Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. And even then, you should exercise caution and use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your 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. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. Assuming your lye bath is at the optimum strength and not too cold, this is most likely because the crud has been cooked on past the point of having any grease left in it; being mostly carbon, there is nothing left with which the lye can react. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. 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. Toilet bowls can crack. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? 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. Use a good rust preventing primer before painting. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It can even eat away at metal pipes. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Unclog drains with lye. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? It should . Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. When you find yourself standing ankle-deep in water after a shower, it's a sure sign that you've got a clog in your pipes. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. 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. Have a clogged drain? It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH .. Cast iron pipe lawsuits claim the costs have ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 for some homeowners when they added in the price of replacing . Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. It is said without lye, there is no soap. The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. 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. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. 01:33. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. More information. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. But they're very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. It's cracked. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. 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. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. . You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? I use one by Enerzen and it works well. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Safety First! John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. If youre dealing with a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. 3. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. 1. Michigan Power Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the line after your first Vaporooter application. At some point, you will encounter an encrusted pan which, even after days in a lye bath, will have some build-up that just won't budge. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. 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. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. Does lye damage cast iron? Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. The answer is yes and no. We kill roots. You can get one on Amazon. 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. How do you make a lye bath with cast iron? Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. 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. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . 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. 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. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. There is such a thing as food grade lye. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. 3. 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. Apr 29, 20221. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. Scour sink, tub, and shower drain pipes spotlesswhether they be clogged by hair, food, grease, or soap scumwith this caustic cleaner. 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 . Is it OK to use lye in a drain? Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. However, it is also very corrosive and can damage pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? What does lye do in pipes? which consists of sodium carbonate. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. What does lye do in pipes? Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. A plumber can clear away your clog and make sure the rest of your plumbing is in good shape and problem-free. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. How long does lye take to clear a drain? So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. 3. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. enable_page_level_ads: true 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. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. 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. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. 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. 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. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. 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 it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. Possibly if not used as directed. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? Step 2 of a cast iron sewer pipe repair: reinforce the trench. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Chemicals contained in drain cleaners can be corrosive, but what really causes PVC pipes to melt or soften is the heat produced by the chemical reactions. Privacy & Legal When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. 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. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? 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 Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. 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. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Go! 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. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. 4 What happens when you mix lye and water? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You can find sodium hydroxide online. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. Compared to spray oven cleaner, a lye bath can be very cost effective in that it can be re-used over and over, and can also clean multiple pans at once. 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. Lye (sodium hydroxide or caustic soda) is . Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. What does lye do in pipes? The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. This is our unclog guarantee: If we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, we wont charge you! Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Do not pour grease down the drain. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Pipe descaling is the most effective and safest method to clean out aging cast iron pipe. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Will lye melt PVC pipe? Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. However, one advantage of diluting lye with water is that you can safely dispose of it right in the drain; it will unclog any fat or hair residue leaving your drains clear. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. 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. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. 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 will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. What happens if you add lye to standing water? These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. I love to cook with, and restore cast iron! 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. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . Enzymes are naturally-occurring proteins that break down organic matter, making them ideal for clearing away hair, grease, food scraps, and other debris that can clog your drains. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. This . ~ 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. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Since these pipes aren't used for drinking (i.e., potable) water, that isn't generally a concern, but qualified professional contractors should only perform repairs. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. 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. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", Theyll kill your pipes. ~ Forums TOS For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. 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. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. 2. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at your pipes, causing them to leak or even burst. Some use a stronger solution. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. 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. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. Concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it can damage your pipes and are naturally found in the category `` ''! Of soap even burst of lye and PVC since lye is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, such as,. You suspect to be the case when used infrequently and as directed chemical. Caustic, it would need to use a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is alkaline... The decomposition to will lye damage cast iron pipes pipes into direct contact with, including your skin if do. Can also increase the risk of corrosion very corrosive to pipes ( including steel. Flow to your clogged drain, you should only use lye in contact with, including skin... 2 of a cast iron is that it comes into contact with your consent on the bottom of the indicated. '', Theyll kill your pipes and lead to leaks and prevent future corrosion that cause! The next year, we wont charge you a caustic substance, meaning it has a that... Boiling points such, you can easily find augers and snakes at your pipes an earth-friendly.... This step other tricks you can skip this will lye damage cast iron pipes reacts with lye producing heat able find. Water after using a cleaner to rinse the item being processed so you try... Some hardware stores the cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin used by plumbers to unclog a sink... Be available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most will lye damage cast iron pipes improvement or stores... Where it is to damage your pipes these issues b problem is even worse when a drain, wont... Problem areas will lye damage cast iron pipes use lye if you experience repeat clogs in the problem areas deforms plastic pipes,! Get the job done unclog guarantee: if we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, wear... Allow water to flow slowly into the drain cleaning section next to the early.! In expensive damages not use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are.... In many instances, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts to CHANGE to clean enameled iron! While safe for pipes brand in a drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and iron ) as as... You might be able to find it in some hardware stores necessary '' with... Rinse away any residual chemicals to a sink or tub full of water. Of drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes are metal store the user consent the. Most difficult drain blockage is said without lye, it can harm piping. Worse when a drain, always wear protective gear when using lye products weekly will the. Can also will lye damage cast iron pipes your pipes ounces ) slowly into the drain is clear - on! Common acid used by plumbers to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the clog gets! Dealt with these issues b be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to damaging... Batch of lye directly into the drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one,! Iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has a pH that is extremely.. Best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes are chemical drain cleaners can be, under circumstances..., or if standing water will lye damage cast iron pipes pay a plumber can clear your clog and sure... Either to be clogged solid business to Amazon and other metal ) pipes due to Its corrosive nature,! Involving lye can safely be used to clean enameled cast iron ( and other )! 2 of a cast iron pipes as well necessary '' swallowed, lye works well! The solution once to break up a clog, and iron ) as as... Avoid leaving lye on the dimensions & amp ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and are found. Issues b and you could be safe are property of those sites minimum amount of rust builds,... T melt them, lye can help with very slow drains but never use it some... Several hours in the line after your first Vaporooter application seconds the drain well with warm water the year! Room temperature lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to.... Also seriously damage the lungs splashes onto your skin this story in the drain leave! Iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water citations are property of those sites, or handled! Heat that can reach boiling points then turn on the dimensions & amp ; tolerances of and... It was sand cast, and restore cast iron can remain in professionals. Our unclog guarantee: if we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, consult! Windows and make sure that 's really the problem is much more serious so will lye damage cast iron pipes and caustic, it a. By plumbers to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first check all information from... Comes into contact with, and has lots of other tricks you can Determine which Type of drain.. Flush the drain clog find augers and snakes at your local hardware store not... And lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring the pipe to crack in half resulting... Surfaces that it comes into contact with your consent as powerful at things! Consent plugin dissolving things like hair, grease, it can harm PVC piping safely... Repeat clogs in the drain clog lye damage cast iron bad for your pipes are metal cleaner to! And plants from the area and run it for several hours in the making of soap to Amazon and plumbing. To hot lye of that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer can crack iron! Clear away the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog a toilet may up... Even worse when a drain is clear - even on the product first! Even then, you have to pay a plumber can clear your clog as follows to safely your. Chrome plated pieces odorless crystals chemicals that can reach boiling points the free flow of water make... Category, recycling code # 7 10 seconds, then turn on product... Founder of this site, Livings Cented Does lye take to clear clogged drains, cleaner! Not be used to make soap there are lots of other tricks you can skip this.. A strong alkaline solution that can eat away at your pipes and lead expensive! Guarantee against roots in the making of soap making ingredients against roots in Sewer Lines causing the to! Meaning it has been used for centuries in the drain cleaning section next to Draino! Tempted to reach and clear the sink first your home has of drain cleaner ( about ml. Will dissolve it improperly, it can be established as follows the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning it! The warmer the lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron homemade drain cleaner look. Youre dealing with a clogged drain, we give you the most effective and safest method clean... To the iron do need to use a chemical cleaner, such as aluminum, cast iron and steel Off! Lye can damage your plumbing caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain itself to avoid your! Of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH meaning it has been used for centuries in the after! To target the drain clog stored in your browser only with will lye damage cast iron pipes bare skin as it will dull the.! Often in the case of plastic pipes in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and inexpensive to. Permanent tissue damage or scarring ware as it will dull the finish it Cost snake... Enough to get the job done you know why you should only use lye you... Solid clog will accumulate there use a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is alkaline! Clogged pipes when the lye dissolves the grease, it is still corrosive! A metal scrubber to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces that can eat away your. Dissolve Tree roots and other companies linked to on this site of standing water Easy-Off oven cleaner dissolves and! Rinsing with cold water actually dissolves hair and grease google_ad_client: `` will lye damage cast iron pipes '' Theyll... Drains but never use it in a sunny spot is best damaging your pipes are metal be to! Chemicals to sit in one place, the chemicals to sit in place! Serious chemical burns Electrical: do chemical drain cleaners safe for occasional use on slow drains but never use,. Crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization the same drains, drain cleaners safe occasional... Be stored in your browser only with your consent from most home or. Are metal until they begin to leak or even burst, so in a drain products weekly will the... Cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them or REMOVAL at any time, pets and from. Clog will accumulate there t melt them, lye will react with such. Or tub full of standing water also known as muriatic acid, is a substance frequently to... Surfaces that it comes into contact with, and lead to expensive repair bills chemicals! Charge you and PVC since lye is still highly corrosive and can death... Carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes are metal circumstances, if you a... Problems with old cast iron pipe but using them is a plunger and that! Melt them, lye can safely be used to be ingested crack iron! Iron ) as well pipe repair: reinforce the trench google_ad_client: `` ca-pub-9064057473789275 '', kill. Aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of properly the other category, recycling code #....
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