will lye damage cast iron pipes

If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Dont put chemicals down the drain such as: What chemicals should you not put in a septic tank? 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. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. 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. 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. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Lye works by reacting with the grease remaining in the build-up; if the build-up has been reduced to mostly carbon, the efficacy of the lye will be diminished. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . Do not mix lye with other chemicals. When the . which consists of sodium carbonate. It is a white solid ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na + and hydroxide anions OH .. Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. But they're very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. Apr 29, 20221. It does not store any personal data. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. 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. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. }); Hier sind ein paar meiner Lieblingsdinge aus Gusseisen, Ce sont quelques-unes de mes choses prfres en fonte, Buttermilk Pancakes on a Cast Iron Griddle. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. Hunker, Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Allow the lye to sit in your drain for 15 to 30 minutes. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. 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 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. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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. Privacy & Legal Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. 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. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. Toilet bowls can crack. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. 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. 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. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Welcome to Sharing Culture! 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. 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. Best Option #3 - Picote. 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. If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . 121K views 8 years ago When it comes to drain cleaning in Los Angeles or Phoenix, 80 percent of our time here at Twin Home Experts is spent dealing with drains clogged drains, drains that are. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Do not mix lye with other chemicals. If you use drain cleaners regularly, or if they dont seem to be working as well as they used to, its time to call a plumber. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. 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 has been used for centuries in the making of soap. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You can get one on Amazon. Oct 28, 202101:33. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. 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. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . 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. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ What happens when you have a sewer backup? Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. 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. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. The pros of lye are that it's effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. 1. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. 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. Use a good rust preventing primer before painting. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. 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. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. Lye and bleach are corrosive. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. Do not pour grease down the drain. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. Brace the Trench Walls. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! 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. Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. What does lye do in pipes? Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. Following compounds may be disposed by flushing them down the drain if there are only small quantities: Salts of light metals like calcium chloride or sodium sulfate. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Though the solution will turn black from the removed buildup, it can still be used repeatedly for up to a year. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. 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. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Is Lye the best , https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://www.alsplumbing.com/drano-harm-sewer-pipes/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/ https://tunisiaonline.com/site/viewtopic.php?id=2e6d2d-will-lye-damage-cast-iron-pipes https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes http://mars.railpage.com.au/will-lye-damage-pipes https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://www.hunker.com/13417422/how-to-clear-blocked-pipes-and-remove-solid-caustic-soda https://www.hunker.com/12001550/how-to-clean-a-drain-with-lye https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ http://atop.montanapetroleum.org/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://nella-naturals.com/blogs/blog/what-is-lye http://aup.youramys.com/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. to take all the rust right off. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Navigation Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Scientifically known as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, lye does an excellent job of cutting through organic matter, like hair and other common drain cloggers. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Read more: How to Clean a Bathroom Sink Drain. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. How do you make a lye bath with cast iron? Lye works great at removing crud from cast iron without harming it, but it can cause chemical burns and blindness, according to Cast Iron Collector at castironcollector.com. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 01:33. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. 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. It will save you time and money in the long run. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. The answer is yes and no. This caustic can deteriorate metal piping and, in some forms, as when mixed with an aluminum compound to increase its cleaning power, can easily generate enough heat to warp or deform PVC piping. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. Metal pipe corrosion is a continuous and variable process of ion release from the pipe into the water. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Can lye damage pipes? The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. 2. So, it's best to use lye as a last resort, after alternative, more natural methods and snaking the drain. Copyright All rights reserved. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. There is such a thing as food grade lye. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. 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. The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. Although, if you have a clean-out, and want to really get at the pipes, have you thought of electrolysis to clean them once and for all? What does lye do in pipes? Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. Can you use lye on plastic pipes? So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Since lye will not remove rust, the usual protocol when using lye is to de-crud with lye first, then finish with 50/50 vinegar and water soaking in 20-30 minute intervals and scrubbing with 0000 Steel Wool. 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. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. 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. Even when mixing and using lye properly, always use skin and eye protection, and protect clothing or wear clothes that it won't matter if some might drip on them. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Place a bucket upside down over the drain. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. They Can Damage The Pipes. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. Any advice or anecdotal info would be appreciated! Salt speeds up the corrosion process. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Some use a stronger solution. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. Lye can form a solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. 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. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. 2. Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. What happens if you add lye to standing water? If you have standing water, you can skip this step. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . Add your water to your tote first. Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. This caustic can deteriorate metal piping and, in some forms, as when mixed with an aluminum compound to increase its cleaning power, can easily generate enough heat to warp or deform PVC piping. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? Although. 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. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. Any similar, sturdy container capable of holding its volume in water, with a secure cover to keep out inquisitive children or pets will also suffice. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas, Why Not to Use Drano to Unclog Your Drains Einstein Pros, will lye damage cast iron pipes tunisiaonline.com, How to Clear Blocked Pipes and Remove Solid Caustic Soda, Can you put lye down the drain? Theyll kill your pipes. The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. There are also less corrosive options available, such as enzymatic drain cleaners. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. 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 . Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. ~ Forums TOS 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? 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. 15-30 minutes In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. Lye quickly kills . 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. 1. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. 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 . Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. 3. When they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants. Welcome to Livings Cented! Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. 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. 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. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? 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. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. Unclog drains with lye. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. 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. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. Since lye can be easily eliminated from cast iron by simply rinsing with plenty of water, which also has the effect of neutralizing it, cooking in a piece cleaned by it does not present a poisoning hazard. Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. 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. Hydrochloric acid Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. When Drano comes in contact with water, it produces a highly corrosive solution. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Clickto find out how. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. Pour a small amount of water down after it. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Cast iron pipe was gradually superseded by ductile iron pipe, which is a direct development, with most existing manufacturing plants transitioning to the new material during the . Do a test on a small area first as there may be a strong reaction at first. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production. I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. 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 working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. It's cracked. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. Some use a stronger solution. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. The best drain unblocker in the UK reviewed. If it fits, it sits. It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. View chapter Purchase book Mixing water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. Once in a while, however, you have to add a second batch of lye to remove tough clogs. 1. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. 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. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. 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. 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. Theyll kill your pipes. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! 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. 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. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Does lye damage cast iron? At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. The Science: How Baking Soda & Vinegar Help Unclog Drains Vinegar is made up of water and acetic acid, which is (you guessed it) an acid. Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. 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