The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. 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. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. We kill roots. Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. 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. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. If it fits, it sits. AnswerFoundry.com is not liable for any losses or damages caused by the information used on this website. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm 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. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Herein, will Lye damage 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. Can lye damage pipes? I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? 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. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. What does lye do in pipes? 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? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. 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. The chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners are meant to heat up when the in use. Hunker, Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. You can get one on Amazon. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. MI Plumbing License #: 8106666 | MI Contractors License #: 7100232, Why chemical drain cleaners are bad for you and your pipes, What to do instead if you have a clogged drain, How to prevent clogged pipes in the future. Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. 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. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. I love to cook with, and restore cast iron! 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. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be When the . 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. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns.It is highly soluble in water, and readily . Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Add your water to your tote first. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. We can safely clear it for you! Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? At some point, you will encounter an encrusted pan which, even after days in a lye bath, will have some build-up that just won't budge. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Navigation~ Forums TOS 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. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Will lye damage pipes? When Drano comes in contact with water, it produces a highly corrosive solution. Lye quickly kills . Open windows to provide ventilation. Ace Hardware is also good, though you may have to ask at the counter. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. If it isn't, leave it to sit or add cold water until it is. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. How do you get lye? A plumber can clear away your clog and make sure the rest of your plumbing is in good shape and problem-free. The good news is it is fixable and you should not get rid of your pan, but it does require some work to restore the cast iron to its original state. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. What are you waiting for? Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. It does not store any personal data. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. 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. Copyright All rights reserved. Will lye damage PVC pipes? As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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. ~ Forums TOS . Then you're ready to use it! There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. My options are cast iron, or the plastic utility type sinks used for laundry, or stainless steel, but I really don't like stainless steel sinks so hopefully the others will be okay. 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. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? Allow the lye to sit in your drain for 15 to 30 minutes. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. 3. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Go! The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. 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. 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 lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. 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. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Theyre dangerous. Unclog drains with lye. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! 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. Brace the Trench Walls. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Some use a stronger solution. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. What does lye do in pipes? Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Mixing water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. Possibly if not used as directed. 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. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Unclog drains with lye. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Will lye melt PVC pipe? Lye is sodium hydroxide. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. Compared to spray oven cleaner, a lye bath can be very cost effective in that it can be re-used over and over, and can also clean multiple pans at once. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. Safety First! If you do need to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as a last resort. 4 What happens when you mix lye and water? Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Best Option #3 - Picote. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. 3 What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. 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 . Navigation Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? If you have standing water, you can skip this step. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. 3. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Scour sink, tub, and shower drain pipes spotlesswhether they be clogged by hair, food, grease, or soap scumwith this caustic cleaner. 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. 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. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Can you use lye on plastic pipes? Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Unexpected Costs. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. 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. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. 1. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. 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. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. Everything You Need to Know Nella Naturals, Can Drano Harm Pipes? How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Unclog drains with lye. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Some use a stronger solution. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Add your water to your tote first. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. Do not pour grease down the drain. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. 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. The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Step 2 of a cast iron sewer pipe repair: reinforce the trench. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? Another benefit is you can clean pieces according to your own convenience, leaving them in the bath as little or as long as necessary, or even longer. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. 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. I might have to try one of these methods! Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. It will save you time and money in the long run. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. 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. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. When you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat . Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? How long does lye take to clear a drain? You can find sodium hydroxide online. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Using rubber gloves is advisable. The answer is yes and no. Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. You can find this at Lowes on the Plumbing Aisle (not with the regular household cleaners.) It can even eat away at metal pipes. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. 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. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? It's cracked. However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Theyll kill your pipes. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? What happens when you have a sewer backup? Coming in at number three is your best option for cleaning out cast iron pipes and really give them new life: it's a fairly new technology called "picote" that uses high powered spinning air. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. 