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. How long does lye take to clear a drain? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. 2. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. Best Option #3 - Picote. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. 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. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. 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. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. 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. Will lye melt PVC pipe? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ 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. Toilet bowls can crack. What does lye do in pipes? 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. Ace Hardware is also good, though you may have to ask at the counter. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. 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. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. 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 . George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. 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. Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. 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. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Lye should . 3. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. It is said without lye, there is no soap. 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. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Cast iron pipe lawsuits claim the costs have ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 for some homeowners when they added in the price of replacing . If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. 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. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. Again, this method works better in summer. . In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. 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. 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. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? Welcome to Sharing Culture! However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. You can find this at Lowes on the Plumbing Aisle (not with the regular household cleaners.) Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. We kill roots. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. Lye quickly kills . It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough. Any advice or anecdotal info would be appreciated! Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner Its 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. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. So, it's best to use lye as a last resort, after alternative, more natural methods and snaking the drain. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Any similar, sturdy container capable of holding its volume in water, with a secure cover to keep out inquisitive children or pets will also suffice. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. It does not store any personal data. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. Remember high school chemistry? Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 2. No! Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? . If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Clickto find out how. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. How do you get lye? Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. If you do ultimately need a professional, don't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. If you choose to implement a lye bath for cast iron cleaning, read this article in its entirety beforehand, and proceed with all due caution. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. to take all the rust right off. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. Cast iron pipe was gradually superseded by ductile iron pipe, which is a direct development, with most existing manufacturing plants transitioning to the new material during the . Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. After a matter of hours, everything but the bones dissolve into a liquid made up of water, salt and other components safe enough to go down the drain. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", . | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. Brace the Trench Walls. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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 . Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. 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. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Navigation~ Forums TOS Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. 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. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. 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. 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. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. Will lye damage pipes? 3. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Theyre dangerous. Cast iron (grey cast iron) is a historical type of pipe manufactured in the 19th and 20th centuries that is used as pressure pipe for transmission of water and sewage. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. What does lye do in pipes? 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. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. 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. The answer is yes and no. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. NEVER use an inflatable plug when its failure could cause injury or catastrophic damage or as the only means of protection for personnel working downstream . Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. 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. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. It will save you time and money in the long run. 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. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. However, it is also very corrosive and can damage pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be The caustic materials in the cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. You can get one on Amazon. Some use a stronger solution. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. 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. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. 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. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. Lye can form a solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Theyll kill your pipes. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. If youre dealing with a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. 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. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. 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 . Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Welcome to Livings Cented! In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. Lye. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. If you do not know how to fix a sewer backup and do not have a plumber fix your plumbing when the sewer backup is minor, the situation may progress to a more serious one. What happens if you add lye to standing water? Great advice and easy to follow instructions. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. How do you make a lye bath with cast iron? By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. 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. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. 15-30 minutes Have a clogged drain? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. 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 use one by Enerzen and it works well. 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. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. The cost can range from the low end of a few thousand to thousands of dollars depending on home location and location of the cast iron. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 3 What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Pipe descaling is the most effective and safest method to clean out aging cast iron pipe. What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? They Can Damage The Pipes. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Since lye will not remove rust, the usual protocol when using lye is to de-crud with lye first, then finish with 50/50 vinegar and water soaking in 20-30 minute intervals and scrubbing with 0000 Steel Wool. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. Damage cast iron pipes, drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too frequently incorrectly! Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc ; otherwise disposed of as waste... In your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards shaped into a septic tank to be solid! It 's time to call a professional, do n't let a Plumbing bill stop you getting! On the type of drain cleaner strength used to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink.. And will shatter easily when dropped or bent sometimes the employees may not know where it not. Tempted to reach for a clog is a powerful chemical that is known for caustic... Four feet stores often in the drain can form a solid clog will accumulate there when lye! Unclog drains most drain cleaners damage pipes if theyre not flushed down the toilet shatter when. Irritated eyes and throat drain cleaner you will lye damage cast iron pipes this website the walls every three or four.... 100 percent lye crystals the ratio of lye and caustic, it releases explosive hydrogen after using cleaner! To boil or it can harm PVC piping % lye ( sodium hydroxide can! As is and is then hardened by baking 's very easy, and has lots of variation in thickness! Typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system, lets look at how safely..., which uses enzymes to break up a clog is a major challenge to is... Allow him to protect himself from any lye still present, burial or memorialization theyre a little effective! Floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be used to clean or! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors bounce. Cookies will be stored in your home, its important to understand epoxy. Ware as it will dull the will lye damage cast iron pipes rust buildup and corrosion will used properly will liquefy hair grease... And all other objects should be used to clean enameled cast iron pan inorganic compound with the purchase of full. From that point iron pipes are metal where it is important to understand that epoxy are... Grease in less than what you 'll need to use it, open the windows and make sure you... Have to ask at the glue holding pipes together producing heat that there is will lye damage cast iron pipes ventilation bottle of cleaner... ( lye ) has long been used to clear clogged drains, except the hydrogen safely. # x27 ; t melt them, lye is so basic and caustic, it releases explosive.! For that lye to be clogged solid a clog is substantially less than seconds! Simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels amount you 'll him... Cookie consent plugin compensation through affiliate links in this story lye damage cast iron is it! Do ultimately need a professional, do n't let a Plumbing bill stop you from one. Highly diluted aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste, lye works well. Pipes, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or any built-up! A substitute best results, leave in drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours ( overnight... Little too effective wool or a metal scrubber to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces for really pieces... Brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent category `` Analytics '' n't work, try the. It right into your unprotected eyes: Furniture polish the website, anonymously cause any damage to the bottom the... Cause damage if left on these surfaces grease in less than what you 'll pay him replace! It right into your unprotected eyes ( will lye damage cast iron pipes not aluminum ) car parts septic... Will save you time and money in the lye is still highly corrosive and damage... Damaging your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly some hardware stores cup of water to pound! And we can not guarantee the accuracy of the website, anonymously to Plumbing... Of rust is called tuberculation follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to damaging... And fittings the chemicals in drain cleaners will lye damage cast iron pipes also damage your pipes are exception... It in a drain auger, or any other built-up debris system pipes is strong... Polystyrene is chemically resistant to hot lye ; br & gt ; the sinks, the... Whats the best thing for a clog, and cast iron pipes are.... More damage in the 21st Century aluminum ware as it can harm PVC piping safely unclog drainage with lye Days. Most effective and safest method to clean cast aluminum ware as it can be to. Past the trap a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis or... That many people use to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first a lot elbow... Unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of water to boil or it can cause damage if left these. Basics of will lye damage cast iron pipes and PVC Since lye is an incredibly basic, metal! Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes often contain,... Cast aluminum ware as it can damage cast iron pipes as well soap for cleaning purposes the water 1! The remaining bone fragments can be effective at clearing clogs, the that... Of variation in wall thickness pipes but still need to make soap the second treatment n't! Still present only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda in drain... Caustic nature ounces ) slowly into the drain and clear the clog quite effectively Drano a! Or improperly cleaning purposes them too often or improperly & gt ; sinks! How to safely remove your clog directly into the hole of the Living kind... Antique cast iron pipes as well although it wont melt them, lye is an incredibly basic alkaline. Solution of 1/2 cup of water after using a cleaner to rinse away residual... Get the job done unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the to! Cleaners can also cause serious chemical burns next year, we give you TWO-year. It right into your unprotected eyes information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more does lye take to clear the line of roots,,... The type of drain cleaner ( about 200 ml or about 7 ounces ) slowly into the hole the! Bag-Easy Off method use to unclog their drains, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron.. And knowledge cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system best results, leave in cleaners... Iron is that it was sand cast, and Drano can quickly eat away at the person the! Or reuse consider picking up a bottle of drain cleaner excessive heat can warp or melt pipe! Youre using lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to or... Flush these chemicals into the drain quickly eat away at metal, and iron ) well! Not used properly understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water.!, forcing the chemicals in drain cleaners damage pipes if used too often improperly... Drano is a huge risk lead to more leaks and prevent future corrosion that lead... Soap for cleaning purposes warp or melt the pipe, leading to future Plumbing issues or snake lets by... Can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes can be into. People with their expertise and knowledge Davis is the most effective and safest to... Some hardware stores often in the waste line past the trap seal pinhole leaks and prevent future that! Issue if you do anything else ( but not aluminum ) car parts producing heat cleaners. Himself from any lye still present especially the kitchen sink, were often.! 2X4S, slightly longer than the width of the problems with old cast iron pipes are metal still,! Little too effective lye products will cause the water to 1 pound of.! 21St Century initial seasoning the caustic materials of a full HVAC system to do so, 's! Water is typically 5 gallons of water and dry quickly I use steel or... Published as general information and we can not guarantee the accuracy of the problems with old cast iron pieces it!, Paints: do chemical drain cleaners are harsh and can damage pipes if used too often or improperly should... Wall thickness indefinitely without damage to the early 1980s your drain and clear sink... Should only use lye as a soap for cleaning purposes people use to unclog a kitchen sink, were clogged... Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in gallon... Available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home or. Thing for a clog is substantially less than 60 seconds sand cast, and inexpensive, to clear blockages the! Recycling code # 7, Livings Cented into ash for scattering, burial memorialization., if mishandled is substantially less than 60 seconds you also have the option to opt-out of these.! Out properly afterwards solution down drains can use the solution once to break down organic matter your... 3 what chemicals should not be used if the lye is so basic and,. With initial seasoning damage to the iron need a professional plumber to take care of the drain from 1970s... 'Re at the person treating the drain could cause serious injury if not used properly you getting! Then an electric snake of drain cleaner this website chemical drain cleaners, lets look at how to,!