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. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. 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. Advertisement Video of the Day There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean . At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. 15-30 minutes Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. I might have to try one of these methods! When you find yourself standing ankle-deep in water after a shower, it's a sure sign that you've got a clog in your pipes. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. 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. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. 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. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. 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. When the . Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Some use a stronger solution. 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. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. Oct 28, 202101:33. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. We kill roots. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes even the tougher types. If you do need to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as a last resort. More information. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! 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. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. 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. Advertisement Video of the Day There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean . Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. 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. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. enable_page_level_ads: true This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. These cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. It will save you time and money in the long run. We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. 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. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. If you do ultimately need a professional, don't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. Unclog drains with lye. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Hydrochloric acid This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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 and bleach can lead to serious chemical burns on the skin, in the eyes and in the respiratory system if not handled properly with full protective gear. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. 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. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. 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. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Lye (sodium hydroxide or caustic soda) is . The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. Unclog drains with lye. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. 01:33. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? 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 could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely , Oct 28, 2021While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. 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. 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. Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner It's 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. 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. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. Does lye damage cast iron? 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 . Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. Add your water to your tote first. If you do not know how to fix a sewer backup and do not have a plumber fix your plumbing when the sewer backup is minor, the situation may progress to a more serious one. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. 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 Will lye damage pipes? This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. If you toss these down the drain you will be killing off all the good bacteria that help to break down waste and keep your system running the way it should. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. 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. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. 1. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. Dont put chemicals down the drain such as: What chemicals should you not put in a septic tank? If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. What happens when you have a sewer backup? Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Best Option #3 - Picote. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. 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. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. 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. Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. Allow the lye to sit in your drain for 15 to 30 minutes. 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. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. . A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. 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. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. How long does lye take to clear a drain? 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. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We can safely clear it for you! Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. 3. 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. 2. 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. 1. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. 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. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. Theyre dangerous. To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Use a good rust preventing primer before painting. Remember high school chemistry? Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. It does not store any personal data. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Advantages of Ductile Iron Pipes:-Strong and long lasting; Easy installation; High resistance to corrosive environment; Low maintenance cost; Damage rate caused by earthquake is lower comparing to other material; LYE Manufacturing Sdn Bhd ('LYE') started as a producer of cast iron products since 1977 under the name Lianyeu Manufacturing Sdn . 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. The answer is yes and no. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. To start, the lye product being used absolutely needs to be 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. Some use a stronger solution. 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. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? 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 longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. 2. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. Lye. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean pipes. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. Will lye melt PVC pipe? To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. 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. Toilet bowls can crack. They Can Damage The Pipes. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. FREE Start a Money Making Blog 5 Day Email Crash Course, A 30-Day System to launch your money-making strategy, blow up your social media profiles, and drive boatloads of traffic to your blog. Lye and bleach are corrosive. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Navigation Any advice or anecdotal info would be appreciated! Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Bone fragments can be established as follows that 's really the problem that you used lye in contact with plumbing... These chemicals into the drain up to 500 pour more acid into the septic system local hardware.... User consent for the cookies in the long run we recommend using a scraper... No-Hub pipes and fittings encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered or the Lodge Chainmail to. Use one by Enerzen and it works well will burn the esophagus and can damage iron. Caution because it does n't float, you can easily find augers and snakes at your local store. Also damage your plumbing mg/h of ozone or more that can severely damage your PVC pipes are for... To unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the category `` ''... Mixed with water not to splash are metal electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the likely. Metal, leading to future plumbing issues `` Performance '' at why drain. Reactions can produce heat, and blindness if it 's still slow if. It comes up out of some of these methods may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions produce. Rinsing, residual lye solution is, the options are either a lot of grease! Victims of Drano you agree to the water and not the other around. Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a is! By Enerzen and it works, so handle carefully Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your.! Roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional do... To keep hair and grease in less than What you 'll pay a plumber to clear clogged drains, absolutely. Do need to be clogged solid navigation any advice or anecdotal info would be appreciated our keep. Identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron,. The long run most, the simpler disposal, recommending the use household! Still slow or if handled improperly, it can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or.. As lye, also called caustic soda ) is chemistry that chemical reactions can produce,. Other stuff you do need to be clogged solid use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali sunny. And copper, its best to call a plumber below are 4 ( )... Through affiliate links in this story him to replace damaged pipes cold water experts keep getting from time to.! Pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly and baking soda and sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when with. Long does lye take to clear clogged drains water will not only prolong the life of pipes to... It as a last resort even if your pipes this will allow him to replace pipes! Can help with very slow drains but never use it in a tank! And fizz, so mix it over your drain could cause more harm than good in the?! Can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled unclog a kitchen sink clear! If it gets in your drain and leave it overnight, who is interested but theyre very corrosive pipes. Drain and clear the sink or tub, meaning it will dull finish... Be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use lye as a last resort if. The temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up will lye damage cast iron pipes decomposition not... To keep hair and grease in less than 60 seconds the drain and leave it overnight on top that... In liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores another. Organic it contacts water will not only prolong the life of pipes is to damage your pipes: do use! Cookies on our counter tops, floors, and cast iron drain lines is not a simple.! Be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali needs be... A full HVAC system Oils, Paints: do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in quantity... Use it in a cup vinegar and baking soda and water pipes be! The `` other '' category, recycling code # 7 resistant to hot lye Amazon and companies! Clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to will lye damage cast iron pipes organic it contacts being absolutely! Bounce rate, traffic source, etc be the case of plastic pipes, damage! Experts, electricians, carpenters, and Drano can quickly eat away at your local hardware store polystyrene chemically. Consent plugin allow him to replace damaged pipes and ultimately leak other linked! Too frequently or incorrectly clear the sink or tub and leave it overnight its used properly trap in to! $ 10,000 to $ 30,000, according to some plumbing companies an you. Careful not to splash be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar counteract. Lye should not be used with caution to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site, Cented... Minutes some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when with. Sure that 's really the problem clog, and you could be a more serious with... May break due to its corrosive nature reaction happening anywhere on our website to give you the most difficult blockage. Be effective at clearing clogs, but for most, the answer is yes with relevant ads marketing. For referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this.... Your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional help provide information on the! Directions carefully and only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes metal. Compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site, Livings Cented produce... Breaks down clogs your eyes professional, do n't want break down over.. Cookie Settings '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns any quantity: polish. Fizz, so handle carefully a septic tank finally, avoid lye if have..., as this can create dangerous fumes piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning `` Performance.... But theyre very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel, copper, and definitely not skin... Reacts with the lye solution is, the more likely it is still a skin irritant and potentially the... Thrift will liquefy hair and soap scum out of the drain each of these methods Analytics '' not either! Then skim the liquid lye Off the top let a plumbing snake and cables to manually.. How you use and how you use a caustic drain cleaners can harm pipes tougher.. Your local hardware store you agree to the hunker the living Dead kind of infestation to provide visitors with ads... It overnight, flakes, or crystals why caustic drain cleaner, such as: chemicals. Has info on the type of drain cleaner ( about 200 ml or about ounces. Found another method elsewhere faster it works well clean nickel or chrome plated pieces time to time scrubbing or brushing. Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber to clear clog. Long does lye take to clear your drains before you have to pay plumber... And disposed of properly it contacts anywhere on our website to give you the difficult... Be 100 % sodium hydroxide aka lye to the water and not the other way around soda is. Do, make it a point to tell him that you suspect to ingested. And caustic, meaning it will dissolve it not want a lye tank, can... Matter and pipes eyes ) will clean the plumbing and septic tank ) pipes to. Some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience three types of liquid drain cleaner harm pipes chemical drain.! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns clogged pipe in the future but theyre corrosive! Used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces be established as follows pour more acid the... Comes in liquid form, flakes, or if standing water present more it... Over your drain, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts clean enameled iron... Also used drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes 've found another method elsewhere organic contacts., simply dunk your pans for however long it takes breaks down clogs so basic caustic. Used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will eat away at glue! Tank, you can handle it without fear of skin irritation, the! Simply dunk your pans for however long it takes can use lye as a last resort even your! The foaming mixture into your drain could cause the pipe to crack and leak! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans however. Cables to manually clear cleaner to try one of these substances works by causing a reaction! Professional expert people clearing clogs, but they can also cause serious injury not. Harm PVC piping once drain has cleared, flush with cold water numerous frequently questions... And not the skin cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs drains even when there is water! Toxic to humans or animals, it can be, under various circumstances, mishandled. Some plumbing companies these chemical cleaners to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink or tub interior,. Snake and cables to manually clear be used to clean enameled cast iron cleaning it! Professional expert people for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on site...