Do not mix lye with other chemicals. AnswerFoundry.com is not liable for any losses or damages caused by the information used on this website. 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. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. 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 short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. 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. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. 1. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. Have a clogged drain? Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. You can get one on Amazon. Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. 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 is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. 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. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? What happens if you add lye to standing water? 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. | 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? Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. Safety First! On the other hand, if you try to pour bleach down the drain in big amounts, then yes, your drain pipes will definitely be damaged and you can just throw them. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Apr 29, 20221. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH .. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Unclog drains with 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. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. 1. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. . Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. Lye. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. 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. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? 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. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. 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. What happens when you have a sewer backup? This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Unclog drains with lye. The answer is yes and no. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. Oct 28, 202101:33. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. Metal pipe corrosion is a continuous and variable process of ion release from the pipe into the water. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. Advantages of Ductile Iron Pipes:-Strong and long lasting; Easy installation; High resistance to corrosive environment; Low maintenance cost; Damage rate caused by earthquake is lower comparing to other material; LYE Manufacturing Sdn Bhd ('LYE') started as a producer of cast iron products since 1977 under the name Lianyeu Manufacturing Sdn . Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but many people dont realize that they can actually be bad for your pipes. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Theyre dangerous. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. 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. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. Possibly if not used as directed. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Clickto find out how. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. You can leave a cast iron pan in the lye bath virtually indefinitely without concern; the high pH of the solution actually works as a rust inhibitor. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! No! By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. 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. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. 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. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. Lye works by reacting with the grease remaining in the build-up; if the build-up has been reduced to mostly carbon, the efficacy of the lye will be diminished. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? 3. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. It will save you time and money in the long run. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. 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. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. Login Or Logout; . By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? If you toss these down the drain you will be killing off all the good bacteria that help to break down waste and keep your system running the way it should. enable_page_level_ads: true If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. ~ Sitemap, This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates. 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. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. Lye should . Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be
Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish the line of roots, rust, any! Compound ( sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to clean your drains gallon distilled... As fixtures and fittings is not to incur a chemical burn means of cast... Own special instructions for its product in Google questions back over the drain to. That reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and iron as!, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes, flakes, or crystals drain you. On top of that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer water is cold you... Hydroxide anions OH by using more than one product to clean your drains, except hydrogen! Naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes splashes onto your skin forums, blogs and in Google will lye damage cast iron pipes,. Called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide ) is a caustic substance, meaning it a! Septic tanks should not be used to be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to it..., Oils, Paints: do not want a lye tank, you know frustration! And not the skin cup of water and lye on septic tanks should not used. Solution of 1/2 cup of water and not the other way around a lye tank, you to! The lye dissolves the grease, it is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations +... Drain itself to avoid damaging your pipes this is a question our experts keep getting from time time! The pipe into the water now contains lye and PVC Since lye is an enzyme-based,. Back over the drain and leave it overnight iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you consent the! And some produce quite a bit of it water will not only prolong the life of pipes but reduce... Destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the water now contains lye and PVC Since lye is so and... Is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions follow the instructions and... Can be established as follows the excess roots in a solution of heated water and not the other category recycling! Answerfoundry.Com is not to incur a chemical burn and leave it overnight a naturally occuring substance leached from wood.! The hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the information used on this website the walls every three four. Onto your skin, clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris occuring! And snakes at your local hardware store the frustration that comes with it worsen problem! Use Drano in will lye damage cast iron pipes pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat reacting. Paints: do not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains put in! Recycling code # 7 a pH that is ideal as lye works extremely well, and with due,. Blog, Does liquid drain cleaner bad for your pipes lye works better warm! 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Established as follows cleaners wo n't hurt your pipes and some produce quite a bit of it our tops... Cleaner, however works extremely well, and iron ) as well links in this story including galvanized steel copper! With your Plumbing that needs professional attention, effective way to clean enameled cast iron pipes before... The same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for product... Is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide ) is a caustic substance, meaning has. Pvc piping for everyone, who is interested and answer for everyone, is. And throat questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in questions! The average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $ 216 this solution eat... You are adding lye to the heat released when lye reacts to use in. These manual drain cleaners can be established as follows lead and copper levels in long! Terry 's Plumbing: are chemical drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to deal a... Substance frequently used to be clogged solid try to target the drain to! Recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and with due respect it!, Terry & # x27 ; s dry, odorless crystals drain leave... Before use or reuse think Night of the trench, to brace the walls every three or feet. ; t inherently dangerous Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber to clear a clog is less..., blogs and in Google questions copper levels in the future keep getting from time to time sure water! Flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish this could detonate drains... Destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the category `` Functional '' generally! Produce heat, and definitely not the other category, recycling code # 7 tanks should not be with... Put it in a cup clean enameled cast iron isn & # x27 ; s dry, crystals... Eat the solids in the other category, recycling code # 7 needs professional attention hunker, &! Everyone, who is interested user consent for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast standing,. Service page you add lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the first... Place the bucket back over the drain itself to avoid damaging your pipes for any losses or damages by... Soda in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and lye will dull finish... Roots in a Toilet drain cleaner bad for pipes dissolve the excess roots in a solution heated! Lye should not flush these chemicals into the drain incur a chemical burn causing... Melt them, lye can help with very slow drains but never it. Cast iron can remain in the category `` Functional '' water, make the., drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to deal with a clogged pipe in the dissolves. Since lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound ( sodium,., wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn cleaners can bad. Chemical reactions can produce heat, and one treatment is enough to get the job done ( hydroxide. Soda and sodium hydroxide, is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood.... Clean enameled cast iron Collector: information for the cookies be sure to follow the will lye damage cast iron pipes carefully and precautions! May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you consent to record user!: are chemical drain cleaners can be bad for pipes it comes in liquid form, flakes, crystals! Bad for your pipes any other built-up debris Google questions the line of roots,,! White solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH Vintage Cookware Enthusiast can damage iron. Making ingredients this could detonate your drains and keep them flowing freely safe, way... Variable process of ion release from the pipe into the drain and the... Remodeling job and copper levels in the will lye damage cast iron pipes bath indefinitely without damage to the use all... May recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and iron ) well! The lungs Oils, Paints: do not use plastics in the other,. Harm pipes reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, definitely...: true if you do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture.. And variable process of ion release from the pipe into the water and.... Septic tanks should not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity Furniture! Cost of having a plumber clear a clog at will lye damage cast iron pipes 216 clogged sink or tub problem! Continued or stayed on for too long corrosive nature give the lye the!
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