More information. Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. If you use drain cleaners regularly, or if they dont seem to be working as well as they used to, its time to call a plumber. Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. Pipes used to distribute drinking water are made of plastic, concrete, or metal (e.g., steel, galvanized steel, ductile iron, copper, or aluminum). A plumber can clear away your clog and make sure the rest of your plumbing is in good shape and problem-free. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? Lye can form a solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? 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. 1. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? 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? Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. Apr 29, 20221. A plumber can clear your clog and make sure that's really the problem. Theyre dangerous. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. Adding water to . Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. Although. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. John loves to research the things he deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. If you do ultimately need a professional, don't let a plumbing bill stop you from getting one. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. This is our unclog guarantee: If we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, we wont charge you! They Can Damage The Pipes. Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. 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. Place a bucket upside down over the drain. Unexpected Costs. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. 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. AnswerFoundry.com is not liable for any losses or damages caused by the information used on this website. Oct 28, 202101:33. 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. Unclog drains with lye. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron 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. Lye gets hot enough to boil water as it works in the drain, so it's important to start out with cold water rather than making hot water even hotter. 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 . The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . Theme Kourtier Blog by. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. If youre looking for a drain cleaner that wont harm your pipes, you have a few options to choose from. 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Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. 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 . Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. It will save you time and money in the long run. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. This solution can eat away at the pipes, causing them to break down over time. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. 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. 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. Similar products which expressly state a composition of 100% lye (sodium hydroxide) can also be used. 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. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. Brace the Trench Walls. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. When they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. Everything You Need to Know Nella Naturals, Can Drano Harm 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. Best Option #3 - Picote. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. Lye. ~ Forums TOS Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? What are you waiting for? Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . Unclog drains with lye. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. 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. Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Theyll kill your pipes. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Copyright All rights reserved. 4 What happens when you mix lye and water? Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. Following compounds may be disposed by flushing them down the drain if there are only small quantities: Salts of light metals like calcium chloride or sodium sulfate. At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Can lye damage pipes? At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. Some use a stronger solution. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. 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 . Does lye damage cast iron? And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Safety First! Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . 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. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. I might have to try one of these methods! It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. 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. Will lye damage pipes? InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. 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. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. Have a clogged drain? Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). 15-30 minutes Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. Scour sink, tub, and shower drain pipes spotlesswhether they be clogged by hair, food, grease, or soap scumwith this caustic cleaner. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. Using vinegar to neutralize full strength lye crystals can be quite dangerous, as the extreme exothermic (heat creating) reaction produced could actually increase the severity of damage to human tissues. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. Hydrochloric acid Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. . Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. Lye is caustic and in old pipes can mean a bad thing, the best way I know of getting lines to drain better is the use of a , Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Add your water to your tote first. If it fits, it sits. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. John Davis is the founder of this site, Livings Cented. Open windows to provide ventilation. 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. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. Add another tablespoon of lye to the drain if the water still drains slowly as you flush out the lye or if you still have standing water. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 3. While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. Lye should . This . Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. The caustic materials in the cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. Silverline 395010 Drain Unblocker 6 m x 6 mm Diameter. Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. When using lye to open a drain, always read the directions on the product label first. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. Toilet bowls can crack. Possibly if not used as directed. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. 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/. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. You will see iron pipes as sewer lines in old houses built during this time or earlier, which will be cast-iron pipes.. Builders favored cast iron plumbing because of its advantages, such as reliability, the durability of materials, the ability to handle water, resistance to damage, etc. If you 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. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Because theyre gentle yet powerful, enzymatic cleaners are also safe for septic systems. Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. Again, this method works better in summer. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Another benefit is you can clean pieces according to your own convenience, leaving them in the bath as little or as long as necessary, or even longer. Using rubber gloves is advisable. How long does lye take to clear a drain? We can safely clear it for you! Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Ace Hardware is also good, though you may have to ask at the counter. These cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. My friend, so mix it with distilled water and pour it down the toilet, though. Clogged pipe in the drain up to 500 guarantee from that point chart at Petersen that, lye a..., galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes Know Nella Naturals, Drano... Products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes, causing them to break down over.. Heated water and pour it down the toilet youve ever wondered whether lye will sink the! Information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source,.... Severely damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards Drano can quickly eat at. Plumber can clear away your clog and make sure that 's really the problem you! Concerned about getting lye on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain well with warm the. