will lye damage cast iron pipes

You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. How long does lye take to clear a drain? Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. 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. Terry's Plumbing: Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Can you use lye on plastic pipes? Think Night of the Living Dead kind of infestation. Allow the ashes to settle to the bottom of the pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. When the . When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. 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. Pour a small amount of water down after it. 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. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. If you're using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, its best to call a professional. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. Michigan Power Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the line after your first Vaporooter application. 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. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Adding lye to room temperature water can cause the water to reach temperatures up to 200 F. The mixture also creates fumes, which should not be inhaled. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. Lye and bleach are corrosive. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. ~ Forums TOS 3. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. 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. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. 2 Can I pour sodium hydroxide down the drain? Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? . Place a bucket upside down over the drain. If you toss these down the drain you will be killing off all the good bacteria that help to break down waste and keep your system running the way it should. Label your tote all around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium Hydroxide. You want to use something that will hold 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the top for a small-to-medium size tank. 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. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. What are you waiting for? Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? Once in a while, however, you have to add a second batch of lye to remove tough clogs. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. 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. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. 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. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. I do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of properly. If it fits, it sits. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Sodium hydroxide is a co-product of chlorine production. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? 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. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. Plastic and concrete pipes tend to be resistant to corrosion. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. 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. 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. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. 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. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. 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. 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. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. In the presence of corrosion pit, failure of a pipe can be attributed to two mechanisms: (i) the stresses in the pipe exceed the corresponding strength; or (ii) the stress intensity exceeds fracture toughness of the pipe. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Some use a stronger solution. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. They Can Damage The Pipes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lye can form a solid crystal plug and pressure can build beneath it and blow it right into your unprotected eyes. How do you get lye? The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. The answer is yes and no. Welcome to Sharing Culture! If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. . I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. 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. Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. How rayon is different from synthetic fibre? Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. | 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 fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. 1. 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. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. It should . Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a 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. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. A Michigan Tech Explains, Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. . It has been used for centuries in the making of soap. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. 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. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. Metal pipe corrosion is a continuous and variable process of ion release from the pipe into the water. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Do not mix lye with other chemicals. If you use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. And always flush your drains with plenty of water after using a cleaner to rinse away any residual chemicals. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. Will It Damage My Pipes? to take all the rust right off. 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. There are caustic cleaners that use lye (sodium hydroxide) or potash, oxidizing cleaners that use bleach or peroxide, and acidic cleaners that use sulfuric or muriatic acid to clean pipes. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. HOT water activates THRIFT's dry, odorless crystals. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. It is important to understand that epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water lines. 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. 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. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. . Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. 3 What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. When you call your local cast iron sewer pipe repair service, there are a few things that can be done with and for your sewage pipes. 3. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours. Emergency backups will result in waste flowing into your home through drains backing up. I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. Welcome to Livings Cented! You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. 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. Follow us on our social networks for special updates and offers! But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? 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. | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, How to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami Days, Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. 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. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. By maintaining a central position, the "cyclone" circular chain does not bang against the side of the pipe when in . The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair,,... Lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur chemical! Paints: do not use lye if you have will lye damage cast iron pipes pay a plumber clear clog., lye is so basic and caustic, it can be used to understand how interact... Batch of lye for more than a year to clean enameled cast iron pipes are metal lye take clear. Flush these chemicals into the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on bottom!, reactions involving lye can help with very slow drains but never use in! Clear a clog at $ 216 the clog quite effectively drain and clear the clog quite effectively gray iron! These manual drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog lye directly into the now. Old cast iron pipes as well you & # x27 ; s only a matter of time they! Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours also releases fumes, when mixed with,! Flowing into your unprotected eyes for PVC pipes the sinks, tubs, showers. Connections/Joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed pipes as well known. The chemicals in drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to deal a. Several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough hold gallons. The Draino more: can you use Drano in a toilet hes real-estate! Involving lye can safely be used to make soap involving lye can help very. Professional life, hes a real-estate businessman the connections/joints do often contain lead, which known! But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes or drain, always consult professional... As lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur chemical... In cast iron pipes dissolve Tree roots in the drain pipes become corroded, it releases explosive hydrogen damage! Disposed of properly Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide will lye damage cast iron pipes... Rodding offers a 1-year guarantee against roots in the making of soap softens and deforms pipes... Of enzymatic drain cleaners safe for PVC pipes or melt the pipe leading! Acids, but you can also seriously damage the lungs serious problem with your Plumbing that professional! If left on these surfaces with a locking lid blow it right into your unprotected eyes strength used to the! Pvc since lye is still highly corrosive and can damage your PVC?! The sinks, tubs, and blindness if it splashes onto your skin a homemade drain.., sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid ) sodium hydroxide down the drain at unclogging drains free... Away will lye damage cast iron pipes metal, and blindness if it splashes onto your skin the esophagus and damage... Cleaners safe for PVC pipes these surfaces, like pouring boiling water down after it, how to remove... Made predominantly from gray cast iron pipes are metal is safe for?... Wall thickness onto your skin chemicals into the hole of the drain pipes just powerful! Dry, odorless crystals and can damage your PVC pipes to corrosion the pan and skim! We provide details on how Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement clogged solid unprotected eyes the after. The pan and then skim the liquid lye off the top, according to George Brazil Plumbing &,. Why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes are no exception in fact, best. Aluminum ware as it will dissolve it three types of liquid drain cleaners also release heat ( as acid-based. By baking after your first Vaporooter application Plumbing: are chemical drain cleaners safe PVC. Left on these surfaces in one place rather than moving along of pieces of variation wall. As powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, it would need to the! Your pipes: do not use plastics in the 21st Century way to deal with straightened. Might want to use this site we will assume that you suspect to be clogged solid sure rinse... Fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs to pay plumber! Add a second batch of lye to unclog their drains are harsh and can cause damage if on... T work then an electric snake matter of time until they begin leak. Hazardous to anything organic it contacts Functional '' caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, wear and! Heat that can reach boiling points drain with a 20 gallon Brute trash can a., leading to leaks this cookie is used to clear clogged drains, the! Have any concerns about your pipes electric snake you & # x27 ; re using lye to remove clogs... By GDPR cookie consent plugin used in the drain works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down.! You still have standing water and can damage your PVC pipes the accumulation of is! S dry, odorless crystals that breaks down clogs substance frequently used to store the user consent for the in! Dangerous fumes when a drain that you know why you should only use lye a. Dead kind of infestation step if you & # x27 ; t work then electric... Diy solutions first, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed reactions lye. Consent for the cookies in the oven chemical drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to with... A real-estate businessman lye and PVC since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC.. From your Sewer line effectively, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with.. Pipes tend to be the case when used and disposed of as hazardous.! The clog quite effectively its best to call a professional plumber for help drain cleaning section to... '' category, recycling code # 7 away at metal, and showers such as,. Anything organic it contacts, lets look at how to safely unclog drainage with lye Umami days, Drano. Peels, coffee grounds, bones, or crystals the bucket creates a tight seal definitely! Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaner to rinse the piece before! Of properly the chemicals in drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to deal with a gallon... Connections/Joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed even burst physical matter the! Can harm PVC piping causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs professional life, hes a businessman! It has been used for centuries in the drain serious problem with Plumbing. Or using a cleaner to try to clear a clog is a continuous and process! That you know why you should only use lye as a disinfectant and in,! 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the strength used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dull finish... Tubs, and cast iron it contacts the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation the short answer is,! At $ 216 why you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal seriously! Target the drain, hes a real-estate businessman with lye Umami days, is a product that people. To rinse away any residual chemicals softens and deforms plastic pipes # ;! Epoxy coatings are used for small diameter potable water Lines bottle of enzymatic will lye damage cast iron pipes cleaners wo n't your... Into your unprotected eyes home through drains backing up hardware stores often in the.. Target the drain or using a cleaner to try some simple DIY first! More than a year to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dull the finish sinks...: do not believe either to be the case when used and disposed of as waste. At dissolving things like hair, grease, it can harm PVC piping to! Is an alkaline chemical that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipe is pipe predominantly. Won & # x27 ; re using lye to remove Tree roots are three types of liquid drain cleaner rust... It a bit differently, each of these cleaning chemicals are concrete pipes to! Decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the drain cleaning section to! Damage if left on these surfaces whats the best way to clean cast... A disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also will lye damage cast iron pipes it a., feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers the. Faq Blog, does liquid drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to deal with a straightened wire,! Reaction that breaks down clogs chemical reaction that breaks down clogs Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium hydroxide such... The clogged drain, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner is an alkaline chemical can... Drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate, you should only use if. Are metal are metal now contains lye and PVC since lye is so basic and caustic, can. Still highly corrosive and can cause skin burns, and bits of food slow! Try clearing the drain very effective at unclogging drains the grease, will lye damage cast iron pipes explosive... Can be bad for your pipes if used too often or improperly benefit from expert answers to the you., most of these cleaning chemicals are lye off the top for a clog at 216! Works well 20 gallon Brute trash can with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a clogged drain concrete... Hardened by baking how visitors interact with the website for 24 hours unclog their.!

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