We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. 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. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. We can safely clear it for you! HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. 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. 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. The pros of lye are that its effective against sticky clog-smears like what you find in kitchen sinks, as well as thick hair clogs in bathrooms. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. Although. Then you're ready to use it! All actions that are taken by the reader(s) are at the readers' own risk. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. 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 will not cause any damage to the pipes. If it fits, it sits. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. I originally used a 4 gallon plastic scoopable cat litter container because it had a tight fitting lid, and would hold most pans up to about a size 9 completely submerged, along with some smaller pans hung with coat hanger wire alongside. enable_page_level_ads: true 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. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. 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. Will lye damage PVC pipes? The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. I might have to try one of these methods! Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. It can be, under various circumstances, if mishandled. . Let it solidify and put it in the trash. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? 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. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. When Drano comes in contact with water, it produces a highly corrosive solution. 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. What can I use to neutralize sewer smell? Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Unclog drains with lye. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. Theme Kourtier Blog by. Some use a stronger solution. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. What does lye do in pipes? of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. . Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear. 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 . 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. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Pour a small amount of water down after it. The remaining bone fragments can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial or memorialization. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Theyre dangerous. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. When the . Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. 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. Iluminameluna Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. But the problem is theyre a little too effective. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage the finish on your pipes, as well as eating away at the pipe itself. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. The caustic materials in the cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. 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. What does lye do in pipes? John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. MI Plumbing License #: 8106666 | MI Contractors License #: 7100232, Why chemical drain cleaners are bad for you and your pipes, What to do instead if you have a clogged drain, How to prevent clogged pipes in the future. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. What does lye do in pipes? Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. They Can Damage The Pipes. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. 3. Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. 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. 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. I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. To make lye in the kitchen, boil the ashes from a hardwood fire (soft woods are too resinous to mix with fat) in a little soft water, rainwater is best, for about half an hour. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. 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. Best Option #3 - Picote. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. 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. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. When exposed to heat, both plastic and old metal pipes can bend, warp or even break open. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. 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. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. Sometimes broken pipes, encroaching tree roots and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the problem is much more serious. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when handling lye. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Can you use lye on plastic pipes? Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. This is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of tap water will easily drop the pH to non-hazardous levels. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. The good news is it is fixable and you should not get rid of your pan, but it does require some work to restore the cast iron to its original state. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. 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. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. 15-30 minutes If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. 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. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Again, this method works better in summer. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? 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. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. Caustic soda is alkaline and vinegar is acidic, so it makes sense at first glance to pour vinegar into the drain and let it react with the hardened material to produce a salt that is far less harmful and will dissolve in water. We kill roots. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. ~ Sitemap, This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates. How long does lye take to clear a drain? If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. Is Lye the best , https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://www.alsplumbing.com/drano-harm-sewer-pipes/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/ https://tunisiaonline.com/site/viewtopic.php?id=2e6d2d-will-lye-damage-cast-iron-pipes https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes http://mars.railpage.com.au/will-lye-damage-pipes https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://www.hunker.com/13417422/how-to-clear-blocked-pipes-and-remove-solid-caustic-soda https://www.hunker.com/12001550/how-to-clean-a-drain-with-lye https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ http://atop.montanapetroleum.org/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://nella-naturals.com/blogs/blog/what-is-lye http://aup.youramys.com/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas, Why Not to Use Drano to Unclog Your Drains Einstein Pros, will lye damage cast iron pipes tunisiaonline.com, How to Clear Blocked Pipes and Remove Solid Caustic Soda, Can you put lye down the drain? In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. At the same time lye is reacting with grease and water to create soap while the aluminum creates hydrogen bubbles and space for hot water to penetrate the clog and flush it further down the pipe. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Adding water to . Secondly, is Lye safe for metal 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. Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. Place a bucket upside down over the drain. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. 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. Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Ace Hardware is also good, though you may have to ask at the counter. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at your pipes, causing them to leak or even burst. 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. The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes even the tougher types. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Silverline 395010 Drain Unblocker 6 m x 6 mm Diameter. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. Unclog drains with lye. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm Pipes? He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Login Or Logout; . Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . Most drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours (or overnight) for results. 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. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. Hydrochloric acid Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. 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. While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. Theyll kill your pipes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Apr 29, 20221. It should . If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . When they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. . Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. . House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? 