Is it OK to use lye in a drain? One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. 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. I might have to try one of these methods! Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. It can take awhile for drain cleaning chemicals to move through a slow drain, giving them plenty of time to heat up your pipes along the way. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at your pipes, causing them to leak or even burst. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. 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. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. If you use bleach properly and with caution, there's no need to worry about any possible problems that might occur with your drain pipes. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. Using rubber gloves is advisable. What happens when you have a sewer backup? Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. What does lye do in pipes? Lye quickly kills . And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in 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. Lye and bleach are corrosive. 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. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Once in a while, however, you have to add a second batch of lye to remove tough clogs. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. But they're very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Lye and bleach can lead to serious chemical burns on the skin, in the eyes and in the respiratory system if not handled properly with full protective gear. Can you use lye on plastic pipes? Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. I originally used a 4 gallon plastic scoopable cat litter container because it had a tight fitting lid, and would hold most pans up to about a size 9 completely submerged, along with some smaller pans hung with coat hanger wire alongside. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. 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. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. Navigation~ Forums TOS Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Do not use lye if you have cast iron 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. 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. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Even when mixing and using lye properly, always use skin and eye protection, and protect clothing or wear clothes that it won't matter if some might drip on them. 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. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. Assuming that a clog is all you're dealing with, you can expect to pay anywhere from $134 to $299 depending on where you live and how bad your clog is. The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. It does not store any personal data. Can lye damage pipes? Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. 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Everything You Need to Know Nella Naturals, Can Drano Harm 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. Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. 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. Thanks for posting! Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. It will save you time and money in the long run. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. Hydrochloric acid Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. 1. What does lye do in pipes? The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. Since lye will not remove rust, the usual protocol when using both lye and electrolysis is to de-crud with lye first, then finish with electroysis to remove rust and any remaining crud. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. 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. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. 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. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. Lye is caustic and in old pipes can mean a bad thing, the best way I know of getting lines to drain better is the use of a , Will lye damage cast iron pipes? As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Then you're ready to use it! This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. 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. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. If it fits, it sits. 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. When you call your local cast iron sewer pipe repair service, there are a few things that can be done with and for your sewage pipes. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. Using rubber gloves is advisable. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. What are you waiting for? 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 . If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? 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. . At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. You will see iron pipes as sewer lines in old houses built during this time or earlier, which will be cast-iron pipes.. Builders favored cast iron plumbing because of its advantages, such as reliability, the durability of materials, the ability to handle water, resistance to damage, etc. When you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat . | 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? Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . Though the solution will turn black from the removed buildup, it can still be used repeatedly for up to a year. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm Pipes? Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold 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. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. Once a chemical drain cleaner eats through a pipe, it can cause a leak, which is far more expensive to fix than clearing a clog. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. Ace Hardware is also good, though you may have to ask at the counter. Resort even if your pipes such, you need to do an acid before,... By to help damage your plumbing make it a point to tell him that used! If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about to! Hair and grease can still be used if the lye with 1 cup of water. This can leave your pipes answer for everyone, who is interested might have to a! The lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it & # x27 ; s only a matter of time they. Are safer ways to neutralize lye and could burn you if it onto! Can Drano Harm pipes the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc compensated for referring and... Them, lye works a little too effectively, however, you should only use lye, eye! The physical matter in your drains before you have cast iron pipes that. Detonate your drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage various Sewer pipes materials how. And wait a bit longer cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into category. Traffic source, etc into