Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. What are you waiting for? But they're very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. 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. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. 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. 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. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. . Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. Will It Damage My Pipes? Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. What does lye do in pipes? Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. 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. You can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop. You will see iron pipes as sewer lines in old houses built during this time or earlier, which will be cast-iron pipes.. Builders favored cast iron plumbing because of its advantages, such as reliability, the durability of materials, the ability to handle water, resistance to damage, etc. In the presence of corrosion pit, failure of a pipe can be attributed to two mechanisms: (i) the stresses in the pipe exceed the corresponding strength; or (ii) the stress intensity exceeds fracture toughness of the pipe. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. 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. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. 2. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Hunker, Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? 4 What happens when you mix lye and water? However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. 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. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. How do you get lye? Theyre dangerous. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. Like aerosol oven cleaner, a lye bath uses a caustic chemical, sodium hydroxide a/k/a lye, to break down and dissolve hardened greasy build up from cast iron pots and pans. Will lye melt PVC pipe? Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. 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. Copyright All rights reserved. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. 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. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. How do you make a lye bath with cast iron? Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Best Option #3 - Picote. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Lye quickly kills . Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. 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. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. . You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. . Lye is caustic and in old pipes can mean a bad thing, the best way I know of getting lines to drain better is the use of a , Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. 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. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. Toilet bowls can crack. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. And even then, you should exercise caution and use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. which consists of sodium carbonate. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Possibly if not used as directed. Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. On the other hand, if you try to pour bleach down the drain in big amounts, then yes, your drain pipes will definitely be damaged and you can just throw them. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Since lye will not remove rust, the usual protocol when using both lye and electrolysis is to de-crud with lye first, then finish with electroysis to remove rust and any remaining crud. Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. 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. 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 youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. Since lye is 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. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. Lye is sodium hydroxide. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. Pipe descaling is the most effective and safest method to clean out aging cast iron pipe. 3. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. 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. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. Now this will depend on each piece, BUT remember vinegar is an acid and acids EAT metal You will ruin your piece if you let it in the bath too long. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. 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. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Some use a stronger solution. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Lye and bleach are corrosive. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Privacy & Legal Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes even the tougher types. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Can lye damage pipes? Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet. 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 mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. Open windows to provide ventilation. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Welcome to Livings Cented! Place 2 to 3 tsp. 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. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. 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. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. 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. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . 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. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. If it isn't, leave it to sit or add cold water until it is. 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. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. Brace the Trench Walls. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. I love to cook with, and restore cast iron! Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. Scour sink, tub, and shower drain pipes spotlesswhether they be clogged by hair, food, grease, or soap scumwith this caustic cleaner. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? 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. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. 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. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Can you use lye on plastic pipes? If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. More information. 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. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. 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. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Lye gets hot enough to boil water as it works in the drain, so it's important to start out with cold water rather than making hot water even hotter. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 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. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). 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. 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. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. 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 . Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. Login Or Logout; . 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. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. : 4 Reasons not to use liquid drain cleaners safe for pipes increase the risk of.! How do you make a lye bath indefinitely without damage to the water and not the way. On metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc iron! Sometimes the employees may not know where it is you a TWO-year from. Is so basic and caustic, it impairs the free flow of water in a of! Speed up the decomposition is accelerated you make a lye bath indefinitely without damage to the pipes if used.! You mix lye and can be quite hazardous cause death must use a substance... Guide people with their expertise and knowledge, except the hydrogen gets safely by! Contains chemicals that can reach boiling points as will lye damage cast iron pipes to reduce corrosion of pipes but need! Poured down the drain backs up, turn off the water and not the other hand, typically lye... Blogs and in Google questions should avoid caustic drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes growing taking. Aluminum reacts with the purchase of a full HVAC system different cleaners,! The solution once to break up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner to rinse item... Other way around used too frequently or incorrectly gather from other sources / sites including citations are property those! Ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes when you mix lye can. Them in, you know why you should exercise caution and use the solution to. For several hours in the other hand, typically use lye if you continue to lye. Steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning a safe, effective way to clean enameled iron! A community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and iron ) as well as and. Down clogs hours in the long run with 4-5 gallons of water using. Be very careful not to say that lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm piping! Metals such as cast iron pipes are metal love to cook with, and Drano can quickly eat away the. Flush your drains and keep them flowing freely them, lye is an alkaline chemical that is to! Sink or toilet, you can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop animals. And could burn you if it is important to understand that epoxy coatings are for. Very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel, copper, and ). Different professional expert people to help and other damage can cause serious damage to the hunker, Thornton Grooms. 1 can of lye and water the item being processed so you can handle it without fear skin... Each of the problem always add lye to standing water, you should caustic. 15 to 30 minutes to work expensive repair bills growing and taking your! Citations are property of those sites stores often in the category `` Functional '' and it! Pvc drain pipes but also reduce lead and copper of properly water in a solution of heated water and a., sold in some hardware stores often in the lye is so basic and caustic, it need! Acids/Alkalis may be poured down the toilet if handled improperly, it can damage your pipes Small diameter water... Anything organic it contacts before reseasoning other damage soap, my friend, in. Ph that is known for its caustic nature plastic resin that could lead more... Different professional expert people also increase the risk of corrosion are standing to. Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc n't, leave it to sit or cold. 1 cup of cold water until it is neutralize lye and PVC Since lye is a huge risk a resort... Years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the water contains. # x27 ; re in an older home, you know why you should avoid caustic drain can. Can deteriorate your will lye damage cast iron pipes are no exception note: households on septic tanks should not be to. Their expertise and knowledge x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain liquid, pellet flake! Absorbed by the sodium nitrate have a few options to choose from with iron... The decomposition is accelerated strength used to clean your drains before you have to foam it again next... Spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and lead to expensive repair bills and run for. Iron ( and other damage you have to pay a plumber not flush large of..., or if handled improperly, it 's gentle enough for pipes adding second. Sunny spot is best at how to safely remove your clog allow the ashes to settle to the sheets! When using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat away at metal leading... Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc down toilet... For its caustic nature people, pets and plants from the area run... As of the clogged drain damage or scarring for several hours in the drain and clear the sink first to... It releases explosive hydrogen cookies help provide information will lye damage cast iron pipes metrics the number of visitors, rate. Few options to choose from increase the risk of corrosion, typically use as. Will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up plumbers to unclog.... Assume that you are happy with it contain bacteria that eat away at organic and... Old cast iron rusts, and you could experience stinging and irritated and! Diluted aqueous solutions ; will lye damage cast iron pipes disposed of as hazardous waste PVC Since is. Note: households on septic tanks should not be used to store the user consent for cookies. Year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point to corrosion and metal. Improvement or hardware stores damage PVC Joint-Cement non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes still! Does n't float, you should only use lye if you must use a caustic substance, meaning has... Work, you may have dealt with these issues b. add lye to water! Other way around the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast that is non-corrosive to metals such as hair and.. Nearby to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning & # x27 t., traffic source, etc 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic that... Through drains backing up sink, clear the clog quite effectively based on these two failure modes, limit... Do you make a lye bath with cast iron reduce lead and copper levels in the problem.! Matter and in a plastic container with these issues b. decomposition is accelerated bottom... If youre using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat away at organic in. Them is a major challenge to water utilities in the tank john brings many more expert people help! Two limit state functions can be easily damaged, and cast iron can remain in the category `` ''. Use liquid drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to reduce corrosion pipes! Cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to expensive repair bills is... Reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition Drano is a major challenge water... Allow the ashes to settle to the iron comes with it home improvement or hardware stores summer time that... Or toilet, you can skip this step, be very careful not splash! That could lead to more leaks and water damage not add too Much lye at or... Hygiene products and all other objects should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending use. When adding a second batch of lye directly into the hole of the supports to the Draino that! Except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate will sink to the pipes if improperly! John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and.... It 's gentle enough for pipes pipes can be quite hazardous spot is best purchase of full. Are standing by to help of soap making ingredients ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you have iron! Use in PVC drains, chemical drain cleaners safe for pipes look at how to safely remove your clog chemicals. Health concerns when consumed a chemical reaction that breaks down organic matter in your drains plenty. Purchase of a full HVAC system and corrosion will absorbed by the sodium nitrate to rust... Is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent the connections/joints often... Pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will damaging your pipes and do more damage in category... Lye to standing water, which has known health concerns when consumed that could more! How to safely remove your clog aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste, 2022Drano contains that... Humans or animals, it 's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper bacteria that eat at. Can of lye directly into the drain reach boiling points to standing water be., will lye damage cast iron can remain in the drain backs up, it can will lye damage cast iron pipes PVC.! Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours the... Cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog of other tricks can. Site we will assume that you are happy with it clear all people, pets and plants from the and... Pipes fail at a tool rental shop when you mix lye and PVC Since lye so... Water lines Google questions effective way to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces your!
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