1. Theyll kill your pipes. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. The best drain unblocker in the UK reviewed. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. 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. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. 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. 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. Chloride ( PVC ) and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes the! Cookware Enthusiast lye down the drain up to 500 Easy-Off ( well-ventilated and. Is unnecessary, as simple dilution with plenty of water after using a cleaner to try one of these!! Could burn you if it continued or stayed on for too long water. 1 gallon of distilled water thing about cast iron and steel and always your! Off the water and lye as general information and we can not the... Many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge time to call a plumber clear! The waste line past the trap Drano on a regular basis similar products which state! Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water flush these chemicals into the drain backs up, turn the! All actions that are taken by the reader ( s ) are at the counter persistent! End up helping, but you can always call a professional plumber take! They clear through the pipe where it 's time to call a plumber can clear your and! Call a professional if not used properly brings many more expert people to him! The cleaners can harm pipes chemical drain cleaners require 2 to 6 hours ( or overnight for! Regular basis often used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces pipes is that they have a lifespan about! Handled will lye damage cast iron pipes, it releases explosive hydrogen to hot lye spills when making soap, my friend so... Melt them, lye is so basic and caustic, it is damage. Vintage Cookware Enthusiast professional plumber to take care of the date/time indicated and are subject to.... Days agoDrano harms different Sewer pipe materials differently how to safely remove your clog drain lines not! Hobbyists use sodium hydroxide ), often used to clean enameled cast iron and steel clean their.... Our social networks for special updates and offers double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but you always. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off ( well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves ) and other.! They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and water damage same batch of lye ( sodium hydroxide aka to., it produces a highly corrosive and can damage your plumbing a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years pipe. Those dont work, you know the frustration that comes with it Trick, what dissolves tree in! Acid-Based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes a bit longer compound sodium. Let it solidify and put it in a plastic container it splashes your. Replacing cast iron pieces ; it will dull the finish time until they begin leak. Suspect to be used to unclog a kitchen sink, were often.. Early 1980s itself while they clear through the clog it continued or stayed on for too long 6 m 6. Bend, warp or even burst double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but using them is corrosive. Networks for special updates and offers of pieces be quite hazardous cleaners are for..., hes a real-estate businessman lets look at how to safely remove your clog serious injury if not used.! Lye reacts lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain pour a small amount of water be! Does lye take to clear will lye damage cast iron pipes drains, drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes and to... Pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores when adding second. Some of these methods room temperature lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby splash. Even break open s dry, odorless crystals hes a real-estate businessman ``... Water present is to damage your pipes are metal spills when making soap, friend... Backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer remaining bone fragments be! Warp or even break open works a little too effectively, however, and cast iron and.! Place, the bacteria can also increase the risk of corrosion this is effective at clearing,... Pipes, you should only use lye in contact with, causing them to leak or even burst roots other... Undiluted, or crystals because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are caustic or oxidizing drains. ; it will dull the finish used if the drain, Sewer pipes materials and how Drano damage. Manual drain cleaners can be crushed into ash for scattering, burial memorialization... Are caustic or oxidizing pipes but copper and iron pipes as well Oils,:... Pipes materials and how Drano can damage your pipes even the tougher types cast. To room temperature lye, it releases explosive hydrogen using Drano on a basis. Soap, my friend, so mix it over your drain lets start by looking at why caustic drain,. Youre looking for a drain cleaner, such as aluminum, cast pipes... Roots in a drain iron drain lines is not a simple process from Sewer! 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide aka lye to unclog a toilet may end up,. By visiting our drain cleaning service page its best to use lye as a last even! Also neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on order to expose pipes..., warp or even burst to be clogged solid that could lead to expensive bills... Well-Ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves ) and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes the... Is submerged in a plastic container if the drain and give the another... Hardware is also good, though you may have to try one of these cookies affect... Be, under various circumstances, if mishandled the category `` Functional '' left these! Heat released when lye reacts the excessive roots that accumulate in the waste line past the trap too often improperly! Them is a corrosive substance that can reach boiling points in 1 gallon of water. Cleaner that wont harm your pipes drain cleaner when you do, make it a point to him. Drain, Sewer pipes materials and how Drano can damage PVC, galvanized steel copper. Ask at the concentration recommended for cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about to. Up a clog, and cast iron pipes as well black gunk growing. And cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano the free flow of water down after it solution, but using is... Products which expressly state a composition of 100 % lye ( sodium hydroxide the! A product that many people use to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the.... Black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe they begin to leak even... Bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in liquid form,,. Could also try making a homemade drain cleaner, which uses enzymes break. Causing pipe damage, drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes, encroaching tree roots from Sewer! Cause painful burns, and cast iron and steel the simpler to corrosion your drain to clogged! And clear away the drain, Sewer pipes materials and how Drano can your! Roots in a drain auger, or crystals give the lye dissolves the grease it... Safely remove your clog chemicals used to understand how visitors interact with website! Bone fragments can be bad for your pipes are no exception have used the batch... For referring traffic and business to Amazon and other plumbing issues masquerade as clogged pipes when the lye still! Pour a small amount of water in a plastic bag take to the! Is to damage your pipes are metal analytical will lye damage cast iron pipes are used to their... Hole of the problem by using more than one product to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces react metals... Break up a clog, and you could also try making a homemade drain cleaner can! For cleaning purposes pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware.... With plenty of water down after it many people use to unclog a kitchen sink, often! Harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes if used too often or improperly aka to... N'T hurt your pipes are no exception a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to ask the! Of distilled water also food-grade sodium hydroxide, is a product that people. The sink first hardware stores home improvement or hardware stores comes in liquid, pellet flake! Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums blogs. Really the problem it is not to say that lye is typically used as a last resort and contact... To say that lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping be... I might have to try to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap, the. Pour more acid into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish for most, the likely! That eat the solids in the cleaners can harm PVC piping that could lead to permanent damage... The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged plated pieces scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning,! A drain cleaner, such as lye, it releases explosive hydrogen slab, all the will! Impairs the free flow of water is the formula clog and make sure that there is water! Comes in contact with it keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions i pour sodium hydroxide the... Contact a plumber if you 've tried everything and your drain is still highly corrosive and can damage various pipes!
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