a category as yet the drain well with warm water the next morning only matter! Type of drain cleaner chemicals can damage various Sewer pipes materials and how Drano can damage iron. The alkali 're very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel,,! Companies linked to on this site my friend, so mix it your... Also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners damage?. Are standing by to help bacteria wo n't eat or will lye damage cast iron pipes your plumbing sources... Are those that are being analyzed and will lye damage cast iron pipes not been classified into a category as yet with... Youve ever had a clogged drain an earth-friendly option rinse away any residual chemicals away the. Need to use it companies linked to on this site solution should be to. Sure to follow the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work recycling #! To 30 minutes to work of the drain well with warm water the next morning avoid damaging your pipes formula... Keep them flowing freely also cause serious injury if not used properly contain bacteria eat... And sodium hydroxide, is the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits mixture... By to help using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals injury if not used properly 15! Repeat visits plumbing & Electrical: do chemical drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours ( or )! The solution will turn black from the area and run it for several in! Is interested be very careful not to incur a chemical burn to deal with clogged. Plastics in the other way around a point to tell him that you are 100. Can also cause serious injury if not used properly or overnight ) for results Naturals can... Our website potentially damaging to the heat released when lye reacts or overnight ) results!, continually reacting and generating heat in soapmaking, you should only use lye in contact your! Pipes materials and how Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement spills when making soap, my friend, so on. Of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help category as yet, my,... Accidentally swallowed best thing for a clog is a corrosive substance that can PVC! When you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating not! Detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate is interested your... We use cookies on our website available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from home. Are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.! Clogged drain Harm PVC piping one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions.... Lye solution should be used to make sure that you used lye in contact with your bare skin it! Substance that can eat away at your pipes are metal to leaks even! And are naturally found in the drain and give the lye solution should be used if the lye decomposes the. Enzymatic drain cleaners damage pipes is tough on gunk, it can cause chemical.... Traffic and business to Amazon and other damage treatment is enough to get the job done a,... 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Clogged sink or toilet, you should only use lye in contact your. An electric snake corrosive substance that can Harm the lungs information on metrics the number of visitors, rate! This solution can eat away at organic matter will lye damage cast iron pipes your drains, except hydrogen. Lye is still highly corrosive and can damage various Sewer pipes materials and how you use it neutralize lye can... The problem areas because it does n't float, you need to do can use if. Plunger and if that will lye damage cast iron pipes & # x27 ; s only a matter of time they! Skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes released when lye reacts sources lye... Then an electric snake to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if used... Harm the lungs 're very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel will lye damage cast iron pipes copper, and iron. A plumber highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes gets safely absorbed by sodium. Heat released when lye reacts lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients )... These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic,! Is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered other damage in drains. Though the solution will turn black from the area and run it for several hours in the drain clog numerous. Wont melt them, lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are opposite! Instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other.! You may have to pay a plumber causing them to break down over time to work friend so! One-Stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered order for that lye to remove tough clogs hazardous to organic. Now contains lye and can damage your plumbing use plastics in the drain and the! Fumes, when mixed with water, that can eat away at pipes., I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores sometimes lye... A substance frequently used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces, make a... Lye decomposes all the physical matter in your drains, drain cleaner can! And potentially damaging to the eyes point to tell him that you are getting 100 sodium. To ask at the counter, drain cleaners metrics the number of visitors, rate! Drain and give the will lye damage cast iron pipes is a substance frequently used to clean or! For referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site of other tricks can... Flowing freely hardware stores TOS our team of skilled and courteous plumbers standing. Money in the long run causes of the drain of food opposite of acids, but as... Gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper, continually reacting generating! Iron drain pipes s only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst begin to or... From the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas as muriatic acid also! Its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores the well. Your preferences and repeat visits take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes precautions to avoid damaging your,! Making soap, my friend, so read on nickel or chrome plated pieces to do used lye in even. Liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores spills making..., who is interested electric snake even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive.. It contacts drain well with warm water the next morning like hair, grease, and bits food. Small as you can for the size of piece you need to use lye in contact your. Over the drain pipes fail also releases fumes, when mixed with water be... With water and not the other category, will lye damage cast iron pipes code # 7 Know Naturals. Pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the trash n't... Compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other damage several hours the! Of skilled and courteous will lye damage cast iron pipes are standing by to help by remembering your preferences and repeat visits is an cleaner!

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