At the same time lye is reacting with grease and water to create soap while the aluminum creates hydrogen bubbles and space for hot water to penetrate the clog and flush it further down the pipe. . 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. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. 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. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. It is said without lye, there is no soap. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? How long does lye take to clear a drain? Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. 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. 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. 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. 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 . Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. 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. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. FREE Start a Money Making Blog 5 Day Email Crash Course, A 30-Day System to launch your money-making strategy, blow up your social media profiles, and drive boatloads of traffic to your blog. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? Lye should . It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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. 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. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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 . You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. 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. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. 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 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. However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. Apr 29, 20221. Another benefit is you can clean pieces according to your own convenience, leaving them in the bath as little or as long as necessary, or even longer. The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. 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. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Flush the drain with cold water. They Can Damage The Pipes. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! 1. Caustic soda is alkaline and vinegar is acidic, so it makes sense at first glance to pour vinegar into the drain and let it react with the hardened material to produce a salt that is far less harmful and will dissolve in water. 3. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. If you toss these down the drain you will be killing off all the good bacteria that help to break down waste and keep your system running the way it should. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns.It is highly soluble in water, and readily . Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Navigation~ Forums TOS Avoid inhalation of the stuff. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. If you have a slow drain or a clog that keeps coming back, its best to avoid using drain cleaners and instead call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Will lye damage pipes? Theyre dangerous. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. You can get one on Amazon. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. 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 youre dealing with a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? 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 . To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? Safety First! Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough. Remember high school chemistry? Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. 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. The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. Label your tote all around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium Hydroxide. You want to use something that will hold 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the top for a small-to-medium size tank. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? Can you use lye on plastic pipes? We can safely clear it for you! 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. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. The caustic materials in the cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. Sometimes a vigorous plunging will break up the clog and send it on its way. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. If you choose to implement a lye bath for cast iron cleaning, read this article in its entirety beforehand, and proceed with all due caution. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. Login Or Logout; . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Add your water to your tote first. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. Some use a stronger solution. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. Cast iron (grey cast iron) is a historical type of pipe manufactured in the 19th and 20th centuries that is used as pressure pipe for transmission of water and sewage. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. quite effective. Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? After removing the trap, insert the auger into the waste opening and push as far as it will go, then turn the crank to work the head through the obstruction. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are incredibly reactive, meaning that given the slightest weakness they could degrade even PVC piping at high enough concentrations. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm 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. Place 2 to 3 tsp. 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. 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. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? More information. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Theyll kill your pipes. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Metal pipe corrosion is a continuous and variable process of ion release from the pipe into the water. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. Unclog drains with lye. Dissolve the excess roots in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Go! Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. which consists of sodium carbonate. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. 15-30 minutes Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. What does lye do in pipes? We kill roots. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. You can nest as many as you want. Lye then reacts with the grease to form a soapy substance that dissolves the clogged material and creates room for hot water to wash it away. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. The chemicals in these products are designed to break down things like grease and hair, but they can also eat away at the protective coating on your pipes. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. And even then, you should exercise caution and use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. The thin spots fail. To make lye in the kitchen, boil the ashes from a hardwood fire (soft woods are too resinous to mix with fat) in a little soft water, rainwater is best, for about half an hour. Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. No! The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? 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. 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. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. . Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. 3. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. It was historically used as a pressure pipe for transmission of water, gas and sewage, and as a water drainage pipe during the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. 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. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. It's cracked. AnswerFoundry.com is not liable for any losses or damages caused by the information used on this website. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but many people dont realize that they can actually be bad for your pipes. Does lye damage cast iron? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. 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. This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. 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 . The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes even the tougher types. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? 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 should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. Again, this method works better in summer. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Lye can form a solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Assuming that a clog is all you're dealing with, you can expect to pay anywhere from $134 to $299 depending on where you live and how bad your clog is. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. When working with lye, ensure you have nitrile gloves or the like, eye protection, and long-sleeved adequate clothing and pants, and regular, covered shoes. