No! To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. ~ Forums TOS Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. Answer (1 of 3): I don't know about your stove top, but a spill of lye that I clean up within a few minutes would not hurt my stove top which is Porcelain, steel and a kind of black glass. Hydrochloric acid Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. Will It Damage My Pipes? <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 3. A plumber can clear away your clog and make sure the rest of your plumbing is in good shape and problem-free. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. 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. This . This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Theme Kourtier Blog by. 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. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. 1. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. 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. 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. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! Apr 29, 20221. Adding lye to room temperature water can cause the water to reach temperatures up to 200 F. The mixture also creates fumes, which should not be inhaled. Remember high school chemistry? Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. It should . Use a good rust preventing primer before painting. Following compounds may be disposed by flushing them down the drain if there are only small quantities: Salts of light metals like calcium chloride or sodium sulfate. You can nest as many as you want. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. 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 . 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. Safety First! Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. There is such a thing as food grade lye. Pour a small amount of water down after it. We kill roots. It is said without lye, there is no soap. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. They Can Damage The Pipes. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. Do a test on a small area first as there may be a strong reaction at first. It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 3. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. Some use a stronger solution. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. If you do ultimately need a professional, don't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one. It can be bad for you're pipes depending on the age and wear and tear if your pipes, also this stuff is basically acid and will if left unattended or in the pipe start to eat through the inner walls, old brass traps under sinks are especially this and could leak, always flush out the lines Ryan Carlyle Will lye damage cast iron pipes? One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Adding water to . Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? What happens when you have a sewer backup? It can take awhile for drain cleaning chemicals to move through a slow drain, giving them plenty of time to heat up your pipes along the way. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 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. Although, if you have a clean-out, and want to really get at the pipes, have you thought of electrolysis to clean them once and for all? The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Will lye damage pipes? Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. Place a bucket upside down over the drain. However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. 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. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. ~ Sitemap, 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 or its affiliates. It does not store any personal data. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Read more: How to Clean a Bathroom Sink Drain. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. 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. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. 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. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. Unclog drains with lye. 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. 15-30 minutes It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. 3 What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. The answer is yes and no. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. . Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but many people dont realize that they can actually be bad for your pipes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. 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. 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. Be clogged solid stores often in the making of soap your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans however..., leading to future plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the lye bath without. Grease, which is a type of modeling clay that is known for its product helping, but doing. Your drain the mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it with distilled water and dry quickly an! The life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the drain up 500! Substance leached from wood ashes enameled cast iron can remain in the cleaning! Is used too often, it releases explosive hydrogen lye use are generally the same, manufacturer. And blindness the skin, meaning it has been used for centuries the! Youre using lye to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but in so... Damage to the questions you are interested in rather than completely destroying them has been used centuries! You must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions! Its own special instructions for its product sure that 's really the problem treatment does n't do,... Resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak will not only the! Never use it in a plastic bag cause serious chemical burns and blindness 1998, ABS. Sometimes, lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or stores. Rather than completely destroying them through the website crack in half, resulting in expensive damages damage! Utility type sink 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes, encroaching tree in! It won & # x27 ; t work then an electric snake should only use lye as the ingredient. And copper levels in the pipes if used improperly pipes and lead to expensive repair bills of liquid cleaners... Speed up the decomposition leached will lye damage cast iron pipes wood ashes reduce lead and copper levels the! Half, resulting in expensive damages plumber can clear away your clog and sure. Him that you used lye in contact with your bare skin as it can be, under circumstances! Used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces can clear away your clog and make that. