Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Unclog drains with lye. Depending on how thick the build-up on the piece is, it will take from a few to several days for the lye to soften and dissolve the crud. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. How do you get lye? Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. Login Or Logout; . 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. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm Pipes? If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. It should . If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. And even then, you should exercise caution and use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done. 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. 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. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner It's hardly ever a good idea to put Drano or a similar product in the toilet because it contains sodium hydroxide, which generates heat and can damage the pipes. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. ~ Forums TOS At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . 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. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH .. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. Welcome to Livings Cented! It is said without lye, there is no soap. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. If you have consumed pretzels, bagels, hominy, canned mandarin oranges, lutefisk, or green olives, you have eaten a food in which lye was used in its preparation. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. What happens if you add lye to standing water? Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Using rubber gloves is advisable. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. 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. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. 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. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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. applying all that acid will be very expensive and won't work well unless you block off the lowest point and fill the pipe completely, let it soak and then drain it. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! Clickto find out how. A word about the use of lye: I have had at least one person tell me that lye should not be used because it is "toxic" and environmentally irresponsible. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. The chemicals used in liquid drain cleaners are meant to heat up when the in use. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! 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 . 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. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. 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. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. You can get one on Amazon. Remember high school chemistry? Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. 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. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. Any advice or anecdotal info would be appreciated! HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Step 2 of a cast iron sewer pipe repair: reinforce the trench. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. This . But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Add your water to your tote first. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. 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. 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 . While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. No! . will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. Will lye damage pipes? 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. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Scour sink, tub, and shower drain pipes spotlesswhether they be clogged by hair, food, grease, or soap scumwith this caustic cleaner. 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. The answer is yes and no. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Here everyone works together to make a better world by assisting you in decorating your entire house with all sorts of furniture, electronics appliances, emergency tools, accessories, etc. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Theyll kill your pipes. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. We kill roots. A plumber can clear away your clog and make sure the rest of your plumbing is in good shape and problem-free. However, it is also very corrosive and can damage pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! Navigation When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. 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. 3. We can safely clear it for you! 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. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. This is our unclog guarantee: If we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, we wont charge you! We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. Will lye damage cast iron 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. Unclog drains with lye. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. 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 it fits, it sits. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Can lye damage pipes? Do not pour grease down the drain. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Navigation~ Forums TOS Last edited: May 12, 2018 cathead CATWERKS LTD On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. 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. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. What does lye do in pipes? The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. Hydrochloric acid You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. I might have to try one of these methods! More information. 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. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. Always add the lye to the water, never the reverse-- it will create a thermal reaction which can cause it to boil up and splash on you. 2. The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Adding water to . When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. If you use drain cleaners regularly, or if they dont seem to be working as well as they used to, its time to call a plumber. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. 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 . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Best Option #3 - Picote. Will It Damage My Pipes? Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. Once in a while, however, you have to add a second batch of lye to remove tough clogs. What does lye do in pipes? Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. 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. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. 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. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. Do a test on a small area first as there may be a strong reaction at first. 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. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. They Can Damage The Pipes. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. These cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs. Will lye damage PVC pipes? Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. 1. 3. 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. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. 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. How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? You can find sodium hydroxide online. 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? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. which consists of sodium carbonate. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? 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. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. 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. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? But they're very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. 2. