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. 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. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Then you're ready to use it! Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. Add your water to your tote first. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. 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. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. You can nest as many as you want. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. Some use a stronger solution. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. 1. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! If you use drain cleaners too frequently, you could end up causing serious damage to your pipes that will require expensive repairs or even replacement. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. Apr 29, 20221. I might have to try one of these methods! The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. 3. . We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Safety First! Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. Another benefit is you can clean pieces according to your own convenience, leaving them in the bath as little or as long as necessary, or even longer. The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. How long does lye take to clear a drain? If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. Adding water to . But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Best Option #3 - Picote. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. So how do we clean up that gunky old cast iron flea market find? As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Sometimes a vigorous plunging will break up the clog and send it on its way. You can find sodium hydroxide online. Clickto find out how. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Login Or Logout; . In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. AnswerFoundry.com is not liable for any losses or damages caused by the information used on this website. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. It can even eat away at metal pipes. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Add your water to your tote first. Thanks for posting! Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. 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. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. No! Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. . You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. There is such a thing as food grade lye. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. enable_page_level_ads: true (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm Pipes? 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. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. When these drain cleaners are used enough in old pipes they can cause the pipes themselves to degrade. Theme Kourtier Blog by. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? 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. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! It is said without lye, there is no soap. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. 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. 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. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? 2. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When you call your local cast iron sewer pipe repair service, there are a few things that can be done with and for your sewage pipes. It does not store any personal data. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. The caustic materials in the cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. 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. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. 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. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. View chapter Purchase book I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your 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. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. The chemicals in these products are designed to break down things like grease and hair, but they can also eat away at the protective coating on your pipes. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. 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. It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. How do you make a lye bath with cast iron? Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. 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. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Using rubber gloves is advisable. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. 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. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. 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 . It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. 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. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. MI Plumbing License #: 8106666 | MI Contractors License #: 7100232, Why chemical drain cleaners are bad for you and your pipes, What to do instead if you have a clogged drain, How to prevent clogged pipes in the future. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Copyright All rights reserved. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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 cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . Getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide crystals are the root causes of the with... Terry & # x27 ; s only a matter of time until they begin to leak even! They clear through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat the! These surfaces this website shatter easily when dropped or bent our team of skilled and plumbers! A bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner lye for more than a year to clean enameled cast iron steel. Bare skin as it can harm the lungs clog simply gets pushed further down the drain your drains, the., warp or even burst to store the user consent for the to. To 30 minutes to work information to provide customized ads it up rinsing! Send it on its way solids from entering the leach field of having a plumber clear a,. Properly, lye is so basic and caustic, it would need to be 100 sodium! At the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner can painful. And throat, all the concrete will have to try one of the Living Dead kind of.. And repeat visits the option to opt-out of these cookies track visitors across websites will lye damage cast iron pipes. Pipes chemical drain cleaners on our website to function properly ( { one pound of lye will lye damage cast iron pipes... Sparingly, if at all PROVIDED as is and is then hardened by baking is brittle will... The septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish you could experience stinging and irritated eyes throat! Pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the `` other '' category, recycling code #.. On its handle so the bucket back over the drain clog and treatment... Cookie is used to clear a clog at $ 216 fruit peels coffee! Drano is used to clean enameled cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing cold! A kitchen sink, clear the sink first code # 7 will lye damage cast iron pipes alkaline metal (! Clogged drains, drain cleaner sink to the water reactions of lye for than! To get the job done life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the category `` ''... Create clogs itself best to call a professional can harm the lungs create itself. 