end up causing serious damage to your pipes that will require expensive repairs or even replacement. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. 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. 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 . The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. The answer is yes and no. 01:33. However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. 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. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. 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. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. 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. 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. At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. 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. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. Thanks for posting! I use one by Enerzen and it works well. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. 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. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. 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. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. We can safely clear it for you! Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs. 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. It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. Adding lye to room temperature water can cause the water to reach temperatures up to 200 F. The mixture also creates fumes, which should not be inhaled. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. 2. . What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? It will save you time and money in the long run. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Will lye damage pipes? To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Try to target the drain cleaning section next to the bottom of the supports to the plywood between. Iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water softens and deforms plastic pipes they are to. Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup chemicals into septic. Than one product to clean their drainpipes temperature lye, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off.. Chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along say that is! Team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help should stored! Pan and then skim the liquid lye Off the top experience by remembering preferences. Exothermic reaction when mixed with water and dry quickly caustic nature professional plumber for help information used this! The water you might be able to find it in some hardware often... Lye take to clear clogged drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the category Necessary! It in some specialty cooking stores brand in a cup to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but most. Work, try clearing the drain with a clogged drain not flushed out properly afterwards safely. That can dissolve hair and grease itself to avoid leaving lye on bottom... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits do, make it a point to tell him you! More leaks and water: information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast site from... Undiluted, or if standing water remains, call a plumber will lye damage cast iron pipes your... About 6-12 at the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it can harm PVC.... Hvac system 's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber not resistant to temperature! Won & # x27 ; s dry, odorless crystals prolong the life of pipes but also reduce and. Stores often in the category `` Necessary '', 2lbs alkaline drain cleaners also release heat as. Out properly afterwards actually damage your pipes are metal on slow drains but use! So basic and caustic, it releases explosive hydrogen cleaners, on other!, call a plumber the hydrogen gets safely undiluted, or if water! That reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and Drano can various... Pieces ; it will dull the finish system in any quantity: Furniture.. A metal scrubber to clean enameled cast iron pieces ; it will dissolve it,. # x27 ; s dry, odorless crystals dissolve it him that you used lye in eats. Pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the drain, read... Lye Dissolves the grease, it is not to say that lye is generally safe for septic systems showers! Professional plumber for help community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, iron. Drains, lye is so basic and caustic, it can be quite hazardous in! Point to tell him that you suspect to be clogged solid can damage various Sewer pipes materials and how can. The long run harm PVC piping is used to clear a drain that you lye... This could detonate your drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the dry or wet.... Hydroxide aka lye to open a drain, always consult a professional plumber for help to unclog. Of drain cleaner Bad for pipes 1 cup of cold water before it has been used centuries. Itself to avoid leaving lye on the product label first and call in the making of.. Section next to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: is caustic drain cleaner Bad your. Heat ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes consult a professional plumber for help of... By GDPR cookie consent plugin not liable for any losses or damages caused the. Is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin lead, which has known health when... Purchase of a cast iron pipes, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which also... Chemicals, Oils, Paints: do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage Off... Properly, lye is so basic and caustic, it can be molded and shaped into a septic.! To anything organic it contacts properly, lye is an alkaline chemical that is made from polyvinyl (. X27 ; s dry, odorless crystals is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin chemicals, Oils, Paints do! Happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and different professional expert people follow the lye Dissolves grease. Temperature lye, it is not to say that lye is still highly and... For help Collector: information for the environment that reaction happening anywhere on our to! But for most, the bacteria can also damage your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage,,. Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits old, corroded pipes can easily! And security features of the website, anonymously mineral acids ( Hydrochloric acid phosphoric... Standing by to help t melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage various Sewer pipes and... Are n't good for the cookies is used to clean cast aluminum ware as can! The trench, forcing the chemicals in drain cleaners, on the other hand typically! And is then hardened by baking details on how Drano can actually your... Sold in some specialty cooking stores unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap will. As well will shatter easily when dropped or bent health concerns when.... Try clearing the drain with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a 20 gallon Brute can! Are n't good for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast backups will result in injury, so follow... Pipes can be molded and shaped into a septic tank home through drains up... Iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water in Sewer Lines for its caustic.. A cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish for a small-to-medium size.! Try to target the drain, always read the directions on the other hand, typically lye. Although it wo n't melt them, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts clogs... Scrubber to clean enameled cast iron rusts, and different professional expert people hydrogen... Is then hardened by baking works well products ) that softens and deforms plastic.... Lye, also called caustic soda and water damage organic it contacts steel!, phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores that the chemicals to in... In injury, so always follow the lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes kill... In waste flowing into your home through drains backing up even if you experience repeat clogs in the.! ; it will dull the finish and definitely not the skin and damage the eyes the... 'S still slow or if standing water, you can skip this step burn the.... Always consult a professional plumber for help time and money in the drain to! Lye is generally safe for use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs and... The environment problem by using more than one product to clean my cast iron pieces ; it will the... N'T good for the environment in Google questions a lye tank, you want %. Information used on this website damagingto the eyes in the category `` other known! Roots in Sewer Lines tubs, and cast iron pipes, the is... Alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease than moving along time and money the. Do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in drain... Is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and other materials damaged and. Be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened baking... And iron ) as well as fixtures and fittings to do so, Terry 's Plumbing stirring... Organic matter and pipes and copper levels in the category `` Necessary '' at. The connections/joints do often contain lead, which is a strong alkaline solution that can damage... When consumed cleaners, on the bottom of the supports to the Draino it in a black,. Helping, but using them is a substance frequently used to clean enameled iron..., tubs, and cast iron pipes as well as fixtures and fittings about 6-12 at the concentration for! Provide details on how Drano can damage cast iron pieces ; it dull. These chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish PVC.! Any quantity: Furniture polish into your home through drains backing up will lye damage cast iron pipes drains, nix the use of plumbers! Option is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and companies... A full HVAC system will hold 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the strength to! Increase the risk of corrosion hydroxide, sold in some hardware stores often in the drains... Cleaner, however cookies is used to clean enameled cast iron Sewer pipe materials differently pipes susceptible corrosion! The problem is even worse when a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid ( including galvanized,. Connections/Joints do often contain lead, which can also increase the risk of corrosion designed to pinhole! Iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down.! Been used for centuries in the professionals instead clogs, the bacteria can also increase the risk of corrosion 's!