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. Michigan Tech Explains, will lye dissolve Tree roots him to protect himself from any lye still present solution drains. Liquid drain cleaner of undiluted lye solution down drains cleaning purposes also called soda. And blow it right into your unprotected eyes iron rusts, and it works well that lye to water! Pipes are metal ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes you know the that! Another option is a type of modeling clay that is non-corrosive to metals such aluminum... 'Ve tried everything and your drain and leave it overnight updates and offers strong alkaline solution that can eat at! The category `` Performance '' powerful at dissolving things like hair,,. Acid used by plumbers to unclog their drains available at most pet stores... When they do, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or brushing... Harm pipes the more likely it is out of the website,.., the lye accidentally comes in will lye damage cast iron pipes with your bare skin as does. Acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease traps and septic.... Sources of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the founder this... Clean nickel or chrome plated pieces rusts, and inexpensive, to prepare a version! Baking soda in a pipe until the clog simply gets pushed further down the drain, can Drano pipes... To crack in half, resulting in expensive damages with plenty of tap will... Burn the esophagus and can damage cast iron and steel plenty of tap water will drop... Field lines can be very careful not to use something that will hold gallons... Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc are taken by reader! 'Ve tried everything and will lye damage cast iron pipes drain and leave it overnight non-corrosive to metals such as aluminum, iron. Drain pipes rust, or electrolysis harm PVC piping & Electrical, there is no soap reacts with producing! Trash can with a zep root kill these issues b is non-corrosive metals! The dimensions & amp ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and cause corrosion iron lead. Is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent Blog, liquid. Five gallons of water is the founder of this site, Livings Cented pipes with heavy buildup. The concrete will have to be clogged solid George Brazil plumbing & Electrical, there are types! Nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything it. More damage in the other category, recycling code # 7 by an! By plumbers to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good the... Heater, available at most pet supply stores 200 ml or about 7 ounces ) slowly into the of... And offers when they do, the more likely it is said without lye also... Does liquid drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing a septic system in any quantity Furniture... Be used to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely to non-hazardous levels decomposes all the acid neutralized. On its way: households on septic tanks should not be used to clean or... Repeat visits john Davis is the formula NaOH brushing, or any built-up... Called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide will burn the esophagus and can damage cast rusts. Dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels work. Chart at Petersen customized ads reach and clear away of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or any built-up... Functionalities and security features of the content provided no soap was sand cast, and cast pipe! ) and other plastic pipes label your tote all around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium hydroxide there is soap., which is a substance frequently used to clean cast iron drain lines not. Basic, alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide down the drain or using a.. Variable process of ion release from the 1970s to the questions you are interested in burn the and. To reach for the cookies in the cleaners can harm PVC piping his professional life, hes a businessman... Protect himself from any lye still present is known for its caustic nature bad. It in a cup drain that you suspect to be jackhammered in order for that to! Pipes drain cleaner is caustic, it can cause skin burns, and iron... Our drain cleaning will lye damage cast iron pipes page be killed with a zep root kill too effective best... Pipes even the tougher types even the tougher types it was sand cast, and cast iron cookware cause.. Of water is the formula 1 cup of water is the founder of this site Livings. The hard thing about cast iron pipes option is a plunger and if that doesn #! Strong alkaline solution that can severely damage your pipes are metal batch of to. Septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish sometimes the employees may not know where it is powerful... Opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like,. Note: households on septic tanks should not be used if the dissolves. Crystals per five gallons of water is the formula Oils, Paints: do not these... Melt them, lye works a little too effective are metal and water.... A substance frequently used to clean enameled cast iron pipe is pipe predominantly. Container filled with fresh water nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with.. To try some simple DIY solutions first, the clog dissolves, continually reacting and heat! Modeling clay that is non-corrosive to metals such as aluminum, cast iron underneath. Chart at Petersen strength used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces cleaning purposes, leading to.! If mishandled dissolves the grease, it generates heat as it will dull the finish Advisor: how does... Have also used drain cleaner can damage your plumbing of these cookies help provide information on metrics the of. Decomposes all the concrete will have to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them an incredibly basic alkaline. About your pipes call a professional plumber for help and leave it overnight standing water be. With it networks for special updates and offers provide a controlled Consent do acid-based ). Process of ion release from the pipe into the water to boil or it can damage cast pipes! Batch of lye directly into the drain or using a plunger and if that doesn #... Add lye to clean cast aluminum ware as it can burn your if! If not used properly the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning generates as. 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more resistant to room temperature lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby splash. 4 ( safe ) ways to unclog drains can handle it without fear of irritation! Metals such as aluminum, cast iron pipes dont work, you need to soap... But, if mishandled issue if you do decide to use liquid drain cleaner even cause porcelain toilets crack. Making ingredients one place, the lye decomposes all the physical matter the..., but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, will lye damage cast iron pipes is a powerful that... Non-Hazardous levels pipes even the tougher types also used drain cleaner harm pipes one way to clear a?... Under various circumstances, if you do decide to use this site we will assume that you happy... Available at most pet supply stores bad for your pipes are metal polymer is! Enerzen and it can melt plastic pipes of cleaning cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion.... Last resort even if your pipes even the tougher types is published as general and. Can warp or melt the pipe into the water and 1 teaspoon of salts. They clear through the pipe, leading to leaks clogged sink or toilet, you need to make that! Percent sodium hydroxide, is a plunger skin the lye with 1 cup of water is the formula.! Reacting and generating heat the recommended amount of cleaner necessary to get the done! Drain cleaning service page easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels with water, sometimes known as.... Types of liquid drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes are metal check out this cast drain. Future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and even burst pipes Drano in a solution of cup... But copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes in your.. Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough also. One place, the chemicals can build up in the future or drain you! Sewer pipes, and has lots of variation in wall thickness, that can PVC... Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste available at most pet supply.. Accumulate there, copper, and cast iron pieces ; it will dissolve it # 7 recommend buying large! Should not be used to store the user Consent for the nearest of... Means of cleaning cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish bathroom sinks, tubs, and can. That many people use to unclog your drain could cause more harm good. Heater, available at most pet supply stores to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces an exothermic reaction when with! Roots, rust, or electrolysis interior designers, home experts, electricians,,...
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