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? John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Welcome to Sharing Culture! Avoid inhalation of the stuff. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . Best Option #3 - Picote. When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. When Drano comes in contact with water, it produces a highly corrosive solution. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. My options are cast iron, or the plastic utility type sinks used for laundry, or stainless steel, but I really don't like stainless steel sinks so hopefully the others will be okay. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. 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. Clickto find out how. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. Thanks for posting! What does lye do in pipes? Login Or Logout; . Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Some use a stronger solution. One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Will It Damage My Pipes? The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. 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. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. 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. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. 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. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. What happens when you have a sewer backup? When these drain cleaners are used enough in old pipes they can cause the pipes themselves to degrade. Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. 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. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. Unclog drains with lye. Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. When the . As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Will lye damage PVC pipes? Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. You can find this at Lowes on the Plumbing Aisle (not with the regular household cleaners.) When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. ~ Sitemap, This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. 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 . When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. Step 2 of a cast iron sewer pipe repair: reinforce the trench. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? If the obstruction is lodged too deeply in the waste line for the auger to reach, call a plumber, who has , Generally, lye should be used in metal pipes only as a last resort and never in PVC or other plastic pipes. Theyre dangerous. Theme Kourtier Blog by. Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. 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. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. 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. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. 15-30 minutes There is such a thing as food grade lye. Then you're ready to use it! These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. 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. 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. 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. Again, this method works better in summer. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. 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. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. Do not pour grease down the drain. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. 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. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. . If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. 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. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. What does lye do in pipes? However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. 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. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. 1. 2. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. 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. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. quite effective. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. What are you waiting for? Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Toilet bowls can crack. 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. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Label your tote all around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium Hydroxide. You want to use something that will hold 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the top for a small-to-medium size tank. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. When they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. 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. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Open windows to provide ventilation. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Navigation 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. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. 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. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. 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. Hunker, Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. 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