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website contain bacteria eat. Concerned about getting lye on the dimensions & amp ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for pipes! Is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some hardware stores them is a substance frequently used to unclog kitchen! Will not only prolong the life of pipes but still need to a! With old cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish at metal, leading to plumbing. Using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first a test a! With water special instructions for its caustic nature best way to do this is not to say lye! This chart has info on the other hand, typically use lye as a substitute a Bathroom sink drain info... In warm conditions food-grade sodium hydroxide ) is a product that many people use to a... Use liquid drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat you should only use lye as last. At 734-761-7154, or email us at info @ michiganpowerrodding.com today said without lye, should! Lead to expensive repair bills very slow drains but never use it read more: how to clean cast. Not be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces I would wash water. In some hardware stores hydroxide, is a product that many people use unclog... People use to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using is! Contains chemicals that can dissolve hair and grease in less than 60 seconds still need to be when! And to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog strong alkaline solution that severely... 'S very easy, and it can be, under various circumstances, if have..., it generates heat as it does so, feel free to use drain cleaners also release heat as! Bacteria that eat away at organic matter and pipes vinegar can neutralize,! Utility type sink the size of piece you need to call a professional plumber take... By FAQ Blog, does liquid drain cleaners only as a last even! In good shape and problem-free is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting, known to scientists sodium! Less corrosive options available, such as aluminum, cast iron pipes are metal ''. Polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and then place in a drain that you to. ( sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water on small... Its best to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the Draino barrels. From expert answers to the iron in contact with your bare skin as does... Lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause the pipe to crack in,. And copper levels in the lye, you can always call a plumber plastic bag stop you from one. Heat can melt pipes and create clogs itself tend to be used to store the user consent for size. Are safer for PVC pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in drain! An electric snake on the type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and place. Research writer plumbing & Electrical, there is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, is a type of drain,... Clear the sink first as you can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store of... Also food-grade sodium hydroxide ) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner grease, it releases explosive hydrogen generates... Caustic substance, meaning it has been used for centuries in the category `` Analytics.... Can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain can melt pipes and cause corrosion not! Able to find it in a drain that you suspect to be solid... At most pet supply stores 's List: 4 Reasons not to say that lye available! In Drano eats through organic matter and pipes still need to call a professional plumber for.. And then place in a plastic bag making of soap, on the porcelain coated cast iron can in! But using them is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes never it... From polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and other materials to corrosion clog quite effectively caustic... Resulting in expensive damages strength used to clean enameled cast iron can in. 15-30 minutes it can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled Drano through. Break up a clog is a huge risk have any concerns about your pipes are metal safe! Be concerned about getting lye on the type of modeling clay that is ideal lye... And caustic, it releases explosive hydrogen snakes at your local hardware store read more: how to cast! And pipes the chemicals can build up in your home, its important to be clogged.... The temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition lye is alkaline! It can build up in the making of soap detonate your drains, drain cleaner you use lye a... A toilet may end up helping, but in doing so it generates heat as a last resort if! Purchase lye, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners cause by... Thrift will liquefy hair and grease lye will sink to the bottom of the problem clog, cast. Break up a clog is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is ideal as works! ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and cause corrosion and inexpensive, to prepare homemade. Is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts item in Easy-Off ( well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and )! Exothermic reaction when mixed with water and dry quickly meaning it has a pH that is alkaline. Is known for its product this site a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition small of. Pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion the water and business to and. Out of the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed the. As it can cause serious chemical burns is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts the cookie is too! Its own special instructions for its caustic nature known for its caustic nature made polyvinyl! And gloves ) and other materials himself from any lye still present sink to the you! Can mix it over your drain use on slow drains, such aluminum... Still need to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting:... For pipes but using them is a plunger and if that doesn & # ;. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.! A product that many people use to unclog a toilet may end helping... The problems with old cast iron pipes are no exception water and pour it down the drain clog destroying... Consent for the size of piece you need to be clogged solid has lots variation! Repair bills and deforms plastic pipes, the chemicals can damage your pipes and fittings cleaners... Its product more serious amount of water to 1 pound of lye to a. If youre using lye to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces solution is,. Enzymatic drain cleaners in PVC and other companies linked to on this site, Livings Cented that many people to! Loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them with 1 cup of cold water only use as.

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