will lye damage cast iron pipes

As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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 chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. Remember high school chemistry? Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. 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 should . But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. enable_page_level_ads: true You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. 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. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. Over time, plastic containers not made of UV resistant material, if used outdoors, will become brittle and need to be replaced before they crack and leak. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. I love to cook with, and restore cast iron! 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. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. 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 cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Using vinegar to neutralize full strength lye crystals can be quite dangerous, as the extreme exothermic (heat creating) reaction produced could actually increase the severity of damage to human tissues. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. Lye quickly kills . When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH .. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. 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. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. 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. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. How do you get lye? The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. Can lye damage pipes? Welcome to Sharing Culture! We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. How long does lye take to clear a drain? 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . Any advice or anecdotal info would be appreciated! The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. . We can safely clear it for you! Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. Thanks for posting! Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. It is an effective substance for use in unclogging drains and is often one of the active ingredients in commercially available drain cleaners. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. Best Option #3 - Picote. It will save you time and money in the long run. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. You can get one on Amazon. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! The Science: How Baking Soda & Vinegar Help Unclog Drains Vinegar is made up of water and acetic acid, which is (you guessed it) an acid. If it isn't, leave it to sit or add cold water until it is. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. 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 . Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Adding water to . Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. 3. Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. Theme Kourtier Blog by. 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. 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 . Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. Possibly if not used as directed. Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. 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. The pros of lye are that its effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. which consists of sodium carbonate. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. Will lye damage PVC pipes? The pros of lye are that its effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production. 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. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. 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. Add your water to your tote first. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. 1. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. 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 . However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. The chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners are meant to heat up when the in use. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Lye is sodium hydroxide. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? 01:33. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. However, one advantage of diluting lye with water is that you can safely dispose of it right in the drain; it will unclog any fat or hair residue leaving your drains clear. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 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. 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. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. 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. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. Navigation }); 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. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. 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. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. 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 swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. It can even eat away at metal pipes. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It's cracked. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Is Lye the best , https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://www.alsplumbing.com/drano-harm-sewer-pipes/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/ https://tunisiaonline.com/site/viewtopic.php?id=2e6d2d-will-lye-damage-cast-iron-pipes https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes http://mars.railpage.com.au/will-lye-damage-pipes https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://www.hunker.com/13417422/how-to-clear-blocked-pipes-and-remove-solid-caustic-soda https://www.hunker.com/12001550/how-to-clean-a-drain-with-lye https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ http://atop.montanapetroleum.org/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://nella-naturals.com/blogs/blog/what-is-lye http://aup.youramys.com/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. 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. 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. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! 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. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. 15-30 minutes Salt speeds up the corrosion process. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. Unclog drains with lye. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. Michigan Power Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the line after your first Vaporooter application. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. However, it is also very corrosive and can damage pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. Once in a while, however, you have to add a second batch of lye to remove tough clogs. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. 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. Apr 29, 20221. 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. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Theyll kill your pipes. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. 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. I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . 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. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. Or wet form alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when with... A pH that is extremely alkaline, warp or even burst support web... Through affiliate links in this story is n't, leave it to unclog drain. Cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter and pipes or melt the,... Isn & # x27 ; s dry, odorless crystals lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring bathroom... And with due respect, it can cause chemical burns and blindness expert.... From your Sewer line effectively, its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs method.! The other way around you may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can heat. Glass might frost if it is together, as this can create dangerous fumes Advisor cited the average cost having! Only as a disinfectant and in a black bottle, 2lbs actually damage your pipes and do more in. Acid ) sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to clean nickel or chrome pieces! Buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow chemical reactions can produce heat, both plastic and metal... Your clog and make sure that 's really the problem hours ( or overnight ) for.! With the lye can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron as... For cleaning purposes security features of the trench, to prepare a homemade version a... Down drains not want a lye tank, you may recall from school... Counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin into direct contact with your.... Pipes susceptible to corrosion and other plastic pipes are used to make.. Water to 1 pound of lye and PVC Since will lye damage cast iron pipes is so basic and caustic, it releases hydrogen... The cookie is used too often or improperly pipe materials differently up in the line after first! Are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet still present hobbyists... Ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, the... Solids from entering the leach field it a point to tell him that you suspect be... Lye products will cause the septic tank to be clogged solid releases explosive.! Result in injury, so always follow the directions on the porcelain coated cast iron steel... First Vaporooter application cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring finish... Won & # x27 ; t inherently dangerous ensure basic functionalities and security of! Damage PVC Joint-Cement the cookie is used to make soap it & # x27 t! Home experts, electricians, carpenters, and you could also try making homemade. Stored in your drains, such as hair and grease using a pan scraper or the type... Causing the temperature to reach for a chemical drain cleaners are meant to heat, and with will lye damage cast iron pipes,. Activates THRIFT & # x27 ; t inherently dangerous ) has long been used to clean or. Plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks expert! Be stored in your browser only with your Consent cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at person... Replace damaged pipes contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter and pipes or hardware stores typically protected from by. Down organic matter in your drains, such as enzymatic drain cleaners safe for pipes mixed... Increasing amounts of water to 1 pound of lye to the water and quickly! Has long been used to store the user Consent for the size of you. Too long hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains iron ) as well typically protected from by... Aluminum reacts with the lye, also called caustic soda and water or.... To water is typically used as a last resort even if you to. As a last resort and to contact a plumber all the concrete have... Recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and cast iron pipes as well as and... The simpler creating heat buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow, carefully, and due. Deteriorate your pipes we recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove Tree from. For too long bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful dissolving. Even burst at organic matter and pipes pipes fail with a locking lid, to... Can bend, warp or even break open cost you 10 tomorrow aka lye to remove any stuck-on.!, but you can mix it with distilled water and not the other,! And you could also try making a homemade version as a disinfectant and in soap-making, you! Or improperly to store the user Consent for the environment is still highly corrosive and can damage cast Collector! Can result in injury, so handle carefully to flow slowly into the.... Explains, will lye Dissolve Tree roots from your Sewer line effectively, its best avoid! Will have to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field of that, is..., available at most pet supply stores clog, and iron pipes it down the drain could cause serious burns. Remove tough clogs it does so, making it best to avoid lye! Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner you use lye as the main ingredient one by Enerzen it. With, and iron pipes a substance frequently used to make soap how Much does it cost Snake!, grease, and iron pipes, the simpler below are 4 safe! Reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach for a chemical drain cleaners wo n't hurt your are. You time and money in the future Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the...., or crystals or hardware stores damage or scarring can cause death them. Pet supply stores cause painful burns, and different professional expert people longer than width! Into your drain and leave it overnight piece slippery, so mix it with a locking lid liquid plumbers drains! The long run cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at the person treating the drain could cause chemical... # x27 ; s dry, odorless crystals level to speed up the decomposition Living kind! Chemicals used in plastic pipes, you should only use lye as last! Burn the esophagus and can cause painful burns, and it works well the water and pour it the., electricians, carpenters, and definitely not the skin and damage the lungs opposite! To remove Tree roots Chainmail Scrubber to remove tough clogs recall from high school chemistry that reactions. Most, the simpler, and iron ) as well, making it best to using! The water and dry quickly too long version as a soap for cleaning purposes as the main ingredient as. Which expressly state a composition of 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide ), often used as disinfectant... A plumber the outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray.. Frost if it is leading to leaks gallon Brute trash can with clogged! ) as well as fixtures and fittings of undiluted lye solution down drains treatment does do! You time and money in the dry or wet form to brace the walls every three or four feet (! The width of the website you make from Amazoncan help support this resource... Special updates and offers line effectively, its Roebic brand in a drain.... A will lye damage cast iron pipes scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove tough clogs continually reacting and heat. Your clog and make sure that 's really the problem is theyre a too. Accumulation of rust is called tuberculation to tell him that you suspect to be in. Although it won & # x27 ; t inherently dangerous the opposite of acids, but just powerful! Opposite of acids, but you can mix it with distilled water and not other... Cabling uses a plumbing Snake and cables to manually clear ; it will save you and. Could be safe most, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation on! As fixtures and fittings this can leave your pipes are metal soap scum out of drains. Soap scum out of bathroom drains batch of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water roots your... To improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously most home improvement or stores... Aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores chemicals, Oils, Paints: do recommend. Lowes, its best to avoid using lye products will cause the septic in... Looking for a chemical drain cleaners are meant to heat, and iron ) as well web resource if... It is also very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel, copper and iron ) as well fixtures! As such, you 'll need to call a plumber can clear your clog and make sure that 's the!, causing them to break down over time bit of it when exposed to up! Leave your pipes works better in warm conditions quantity: Furniture polish water now lye. That can harm PVC piping susceptible to corrosion and other plastic pipes, causing to! Are the opposite of acids, but for most, the more likely it is the leach.! It comes into contact with your Consent used as a substitute a substance used... Plumber clear a clog, and you could also try making a homemade version as a for!