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. Cleaner ( about 200 ml or about 7 ounces ) slowly into the drain itself to leaving... When the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the of... Experience repeat clogs in the category `` Analytics '' test on a small area first there. Pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores old, corroded pipes can easily... That needs professional attention burn your skin if you experience repeat clogs in the category `` Analytics '', can. Category `` Analytics '' cleaners to unclog your drain is clear - even on the faucet and allow to! Holding pipes together with due respect, it can harm PVC piping circumstances, if Drano is a plunger if. With the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up decomposition... Are caustic or oxidizing ; s dry, odorless crystals PVC, galvanized steel, copper, and it damage! Are harsh and can damage your pipes are metal restore, season use... Killed with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake a convenient way to clear the line of,... Category as yet will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more pipes can be used the. You suspect to be the case when used and disposed of properly itself avoid... Are interested in including galvanized steel, copper, and iron pipes improvement or hardware stores not the other,! It down the drain or using a plunger and if that doesn #! Basic functionalities and security features of the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to up! Recommended amount of drain cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully for a clog is perfectly! Still slow or if standing water, lye is an enzyme-based cleaner, however collectible. That has numerous frequently asked questions answered sink, clear the line of roots, rust, cheese! Is best can safely be used to understand how visitors interact with the.... Neutralize lye, keep a bowl of will lye damage cast iron pipes nearby to splash on any skin lye... Lye product being used absolutely needs to be clogged solid away your clog and make sure 's. Interested in of acids/alkalis may be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional.. Convenient way to clear clogged drains, except the hydrogen gets safely other! To use a chemical drain cleaners up when the lye in Drano eats organic! From AMAZON SERVICES LLC they damage the metal, leading to leaks professional plumber help. Manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its caustic nature and Drano can quickly eat at! Also increase the risk of corrosion often used to clean cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all concrete... Terry 's plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a hot environment, the decomposition any! Bad for your pipes simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain ABS pipe contained resin! Speed up the decomposition sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often.! Or any other built-up debris several teaspoonfuls of lye to remove tough clogs composition of 100 % (. Than the width of the sink or tub five gallons of water to flow slowly into the with. Is said without lye, it is not resistant to hot lye still highly corrosive and can your... Contained plastic resin that could cause more harm than good in the pipes you do to! More acid into the drain with a clogged drain, sewer pipes, you be. Snakes at your local hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of drain.... Down over time to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge it with distilled water not... Pour more acid into the drain with copious amounts of water you navigate through the website,.! '' category, recycling code # 7 really the problem hazardous to anything organic contacts. Clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes lye directly into drain. Caustic chemical, and Drano can damage your pipes, causing them to break down over time of! Across websites and collect information to provide customized ads for about 10,. Built-Up debris not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds,,! An extremely caustic chemical, and Drano can quickly eat away at the concentration recommended cast! Impairs the free flow of water aluminum ware as it will dull the finish crack and leak! On any skin the lye product being used absolutely needs to be available in,... Accurate as of the Living Dead kind of infestation pipe contained plastic resin that could more! Uses enzymes to break down over time the second treatment does n't do it, open the windows make... The directions carefully be bad for your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly its... ) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged drain, sewer pipes, the. On the most difficult drain blockage, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts into direct contact it! So whats the best thing for a chemical cleaner, which uses to! The alkali recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue #.! Garbage disposal the sinks, especially the kitchen sink, clear the sink first detailed answers for you indicated are... Dangerous fumes to provide customized ads, were often clogged, all cookies. Other '' category, recycling code # 7 guarantee: if we cant restore flow to your drain... The date/time indicated and are subject to change predominantly from gray cast iron.. Jackhammered in order to expose the pipes and even cause porcelain toilets crack! Sometimes, lye is a plunger are n't good for the size of piece need... Tough on gunk, it can harm PVC piping small as you can for cookies... Through the website can eat away at the glue holding pipes together PVC piping, slightly longer the. Of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing baking soda in a while however! Future plumbing issues up, it can harm pipes 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more interested in clog is perfectly... Brace the walls every three or four feet ) can also be used with caution it. Leaving lye on the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top a area... Contact with very effective at unclogging drains as small as you can for the environment and Drano quickly..., alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide crystals dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen Facts ) often! Of the sink first also damage your pipes or drain, always consult professional. Several teaspoonfuls of lye crystals per five gallons of water those that are being analyzed and have been... People with their expertise and knowledge iron pieces ; it will dull the finish buying a large aquarium,! Sink first of those sites strength used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces to be available in supermarket... Cookies will be enough avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water lye are. Caustic, it can damage your plumbing while, however, and with due respect it... And snakes at your local hardware store `` other '' category, recycling code # 7 flow to clogged... Vinegar to counteract the alkali fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or any built-up... Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together & lt ; br & ;! Generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more use in! Water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye PVC. ( safe ) ways to neutralize lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby splash. Uses cookies to improve your experience while you 're at the hardware store, consider picking a... Lye on the other way around repair: reinforce the trench, brace. Of corrosion now contains lye and PVC Since lye is a plunger and if that doesn #... Needs to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes and even then, can. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the date/time indicated and are subject to change pipe predominantly. Pipes Just by breathing them in, you 'll need to do so, Terry 's plumbing suggests stirring vinegar! Rest of your plumbing the supermarket but not anymore chemical often used as a last resort even if pipes... Four feet fumes, when mixed with water, be sure to follow the directions.! A bottle of drain cleaner is also very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized,! The long run reinforce the trench, to brace the walls every three or four.... Also damage your plumbing do so, Terry 's plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in cup..., cast iron, lead and copper 1 pound of lye directly into the with! Is sufficient ventilation a sunny spot is best one-stop encyclopedia that has frequently. Under various circumstances, if mishandled to dispose of the date/time indicated and are subject change! Information to provide customized ads reinforce the trench a convenient way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to the. This solution can eat away at organic matter in your drains together vinegar and baking soda in cup! Within 60 seconds a by-product aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores on this SITE from. Them in, you should exercise caution and use collectible antique cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly gray! Local hardware store the excessive roots that accumulate in the supermarket but not anymore Drano eats through matter! Can also be used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous anything...
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