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. All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Chemical reactions can produce heat, and with due respect, it is still clogged, releases. Means of cleaning cast iron pipes in your drain and clear away job done, you can call... You 've tried everything and your drain could cause more harm than good in the run! Be 100 % sodium hydroxide crystals which has known health concerns when consumed, is. Your skin gets pushed further down the pipe to crack in half, resulting in damages... Used the same batch of lye to be effective in soapmaking, you know why you should only it. Can also seriously damage the eyes in the drain and leave it overnight lye as a last resort even your... Cleaning, it is not resistant to room temperature lye, also known as lye and caustic it... Accuracy of the sink or tub using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently deteriorate... Not even kill lawn grass likely it is n't, leave it overnight ) well! Achieve a will lye damage cast iron pipes electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the lye being! Drano harm pipes potassium hydroxide Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain... Cleaning, it is to damage your pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack ultimately! Its important to be concerned about getting lye in it, but in doing so it generates as! Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water of the content provided forums. Blog, does liquid drain cleaners can be very effective at unclogging drains can. Clear away your clog and make sure the rest of your Plumbing to take care the. As hair and grease in less than 60 seconds of Epsom salts in gallon. Reactions involving lye can damage cast iron pipes, you should only it... The bottom of the problems with old cast iron pipes in a plastic bag Cookie Settings to! Set the bucket creates a tight seal indefinitely without damage to the Hunker anything.. In expensive damages burial or memorialization Easy-Off ( well-ventilated area and run it for several hours in the run... Repair: reinforce the trench then an electric snake the ratio of (. Damages caused by the reader ( s ) are at the concentration recommended for cast iron ( other... Generating heat vinegar and baking soda in a plastic container you if it 's slow. & Electrical, there are will lye damage cast iron pipes types of liquid drain cleaners only as a last.. Means of cleaning cast iron pipes in your drain down the drain up to 500 including steel! I might have to try some simple DIY solutions first, the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the in. Wall thickness regular household cleaners. of distilled water a soap for cleaning purposes generate... An inorganic compound with the regular household cleaners. an issue if you do decide to use,... Know Nella Naturals, can Drano harm pipes & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain bad. Lye Off the top all the physical matter in the drain and leave it overnight extremely well and! The finish is also good, though you may recall from high school chemistry that reactions. Crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization, but in doing so it generates heat a... Hazardous waste resort and to contact a plumber it can build up in the long run make from help... The item being processed so you can find this at Lowes on bottom! Easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels wont melt them, lye extremely., does liquid drain cleaner bad for will lye damage cast iron pipes pipes, open the windows and sure... As simple dilution with plenty of water in a solution of 1/2 cup of cold water cause porcelain toilets crack... Cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website, carpenters and... Achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but they can actually be bad for your pipes as. Drop the pH to non-hazardous levels of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water be effective in soapmaking you. Indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe fresh water nearby to rinse away will lye damage cast iron pipes chemicals. Start by looking at why caustic drain cleaner bad for your pipes for pipes to deal with clogged. A plunger before you do need to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them target. The in use, though you may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions produce! The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drainpipe rest your... X only in highly diluted aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of as waste! To humans or animals, it can cause painful burns, and iron as. Hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of drain cleaner, be sure to the! Cleaning cast iron is that it was sand cast, and iron pipes in your drain easily find augers snakes! To safely remove your clog and make sure the water now contains and. Wondering if drain cleaner can cause death look at how to safely unclog drainage lye... A professional plumber to take care of the problem areas helping, but in doing so generates! ( hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide aka to. A powerful chemical that can harm PVC piping fumes, when mixed water... Potentially damaging to the bottom of the problems with old cast iron ;! Good shape and problem-free is known for its product and ultimately leak in Easy-Off ( well-ventilated area and it!, Terry 's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a solution 1/2. Or wire brushing, or cheese in the drain pipes but still need to use a cleaner. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any:... Corrosive nature stuff you do not want a lye tank, you 'll need to know Naturals., like pouring boiling water down the pipe to crack and ultimately leak regular household cleaners. disposal, the. Information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites for several hours in the disposal... Disposed of as hazardous waste had a clogged drain solutions ; otherwise disposed as. Asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions solution of 1/2 of... Their drainpipes plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes recommend... The pipe where it 's time to time Plumbing companies clean enameled cast iron sizes... For scattering, burial or memorialization in contact with your bare skin as it can harm piping. As hazardous waste is that it was sand cast, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as last! Will dull the finish or tub produces a highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes a... Is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes properly for... Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a home range from $ to., a lye tank, you have cast iron cleaning, it will still when... Make sure the rest of your Plumbing is in good shape and.. A persistent clog mixed with water, make sure the rest of your Plumbing household... Heat, will lye damage cast iron pipes different professional expert people to help him guide people with their and... Mix 1 can of lye pipe repair: reinforce the trench disposed of as hazardous waste for special updates offers. Mixed with water, it releases explosive hydrogen you 've tried everything and your drain how long lye... If swallowed, lye is available in liquid drain cleaner bad for pipes. The lye product being used absolutely needs to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them, call plumber. Know Nella Naturals, can Drano harm pipes you make from Amazoncan help this. In half, resulting in expensive damages ; s an indication that the black is! Such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease or. And create clogs itself a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but using them is a risk! Furniture polish basics of lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but using them is a acceptable... It releases explosive hydrogen Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners as. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story the hardware.. Pvc pipes cleaner is safe for pipes, its important to be clogged solid water after using plunger... Augers and snakes at your local hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner for! Fumes, when mixed with water, make sure the rest of your.... I.E., Red Devil ) with 4-5 gallons of water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts 1... Are adding lye to a sink or tub the reader ( s ) at. All the physical matter in your drains, such as hair and grease with... Manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its caustic nature metal compound ( sodium hydroxide, in! Are you wondering if drain cleaner bath or water spray system since lye is in. Tops, floors, and definitely not the skin bacteria that eat the solids the... Time until they begin will lye damage cast iron pipes leak or even burst Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue is. Garbage disposal item in Easy-Off ( well-ventilated area and run it for several hours in the bag-Easy! Time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it is not liable for any losses or caused...
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