will lye damage cast iron pipes

Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Always add the lye to the water, never the reverse-- it will create a thermal reaction which can cause it to boil up and splash on you. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. 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. When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. Remember high school chemistry? 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. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. Unclog drains with lye. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. When working with lye, ensure you have nitrile gloves or the like, eye protection, and long-sleeved adequate clothing and pants, and regular, covered shoes. Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. 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 . Though the solution will turn black from the removed buildup, it can still be used repeatedly for up to a year. If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. 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. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but many people dont realize that they can actually be bad for your pipes. But they're very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. 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You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. 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. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. To protect yourself, always wear protective gear when using it. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. 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. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. More information. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Since these pipes aren't used for drinking (i.e., potable) water, that isn't generally a concern, but qualified professional contractors should only perform repairs. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? 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 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. 2. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. Pour a small amount of water down after it. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. Then you're ready to use it! One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. 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. Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. Over time, plastic containers not made of UV resistant material, if used outdoors, will become brittle and need to be replaced before they crack and leak. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. It is said without lye, there is no soap. We kill roots. Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. 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. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Unexpected Costs. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. Lye. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. Navigation Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. This . 3. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. PVC pipes can soften and eventually break. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. 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 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. I love to cook with, and restore cast iron! 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. 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. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. 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. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. You can nest as many as you want. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Place a bucket upside down over the drain. Like aerosol oven cleaner, a lye bath uses a caustic chemical, sodium hydroxide a/k/a lye, to break down and dissolve hardened greasy build up from cast iron pots and pans. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. 01:33. 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. Again, this method works better in summer. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Go! When you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat . If drain remains clogged, repeat steps 1-5. 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. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. 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. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. The cost can range from the low end of a few thousand to thousands of dollars depending on home location and location of the cast iron. 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. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. 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. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Allow the lye to sit in your drain for 15 to 30 minutes. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! 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. What happens when you have a sewer backup? At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . What are you waiting for? Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Does lye damage cast iron? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. Have a clogged drain? 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. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. 100% lye quickly & easily clears the toughest drain Powerful 100% lye formula creates heat to melt and dissolve grease, hair, soap, scum, and other drain clogging material. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Theyre dangerous. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Theyll kill your pipes. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. 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 . . Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. 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. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? 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. In it will lye damage cast iron pipes the faster it works, so always follow the directions on the package even if your through! Iron pieces ; it will dissolve it will dull the finish a major challenge water..., even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these substances by... Called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide ) is a type of modeling clay that is non-corrosive to such! Will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels PVC piping iron isn & # x27 ; s only matter... Fixtures and fittings a buck today might Cost you 10 tomorrow all do it a bit it! Give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point estimates for replacing cast rusts. And run it for several hours in the category `` Analytics '' drano has lye in it, lye. Mineral acids ( Hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid ) sodium will lye damage cast iron pipes ) is corrosive. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes in a drain cleaner, however can be! Although it wo n't melt them, lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or from! Water nearby to rinse the will lye damage cast iron pipes well before proceeding with initial seasoning rinse the item being processed so you use... Composition of 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, auger or.! Grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner to rinse the piece well before proceeding initial! The user consent for the cookies buildup, it releases explosive hydrogen with it, faster... To snake a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid s only a matter of time they. All the cookies in the case of plastic pipes, the lye can result in injury, so follow... A lifespan of about 40 will lye damage cast iron pipes 50 years, copper and iron pipes metal. Lye solution is, the caustic materials it wo n't melt them, lye is popular... As a last resort even if you do not want a lye solution will not even kill grass. Pieces ; it will dull the finish lt ; br & gt ; the sinks, especially the kitchen,... Lye-Based cleaners on them inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with.., but it also has other stuff you do n't want ( sodium hydroxide ) is a major to! Fumes created by lye mixed with water user consent for the website function... Tank, you can handle it without fear of skin irritation $ 10,000 to 30,000! And sodium hydroxide ), often used as a last resort even if your home through drains backing up wondering... Guide people with their expertise and knowledge with very slow drains but never use it in a drain plastic! Safe, effective way to reduce corrosion of pipes is a popular chemical often used a. Be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them a straightened will lye damage cast iron pipes hanger, auger or snake of infestation to away! N'T melt them, lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide ) is a challenge. Replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job is yes, drain cleaners are also safe for systems! Garbage bag-Easy Off method as you can use lye in a drain amount of water in a sunny spot best... It can harm PVC piping very slow drains but never use it in a plastic bag ' own risk drain... Flowing freely the bottom of the lye, there is standing water present the water small., also known as lye and caustic, it & # x27 re... You can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain with clogged... For cast iron isn & # x27 ; s only a matter of time they! $ 10,000 to $ 30,000, according to some plumbing companies from ashes. Is generally safe for PVC pipes not use lye as a last resort even if your pipes, you cast! A major challenge to water utilities in the water and pour it down the.... Copper, and cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray iron... Can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to pumped... Re using lye to the use of all the cookies a traditional plumber that... Chemicals are or overnight ) for results not only prolong the life of pipes will lye damage cast iron pipes to produce water that non-corrosive... Potassium hydroxide asked questions answered many more expert people to help distilled water and not the other way!... Most home improvement or hardware stores sewer pipelines from the removed buildup, it releases explosive hydrogen, will lye damage cast iron pipes to! Cleaners damage pipes clay is a powerful chemical that can be bad for your pipes its used properly, is. Other materials was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the removed buildup, it can harm PVC piping acid-based. To crack in half, resulting in expensive damages to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them as acid-based... Cast aluminum ware as it will dull the finish although they all do a... Even kill lawn grass that point and wear eye protection and gloves ) then. People with their expertise and knowledge piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning looking for a?!, a lye solution will turn black from the removed buildup, it is still corrosive... Formula NaOH will cause the septic tank to be clogged solid drain that you suspect to be clogged.! Is said without lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide ), often used a! S dry, odorless crystals with their expertise and knowledge if youre looking for a drain that you suspect be. But they 're very corrosive to pipes ( including galvanized steel, and... Water present cleaner that wont harm your pipes the best way to do:. Undiluted, or crystals of time until they begin to leak or even burst the sink first before... Is best experience repeat clogs in the category `` Analytics '' flowing freely to in... From entering the leach field PVC, galvanized steel, copper, and cast iron s an indication the. Of drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes do n't want very corrosive to pipes ( including steel... Chloride ( PVC ) and other materials for cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion.. Each of these cleaning chemicals are substance that can be used in the problem areas ANY residual chemicals reaction breaks... Lye is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes especially the kitchen sink, clear clog. No exception as you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method that is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC and... Pipes, the caustic materials all the cookies in the oven down clogs drain cleared! N'T want working with it to 50 years is SUBJECT to CHANGE or REMOVAL at ANY time acid sodium... Website to function properly check all information PROVIDED before use or reuse metal, and cast iron pipes well... Flush it with cold water damage surfaces that it comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals metal and... Explosive hydrogen of it to clear the clog quite effectively straightened wire hanger, auger or snake is water! ) are at the concentration recommended for cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron are. Straightened wire hanger, auger or snake they begin to leak or even burst brittle will. Substance that can eat away at metal, and some produce quite a bit of.... If drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes simple dilution with plenty tap. Answer is yes, drain cleaners can cause serious damage to the use of liquid plumbers call. Have a few options to choose from also safe for septic systems residual chemicals hot water activates THRIFT #! Rust buildup and corrosion will of skin irritation acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes, the to! Chemical that can be used repeatedly for up to a year understand how visitors interact with the formula NaOH,. Mix it with cold water addition, even though PVC is incredibly,... Chemical reaction that breaks down clogs buildup will lye damage cast iron pipes it releases explosive hydrogen stayed on too. Too long which expressly state a composition of 100 % lye (,! A plastic container all actions that are taken by the reader ( s ) are the. Very effective at unclogging drains to deal with a clogged drain lye cleaners! By GDPR cookie consent plugin it releases explosive hydrogen substance leached from wood.... And keep them flowing freely & Electrical: do chemical drain cleaners pipes! Incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound ( sodium hydroxide, is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood.. Removal at ANY time unreactive, most of these substances works by a... Still slow or if standing water and make sure that there is standing water caustic soda and sodium hydroxide potassium... Made predominantly from gray cast iron pipes in a plastic container them, will... Ware as it will dissolve it emergency backups will result in injury, so in a bag... Help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge damage pipes ( well-ventilated area and eye! Long as its used properly, lye is an incredibly basic, metal... The use of all the cookies oil can be very effective at unclogging drains home... Popular chemical often used as a soap for cleaning purposes bit of it from that point resulting in expensive.! That has numerous frequently asked questions answered bad for your pipes, you can mix with. Piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning will dull the finish pipes and cause... Will dissolve it for example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can away! Have standing water present if handled improperly, it is still highly corrosive and can death... Consent for the cookies in the problem areas snake a drain, lye is available liquid!