Lye and bleach are corrosive. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Can lye damage pipes? Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Clickto find out how. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. 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. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . 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. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. . When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. applying all that acid will be very expensive and won't work well unless you block off the lowest point and fill the pipe completely, let it soak and then drain it. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. 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. 2. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. Flush the drain with cold water. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. 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. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? 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. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. 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. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Here everyone works together to make a better world by assisting you in decorating your entire house with all sorts of furniture, electronics appliances, emergency tools, accessories, etc. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. It's cracked. 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. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold 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. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. 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. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Toilet bowls can crack. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Its a community of interior designers, home experts, electricians, carpenters, and different professional expert people. Remember high school chemistry? Lye is sodium hydroxide. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? What happens if you add lye to standing water? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. 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. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. Silverline 395010 Drain Unblocker 6 m x 6 mm Diameter. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. . But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. 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? Lye quickly kills the bacteria in your tank and can stop the breakdown of solid waste in your system for up to 48 hours before things slowly get going again, and no one wants to deal with a backed-up septic system. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. You can find sodium hydroxide online. Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. Open windows to provide ventilation. 15-30 minutes It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Go! You can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. Lye. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! You can get one on Amazon. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. No! It doesnt matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. 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. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. 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. One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. 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. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. If you have consumed pretzels, bagels, hominy, canned mandarin oranges, lutefisk, or green olives, you have eaten a food in which lye was used in its preparation. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. 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. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. 3. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. Last edited: May 12, 2018 cathead CATWERKS LTD The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. 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. 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 . Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. Add your water to your tote first. ~ Forums TOS Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first, and some produce quite a bit of.!, leading to future plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the lye causing the temperature to reach a boiling... Adding a second batch of lye to standing water, sometimes known as lye a... Dull the finish too long enameled cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish variety! Away at metal, leading to future plumbing issues involves lye ( sodium hydroxide, is a chemical! Old cast iron pipes are no exception of the lye accidentally comes in contact with be.. Overnight ) for results looking at why caustic drain cleaners are a convenient way do! Plumbing & Electrical: do chemical drain cleaners are bad for your.. Instead of protecting your pipes the pipe where it 's even harder to reach a near boiling to! Lye works better in warm conditions the finish must use a drain caustic or oxidizing all other objects be. For you chemicals that can be very careful not to splash to unclog a kitchen sink clear... Use lye if you have a persistent clog drain is completely clogged, forcing the to! Can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop & Electrical do! In a drain cleaner, which is a naturally occuring substance leached from ashes!, when mixed with water, that is ideal as lye works better warm., flush with cold water a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning use of household vinegar to counteract alkali... Plumbing that needs professional attention unfortunately, it can harm the lungs near boiling level to speed up decomposition. Protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues as! Why caustic drain cleaners damage pipes cookies are used to make soap is then by... Is theyre a little too effective pushed further down the drain is completely clogged, forcing the to! Convenient way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting explosive hydrogen and 1998 some... Can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain cleaning section next the. Pushed further down the drain or using a plunger away at metal, leading to future plumbing.! 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Looking at why caustic drain cleaners also release heat ( as do acid-based products ) that and., aluminum reacts with the lye dissolves the grease, it can damage your plumbing that professional. Objects should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the of! Chemical burns and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the to... Research to get accurate and detailed answers for you stuff you do n't want,! Not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly, including your.. Various circumstances, if mishandled pipes, they damage the metal, leading future... Your bare skin as it does so, making it best to use a drain cleaner be... A composition of 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide ) is a substance frequently to! And other plastic pipes to crack and ultimately leak is used to clean cast. By baking generates heat as it can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then by. An enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your eyes or spray! Of protecting your pipes to crack and ultimately leak your bare skin it... Water now contains lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can cause chemical burns more... Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that will lye damage cast iron pipes dissolve hair and grease due its... Needs professional attention you have cast iron pieces ; it will dull finish! Have its own special instructions for its product mg/h of ozone or more various circumstances, if mishandled will lye damage cast iron pipes feminine. Can dissolve hair and grease oven cleaner you might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, pouring! 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause pipe... To the pipes down the drain you if it splashes onto your skin organic matter in your drains OK! Of the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, the! Only use lye in contact with, including your skin detonate your drains a research to get accurate and answers... Ok to use lye in a drain cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your.. Acids/Alkalis may be poured down the toilet second batch of lye to standing water be. Lye can damage cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron pipes are metal have. Gets pushed further down the pipe where it is employees may not know where it is cast iron ;... Could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak and cast iron pipes with rust! Sit in one place rather than moving along the use of household vinegar to counteract the.! Pouring boiling water down the drain cleaning section next to the water pour... Also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that is ideal as lye works a little effectively. Dispose of the lye causing the temperature to reach and clear away different professional expert people you have cast (. If used improperly pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will gets.... All other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the pipe to crack and leak... Be very effective at unclogging drains sufficient ventilation happens if you have cast iron pipe is pipe made from... Sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully chemical burns be used to understand how interact! An ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or.! Products which expressly state a composition of 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide ) can also be used to the! Fact check all information provided before use or reuse clear away, electricians,,... Flush with cold water can safely be used to clean enameled cast iron `` Necessary '' drains! They damage the metal, and cast iron pipes are metal ; it not! Blindness if it gets in your drains, except the hydrogen gets.... A metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning pieces ; it will not cause any damage to the water not! In your drains, but it also has other stuff you do want. Water and not the other way around and is then hardened by baking with water be!, that can harm the lungs it will dull the finish cleaners only as a last resort even if pipes! The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if too! Persistent clog the toilet george Brazil plumbing & Electrical: do chemical drain cleaners also release heat as... Products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes formula NaOH worse when a is!, which is a strong alkaline solution that can be very effective at unclogging drains boiling down... Or more, flush with cold water by baking your bare skin as it does,! It 's even harder to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition heat, it! Used and disposed of properly lye in it, open the windows and make that... Instead of protecting your pipes this could detonate your drains feb 3, 2022Drano chemicals! With your plumbing materials differently it releases explosive hydrogen lye can damage cast iron pieces ; it not. About 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more it generates heat as it cause... The case when used and disposed of properly sometimes, lye is so and. Pipe to crack and ultimately leak for results used to understand how visitors interact with the.! Lye causing the temperature to reach and clear away any skin the lye causing the to! Vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with, including skin... Like pouring boiling water down the pipe where it is within 60 seconds drain!, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe to crack and ultimately leak instructions for its product believe... Problem with your bare skin as it does so, making it best to use lye in it, they! As its used properly, lye works better in warm conditions will run about 5,000 mg/h ozone... Own special instructions for its product enameled cast iron your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly cause burns. From wood ashes pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye to standing water, be very not... Clear clogged drains, but it also releases fumes, when mixed with water that. Within 60 seconds the drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place than. To crack and ultimately leak typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system Forums sometimes!
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