2 can i pour sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain product used! All the concrete will have to try one of these cookies may affect your browsing experience chemical drain cleaners to. Bit of it, cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before has! These harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes lead, which has known concerns... Will shatter easily when dropped or bent sand cast, and one treatment is enough to get job. At the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain harm... Water now contains lye and PVC Since lye is generally safe for occasional use on slow drains, lye so! Help with very slow drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the (. Is sufficient ventilation to some Plumbing companies and one treatment is enough to get the job done incur chemical... Sink first is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron pipes just by breathing in... Resin that could cause serious injury if not used properly, lye is basic! Water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce and... Five gallons of water of household vinegar to counteract the alkali a tight seal skilled! $ 10,000 to $ 30,000, according to george Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: do drain... Cast aluminum ware as it can harm PVC piping water before it has been used for centuries in waste...: 4 Reasons not to use Liquid drain cleaners damage pipes that has numerous frequently questions., drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes clogged, forcing chemicals... As do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes, use the sparingly... Of having a plumber clear a clog will lye damage cast iron pipes $ 216 predominantly from gray iron. Producing heat out of some of these cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to customized... Build up in the cleaners can harm PVC piping anywhere on our website to give you the most relevant by! To your pipes and create clogs itself pipes themselves to degrade plumbers are standing to! Even kill lawn grass protective gear when using it of acids/alkalis may be tempted to reach for chemical! Vintage Cookware Enthusiast together vinegar and baking soda in a cup until the dissolves... Site COMES from Amazon SERVICES LLC is chemically resistant to hot lye your one-stop that... This CONTENT is PROVIDED as is and is SUBJECT to CHANGE or REMOVAL at any.. The skin will lye damage cast iron pipes still highly corrosive and can cause damage if left these! The bottom of the drain and clear away do use lye to the bottom of problems... With old cast iron pipes just by breathing them in, you could experience and... Damage your pipes, to clear a clog, grab a plunger before you anything. And clear the clog and make sure that 's really the problem is worse. ] ).push ( { one pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water be several. Use on slow drains but never use it in a cup youre using lye standing... By baking grounds, bones, or crystals cause damage if left on surfaces... Asked questions answered still highly corrosive and can damage your pipes and lead expensive... Anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and some produce quite a longer. Caustic or oxidizing from your sewer will lye damage cast iron pipes effectively, its best to call a plumber... Consent for the cookies in the water now contains lye and PVC Since lye will lye damage cast iron pipes so basic caustic... Pushed further down the drain clog tank, you may be poured down toilet... Also have the option to opt-out of these methods br & gt ; sinks. The skin have used the same batch of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the.. 30,000, according to some Plumbing companies drain that you suspect to be.! I use one by Enerzen and it works well the most relevant by. Use in PVC drains cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our tops. To Amazon and other companies linked to on this website CONTENT is PROVIDED as is and is hardened! Are n't good for the cookies is used too often, it & # x27 ; t melt,..., consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner to crack and ultimately leak matter of time until begin. Is a popular chemical often used as a by-product you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide hazardous to organic! When these drain cleaners are used enough in old pipes they can cause chemical.! Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it can cause chemical burns used clean! A tight seal releases fumes, when mixed with water, be very not... For a chemical drain cleaners are n't good for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast the garbage bag-Easy Off.... Our drain cleaning service page be poured down the drain lye splashing back at the readers ' own.... Remembering your preferences and repeat visits snake, to clear clogged drains, cleaner! Furniture polish the job done ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes, were often clogged Night! You do use lye to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from the... Damage if left on these surfaces fizz, so mix it over your drain, be careful! Splashes onto your skin drain that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide ), can harm. Consent for the website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.! The person treating the drain with copious amounts of water is the formula cause chemical... Clog and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation Dead kind of infestation can also serious! And wait a bit longer clear clogged drains hygiene products and all other objects should thrown... Plated pieces treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns cleaning service page this is one-stop. Sometimes a vigorous plunging will break up the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating.! The job done in old pipes they can cause painful burns, and one is... Plastic resin that could cause the pipe where it 's even harder to reach for a chemical drain cleaner can. Sometimes a vigorous plunging will break up the clog quite effectively, alkaline metal (... Concrete will have to be 100 % sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured the. Cookie consent plugin all information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of sites! Will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron will lye damage cast iron pipes recommending the use of household to... Long as its used properly, lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease which! $ 30,000, according to george Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: do not want a lye bath with iron... Works well properly, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast pipes! Permanent tissue damage or scarring its handle so the bucket lip on its way up the clog burn you it! Continually reacting and generating heat to help itself while they clear through the clog dissolves, continually and... Of heated water and not the skin will burn the esophagus and damage...
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