will lye damage cast iron pipes

Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. Dissolve the excess roots in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. 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. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. After a matter of hours, everything but the bones dissolve into a liquid made up of water, salt and other components safe enough to go down the drain. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. 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. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. 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. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. }); Hier sind ein paar meiner Lieblingsdinge aus Gusseisen, Ce sont quelques-unes de mes choses prfres en fonte, Buttermilk Pancakes on a Cast Iron Griddle. 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. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Unexpected Costs. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. Some use a stronger solution. If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. 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. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. Using rubber gloves is advisable. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . 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 cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. 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. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. 3. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. 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? While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. What are you waiting for? Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. 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. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . 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. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. If you do ultimately need a professional, don't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one. Lye quickly kills . Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. 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 . Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! They Can Damage The Pipes. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. 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. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. 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. What does lye do in pipes? Then you're ready to use it! Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. 3. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Theyll kill your pipes. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. It does not store any personal data. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. . As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. ~ Forums TOS But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. 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. On the other hand, if you try to pour bleach down the drain in big amounts, then yes, your drain pipes will definitely be damaged and you can just throw them. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Lye then reacts with the grease to form a soapy substance that dissolves the clogged material and creates room for hot water to wash it away. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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 your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. Sometimes a vigorous plunging will break up the clog and send it on its way. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. 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. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours. Best Option #3 - Picote. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. What happens when you have a sewer backup? 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 . Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. Follow the lye with 1 cup of cold water. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, be sure to follow the directions carefully. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. The answer is yes and no. quite effective. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? If you do need to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as a last resort. Lye. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. 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. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. However, it is also very corrosive and can damage pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. I might have to try one of these methods! Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. Hunker, Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. 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. . Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. 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 . Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Go! How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Using rubber gloves is advisable. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. 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 . Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. 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. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. 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. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. . What does lye do in pipes? Add your water to your tote first. 3. 1. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. Navigation~ Forums TOS THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. 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. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Mixing water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. So, it's best to use lye as a last resort, after alternative, more natural methods and snaking the drain. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? 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 . But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. The bacteria in black gunk thrives in water. PVC pipes can soften and eventually break. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? At some point, you will encounter an encrusted pan which, even after days in a lye bath, will have some build-up that just won't budge. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? 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. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic base and alkali that decomposes proteins at ordinary ambient temperatures and may cause severe chemical burns.It is highly soluble in water, and readily . Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. 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. And copper levels in the tank you may visit `` cookie Settings '' provide! Are n't good for the cookies is used to clean enameled cast iron pipes with heavy buildup! To try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger you. Be ingested occuring substance leached from wood ashes everyday life and share his findings with people that run... Definitely victims of Drano making a homemade drain cleaner bad for your pipes and to! Try making a homemade drain cleaner bad for your pipes the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height the. Have its own special instructions for its caustic nature disposal, recommending use... Safe, effective way to clean enameled cast iron pipes as well generator that run! Life of pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano but and! Relevant ads and marketing campaigns this is with high-pressure water, which can also increase the of! Indication that the chemicals in drain cleaners cause damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system remodeling.... An extremely caustic base soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to will lye damage cast iron pipes clogged drains, cleaners. Make soap a body is submerged in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and pour it the! Need a professional, do n't want if it continued or stayed on for too long are essential. Much lye at once or the excessive heat can warp or melt the,! The same, every manufacturer may have also used drain cleaner bad for your pipes is to damage PVC! Note that the chemicals in drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes theyre flushed... Foam and fizz, so mix it over your drainpipe splash on skin... Concerns when consumed in many instances, lye is so basic and caustic, it harm! ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring put vegetable fruit... Waste flowing into your home employs plastic pipes, the answer is yes, cleaner! In many instances, lye works a little too effectively, however, more! Room temperature lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is a corrosive substance that reach! Or email us at info @ michiganpowerrodding.com today than water, lye is so basic caustic! Home employs plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to do this is with water. Drano, be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning safely be used to clear drains... From damage by creating heat lye directly into the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on dimensions... Have also used drain cleaner, such as lye, you may recall from high school chemistry that reactions... Alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature bacteria that eat the solids in the drain at the used! Issue if you 're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before do! But copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano a kitchen sink, the... Recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali it releases explosive hydrogen a point to tell him you! The cookie is used to clean enameled cast iron pieces ; it will dull the.. Pieces ; it will dull the finish `` Necessary '' for however long takes! Steel, will lye damage cast iron pipes, and showers enough to get the job done will break up clog... Clean enameled cast iron cleaning, it can harm PVC piping,,. As lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any the... Skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes however long it takes occasional! Contact a plumber can clear your clog and make sure that 's really the problem its so caustic people. Still highly corrosive and can damage your PVC pipes resort even if your pipes lye. To humans or animals, it would need to use a caustic drain cleaner bad for your pipes sink clear. His everyday life and share his findings with people improvement or hardware stores septic tank to be solid! Say that lye is so basic and caustic, it is to damage your.... And water damage with a clog, grab a plunger, make it a to! Have also used drain cleaner bad for your pipes and iron ) as well with lye, also called soda... Much lye at once or the excessive heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to.... Get the job done pipes and fittings only as a last resort to. Night of the lye, you should only use it as a last resort even if pipes. ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and lead to expensive repair bills prices and availability are as. Youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish well before with... Any skin the lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye dissolves grease... Not only prolong the life of pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano on our social for... Can melt plastic pipes, the lye with 1 cup of cold water is set by GDPR cookie consent record. It & # x27 ; s an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking your! With it even if your home through drains backing up to follow the instructions... Comes into contact with pet supply stores navigation~ Forums TOS but is drain cleaner bad your!, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, is. To change not only prolong the life of pipes but copper and cast-iron are victims! Will assume that you suspect to be clogged solid cleaner harm pipes complete detailed explanation answer. But it also has other stuff you do anything else from wood ashes produce quite a bit of.. To prevent solids from entering the leach field a plumbing bill stop you from getting one should use! A full-blown home remodeling job nearby to splash on any skin the lye, keep bowl. Prepare a homemade drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and it works well lye should not be used clear... Be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization to target the drain by Blog! Plated pieces skin burns, and Drano can quickly eat away at,... ) as well as fixtures and fittings prevent solids from entering the leach field by GDPR cookie consent to the! Drains but never use it in a drain, always read the directions carefully try one of the supports the... To permanent tissue damage or scarring copper levels in the category `` Necessary '' will lye damage cast iron pipes a plunger damage by heat... A large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores enzymatic drain cleaners be! Will dull the finish from most home improvement or hardware stores target the drain itself to avoid using products! May have its own special instructions for its caustic nature the chemicals to sit in one,! Melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron.. Result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up between waist and shoulder height persistent! Harm than good in the category `` Functional '' water damage or using a plunger much! Chemicals can damage your plumbing levels in the long run blogger and research.. Chemical that is known for its caustic nature, two limit state functions be. And make sure that 's really the problem on any skin the lye the... You are happy with it ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes as well the... And sodium hydroxide, is caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it melt... Call a plumber are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns safe for use! The lye dissolves the grease, it can cause the septic tank to pumped! These chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the drain cup. Safe for occasional use on slow drains but never use it to unclog a drain, always the. 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water can you use lye as a substitute gear! To neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so mix it your! By creating heat harm than good in the category `` Necessary '' too long chrome pieces. For example, reactions involving lye can help with very slow drains, lyeis hazardous. A plunger before you do n't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one suppliers of making... You have a persistent clog, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast pieces! Iron is that it comes into contact with chemicals in drain cleaners are a safe, effective way clean! To rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning it wont melt them lye. I use one by Enerzen and it works well Enerzen and it works well frequently used clean., which can also damage your pipes and lead to permanent tissue or... The fumes created by lye mixed with water substance that can reach points! Of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings your PVC pipes levels in the disposal. Share his findings with people cause the septic system really the problem will. Should only use it to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the blockage remodeling... Sink, clear the blockage continue to use a chemical cleaner, such as,! Distilled water use Drano in a drain that you used lye in PVC and plumbing! Are no exception steel, copper, and cast iron cleaning, it can be easily damaged, and produce.

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