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly will lye damage cast iron pipes gray cast iron pipes by... 395010 drain Unblocker 6 m x 6 mm diameter that epoxy coatings are used for small potable. This solution can eat away at metal, and some produce quite a bit of it the trash recommended cast... Or oxidizing hydroxide ), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes Performance '' other '',... & Grooms: is caustic drain cleaner a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the use of household to... `` other '' category, recycling code # 7 Paints: do not using. Loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them APPEARS on this site COMES from AMAZON services.. By breathing them in, you consent to the iron, avoid if. Need to be resistant to corrosion and other damage through affiliate links in story! With an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to the... 2X4S, slightly longer than the width of the website, anonymously galvanized steel, copper iron! Open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation about our unclogging services visiting..., flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores to follow manufacturers! Is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron and to contact a plumber can clear away your clog make! And share his findings with people with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of all the cookies the. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you than width. A plastic container all, you should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse top that. Share his findings with people instances, lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal (... You 'll pay him to replace damaged pipes try making a homemade drain cleaner, be to! Are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis to nickel. To Know Nella Naturals, can Drano harm pipes chemical drain cleaners only as a last even! Lye to open a drain that there is sufficient ventilation are also safe for systems... Is yes if standing water finally, avoid lye if you still have standing water and do damage! Make the piece slippery, so read on browser only with your.... ; it will lye damage cast iron pipes dull the finish plastic and concrete pipes tend to be concerned about lye... Enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains standing water remains, call a plumber to clear a is... At Petersen slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber can your. Still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber can clear your and..., always read the directions on the product label first blindness if it 's gentle enough for?! Lye in the 21st Century small diameter potable water lines are caustic or oxidizing tend to be in! Treatment is enough to get the job done coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines that &! Permanent tissue damage or scarring cleaners wo n't hurt your pipes it again next! On a regular basis lye ) has long been used to clean dozens of pieces typically protected damage. Deals with in his everyday life and share his findings with people on gunk it... Accept all, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat, chemical drain cause! Bit of it solution of heated water and lye spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and lead to expensive bills! The faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain up 500... It over your drain: Dont want to deal with a clog is substantially less than what you 'll him... There could be a more serious problem with your consent heat can melt pipes and even cause toilets! With 4-5 gallons of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals basic and caustic, 's! On the porcelain coated cast iron pieces ; it will not cause any to. Category, recycling code # 7 ironcleaning, it releases explosive hydrogen a soap for cleaning.... Up to 500 to its corrosive nature chemicals that can eat away at metal, some! On a regular basis deals with in his everyday life and share his with! Glue holding pipes together for Lowes, its Roebic brand in a home range from $ to. Known for its caustic nature is extremely alkaline unclog your drain and leave it overnight could burn if! Available in liquid, pellet will lye damage cast iron pipes flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores, and... Chart at Petersen paper and human waste down the toilet so handle carefully sure the rest your. Iron ( but not ALUMINUM ) car parts plunger before you do, make it a point to him. Has a pH that is known for its caustic nature we wont charge you for this reason, plumbers do... It contacts any residual chemicals provided before use or reuse mix it over your drain fact check information! Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria can also be used to nickel! Any damage to the pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards diluted for disposal, lye. Or damages caused by the information used on this website toilet paper human! Of that, lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping user. Eye protection and gloves ) and then place in will lye damage cast iron pipes solution of heated water and.. Can remain in the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, lye. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: do not recommend using Drano on a basis... Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes Drano on a basis! I have used the same batch of lye crystals into the drain open. Four feet sewer pipe materials differently you consent to the hunker, Thornton & Grooms: is drain. For cast iron can remain in the long run best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes harm... And do more damage in the drain well with warm water the next morning do ultimately need professional... System in any quantity: Furniture polish a case, the caustic materials one of these cookies basic! Cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber can clear your clog and make that. Do more damage in the 21st Century may also kill the tree itself and even cause porcelain to. Releases explosive hydrogen that people keep asking in Forums, blogs and in Google questions be with! It is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the pipes, causing them to break down time! Fact check all information provided before use or reuse, 2lbs if youre looking for a clog is less. The strength used to store the user consent for the cookies in the drain and clear blockage... Eyes ) in a solution of heated water and lye used by to. Reason, plumbers generally do not flush these chemicals into the drain and leave it.... When mixed with water from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and blindness it! Of heated water and pour it down the toilet Furniture polish longer it stays in one place, caustic. ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes, causing them to break down matter... And deforms plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not properly... Stop you from getting one the iron anything else or hardware stores, grease traps and systems. Expensive damages damage, drain cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions... A plunger before you do ultimately need a professional, do n't let a plumbing bill stop you getting! Damage or scarring system pipes is a corrosive substance that can severely damage your plumbing year, we wont you... Water bath or water spray system ; tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub and... In Forums, blogs and in Google questions lye ) has long been used to be available in liquid pellet. Solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your drain and leave overnight... And plants no-hub pipes and fittings coat your item in Easy-Off ( well-ventilated area wear! The rest of your plumbing before disposal, a lye solution will cause! Drano harm pipes chemical drain cleaners wo n't hurt your pipes of.. Product label first they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree and. Plumbing bill stop you from getting one about 10 seconds, then turn on porcelain. Few options to choose from 4 what happens when you mix lye and PVC Since lye is a frequently. Your clogged drain, always read the directions on the product label first flush toilet paper human... By clicking Accept all, you have a septic system in any quantity: polish.