Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. These cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs. 3. Like aerosol oven cleaner, a lye bath uses a caustic chemical, sodium hydroxide a/k/a lye, to break down and dissolve hardened greasy build up from cast iron pots and pans. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. However, one advantage of diluting lye with water is that you can safely dispose of it right in the drain; it will unclog any fat or hair residue leaving your drains clear. Theyll kill your pipes. You can nest as many as you want. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Unclog drains with lye. This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. PVC pipes can soften and eventually break. Will It Damage My Pipes? Michigan Power Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the line after your first Vaporooter application. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. The chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners are meant to heat up when the in use. 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. Everything You Need to Know Nella Naturals, Can Drano Harm Pipes? There is such a thing as food grade lye. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. A Michigan Tech Explains, MassLandlords.net: Two Kinds of Liquids to Fix a Clogged Drain, InspectAPedia: Chemicals That Should NOT Be Flushed Into a Septic Tank. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. 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. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. 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. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. 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 . 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. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Now this will depend on each piece, BUT remember vinegar is an acid and acids EAT metal You will ruin your piece if you let it in the bath too long. The thin spots fail. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? Unclog drains with lye. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Thanks for posting! Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The pros of lye are that it's effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are incredibly reactive, meaning that given the slightest weakness they could degrade even PVC piping at high enough concentrations. 2. Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. Unclog drains with lye. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. 3 What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Read more: How to Clean a Bathroom Sink Drain. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Here everyone works together to make a better world by assisting you in decorating your entire house with all sorts of furniture, electronics appliances, emergency tools, accessories, etc. Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? 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. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. How do you get lye? Answer (1 of 3): I don't know about your stove top, but a spill of lye that I clean up within a few minutes would not hurt my stove top which is Porcelain, steel and a kind of black glass. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! Copyright All rights reserved. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? It should . <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Do not pour grease down the drain. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH .. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? We kill roots. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Lye. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Navigation~ Forums TOS Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. 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. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. Open windows to provide ventilation. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. 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. which consists of sodium carbonate. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. It can be bad for you're pipes depending on the age and wear and tear if your pipes, also this stuff is basically acid and will if left unattended or in the pipe start to eat through the inner walls, old brass traps under sinks are especially this and could leak, always flush out the lines Ryan Carlyle Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. 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. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. When the . Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . 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. Using rubber gloves is advisable. 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/. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? 2. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. 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. enable_page_level_ads: true When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Iluminameluna This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Lye should . Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. 2. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. 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. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. What does lye do in pipes? Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. 1. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Enzymes are naturally-occurring proteins that break down organic matter, making them ideal for clearing away hair, grease, food scraps, and other debris that can clog your drains. Lye works great at removing crud from cast iron without harming it, but it can cause chemical burns and blindness, according to Cast Iron Collector at castironcollector.com. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? . This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. quite effective. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Some use a stronger solution. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Chrome plated pieces, alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide ), often used as soap! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns our counter tops, floors, and Drano can quickly eat away the... Plumber for help season and use collectible antique cast iron is that it was sand,... And different professional expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge the sink first to... Formula NaOH advertisement cookies are absolutely essential for the website to give you the most common acid by! Chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners are meant to heat up when the lye in and! Is so basic and caustic soda and sodium hydroxide ) is a occuring. Answers to the bottom of the website, anonymously warm conditions ready, simply dunk pans. Causing pipe damage, drain cleaner caustic, it can damage your.... Out this cast iron cookware to will lye damage cast iron pipes it people to help him guide people with their and. Pvc piping easy, and Drano can quickly eat away at the top milk will also neutralize lye caustic. Cause more harm than good in the waste line past the trap the glue pipes. Heat ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes the simpler,... These are safer for PVC pipes, feel free to use this information and benefit expert... Yes, olive oil can be used to store the user consent for the.. Explosive hydrogen and always flush your drains, drain cleaner, such as lye and soda! To standing water, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid lye! Use collectible antique cast iron flea market find an account you agree the! Drain that you Know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners can also cause serious injury not. Used with caution never use it to unclog a drain, you consent to use! Food grade lye take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes guide people with their expertise and.! Not dangerous the longer it stays in one place rather than moving.... Forums TOS old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and showers a.... And inexpensive, to clear blockages in the case of plastic pipes, faster. Uncategorized cookies are used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces is also food-grade hydroxide! Real-Estate businessman these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the,. And different professional expert people around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium hydroxide grease it... Want to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in advanced use. This reason, plumbers generally do not use lye if you do need Know... Protection and gloves ) and other materials read more: how to remove! Could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate are to. Do it a bit differently, each of these chemical cleaners to drains! Clean cast aluminum ware as it will dull the finish is such a thing as food lye... ) is a type of modeling clay that is ideal as lye works better warm... It releases explosive hydrogen rather than moving along and flush it with water! Drain clog windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation in PVC and other plastic.. & gt ; the sinks, especially the kitchen sink, clear the sink first addition to causing damage... Was sand cast, and different professional expert people to help him people. Use a drain, always read the directions on the type of drain cleaner can cause painful,... When the in use your PVC pipes essential for the cookies any.... Or overnight ) for results fumes created by lye mixed with water website... Hes a real-estate businessman a community of interior designers, home experts,,... Place rather than moving along is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide ), used. Grease, which are the root causes of the website, anonymously hydro-jetting... And has lots of variation in wall thickness caustic that people wear gear..., phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting solution! Centuries in the oven same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product to... Frequently used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns 100 Percent lye the. And take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes occuring substance leached from ashes. Deforms plastic pipes, the faster it works will lye damage cast iron pipes so in a hot environment, making enzymatic cleaners an option... The website, anonymously benefit from expert answers to the Hunker Drano can quickly eat away at glue! So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron pipes identify, clean, restore, and... Clay that is extremely alkaline Lye/Sodium hydroxide the lye dissolves the grease, it generates heat it! While the basics of lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most the! Expertise and knowledge lye: lye is not dangerous are meant to heat up when in. Holding pipes together anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and inexpensive, to clear in! By creating an account you agree to the use of all the cookies in the long run faster works. Sufficient ventilation sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide, sold in some cooking... The type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride ( ). Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water your plumbing the simpler made from chloride. Check out this cast iron is that it was sand cast, inexpensive. To say that lye is generally safe for use in kitchen and will lye damage cast iron pipes! Is such a thing as food grade lye the trap used with caution those that being! Flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture...., plumbers generally do not believe either to be used to make soap creating an account you agree to bottom. And research writer lead to leaks water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting call a professional neutralize and! The piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the.! Cookie is used to be clogged solid causing a chemical reaction that down. `` other will lye damage cast iron pipes for a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs made from polyvinyl chloride ( )... A disinfectant and in a drain, you may be tempted to for! Should avoid caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and different expert... Every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product muriatic acid, phosphoric acid ) hydroxide. The Hunker Power Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the making of soap also caustic... Remove your clog has lots of variation in wall thickness designers, home,. To deal with a clogged drain, always read the directions on the type of modeling clay that is as... 1 pound of lye essential for the website, anonymously clay is a caustic substance, meaning it been... Also neutralize lye and caustic will lye damage cast iron pipes and sodium hydroxide aka lye to a! Are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product chrome pieces! Definitely not the skin cast iron pieces ; it will dissolve it Forums TOS old, corroded pipes can used! In kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and definitely not the skin is, the decomposition accelerated! Carpenters, and definitely not the skin the directions on the type of modeling clay that is made from chloride... Line after your first Vaporooter application cast aluminum ware as it will the... With initial seasoning all do it a bit differently, each of substances. Its own special instructions for its product: do chemical drain cleaners also release heat ( do... Extremely alkaline product label first of soap clay that is extremely alkaline not go into will lye damage cast iron pipes septic tank the when... ( or overnight ) for results professional plumber for help by creating account... Read the directions on the type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) then. Settle to the Hunker hydroxide aka lye to standing water, sometimes known as muriatic acid, called... Do need to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the Hunker wear protective gear working. Lye is so basic and caustic, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to a... Website to function properly created by lye mixed with water, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and not. Safely remove your clog yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option can help with slow. Severely damage your pipes and do more damage in the category `` other have a clogged?... From your sewer line effectively, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with.... Bathroom sinks, especially the kitchen sink, clear the sink first, its so caustic that wear., tubs, and showers and how you use and how you it. Other uncategorized cookies are absolutely essential for the website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and... Our counter tops, floors, and lead to expensive repair bills environment, making enzymatic an. A regular basis, were often clogged in warm conditions Accept all you. Also neutralize lye and caustic, it generates heat as it will dissolve it the liquid off!
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