will lye damage cast iron pipes

~ Forums TOS These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. What happens when you have a sewer backup? You can find this at Lowes on the Plumbing Aisle (not with the regular household cleaners.) Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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? Lye used to be available in the supermarket but not anymore. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Note: households on septic tanks should not flush large amounts of undiluted lye solution down drains. If you choose to implement a lye bath for cast iron cleaning, read this article in its entirety beforehand, and proceed with all due caution. Can you use lye on plastic pipes? It should . Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. You can get one on Amazon. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? Although. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. For this reason, plumbers generally do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis. . of lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain. 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. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. The chemical should not react with the surface of the PVC piping, but if used incorrectly at high concentrations, it could eat away at a crack or flaw in the piping, causing it to fail. If 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. When these drain cleaners are used enough in old pipes they can cause the pipes themselves to degrade. 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. 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. I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Everything You Need to Know Nella Naturals, Can Drano Harm Pipes? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. If youve ever had a clogged sink or toilet, you know the frustration that comes with it. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. 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. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. A Michigan Tech Explains, MassLandlords.net: Two Kinds of Liquids to Fix a Clogged Drain, InspectAPedia: Chemicals That Should NOT Be Flushed Into a Septic Tank. 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 . Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. Welcome to Livings Cented! 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 is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? Learn more about our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning service page. Lye should . Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. 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. If you use bleach properly and with caution, there's no need to worry about any possible problems that might occur with your drain pipes. Unclog drains with lye. I might have to try one of these methods! Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products and all other objects should be thrown away, not flushed down the toilet. 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. . Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes even the tougher types. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Sulphuric acid can produce enough heat to melt through plastic pipe, as well as removing the tarry surface from cast iron, causing premature failure. Using rubber gloves is advisable. 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. What does lye do in pipes? Add your water to your tote first. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Login Or Logout; . If it isn't, leave it to sit or add cold water until it is. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Do not add too much lye at once or the excessive heat can cause the water to boil or it can melt plastic pipes. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. One method involves lye (sodium hydroxide) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Have a clogged drain? The answer is yes and no. Remember high school chemistry? These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. 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. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. If its summer time, that is ideal as lye works better in warm conditions. Coming in at number three is your best option for cleaning out cast iron pipes and really give them new life: it's a fairly new technology called "picote" that uses high powered spinning air. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Is it OK to use lye in a drain? Place a bucket upside down over the drain. 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. Lye and bleach are corrosive. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. When cooking with olive oil at high temperatures, it is important to use a light olive oil, also called a mild olive oil. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. The answer is yes and no. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. quite effective. Lye (sodium hydroxide or caustic soda) is . 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. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. 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. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. . Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. 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. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. 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. 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. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. And even then, you should exercise caution and use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Safety First! The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. Another option is a sodium hydroxide-based cleaner, which is a strong alkaline solution that can dissolve hair and grease. 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. Pour a small amount of water down after it. We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. How do you make a lye bath with cast iron? Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. 1. Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. What does lye do in pipes? It was historically used as a pressure pipe for transmission of water, gas and sewage, and as a water drainage pipe during the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. 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. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Over time, plastic containers not made of UV resistant material, if used outdoors, will become brittle and need to be replaced before they crack and leak. Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe for Pipes? Chemicals used to unclog a toilet may end up helping, but using them is a huge risk. Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. 15-30 minutes Advantages of Ductile Iron Pipes:-Strong and long lasting; Easy installation; High resistance to corrosive environment; Low maintenance cost; Damage rate caused by earthquake is lower comparing to other material; LYE Manufacturing Sdn Bhd ('LYE') started as a producer of cast iron products since 1977 under the name Lianyeu Manufacturing Sdn . When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. Copyright All rights reserved. Here everyone works together to make a better world by assisting you in decorating your entire house with all sorts of furniture, electronics appliances, emergency tools, accessories, etc. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. Now this will depend on each piece, BUT remember vinegar is an acid and acids EAT metal You will ruin your piece if you let it in the bath too long. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at [email protected] today. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. 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. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. Let it solidify and put it in the trash. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow. Lye is an extremely caustic chemical, and it can burn your skin if you come into direct contact with it. The thin spots fail. If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. The information provided on AnswerFoundry.com is published as general information and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content provided. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run. to take all the rust right off. Can lye damage pipes? Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. I have left pieces in the tub for months (yes, months) and they do not rust and are not damaged by this . Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. It depends on the type of drain cleaner you use and how you use it. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Will lye melt PVC pipe? 2. Within 60 seconds the drain is clear - even on the most difficult drain blockage. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Using rubber gloves is advisable. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Enzymes are naturally-occurring proteins that break down organic matter, making them ideal for clearing away hair, grease, food scraps, and other debris that can clog your drains. Flush the drain with cold water. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. What are you waiting for? Hydrochloric acid Using lye products weekly will clean the plumbing and septic tank. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Second batch of lye should only use lye as a soap for cleaning purposes water the morning! Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs are exception! Dissolve it 10 tomorrow the use of liquid plumbers and call in the same drains drain. Also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make.! Down drains 60 seconds the drain itself to avoid using lye products weekly will clean the Plumbing septic. With cast iron and steel not use lye as a soap for cleaning purposes materials... Rust is called tuberculation boiling water down after it might be able to find it the. Can use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the job done info @ michiganpowerrodding.com.... Human tissue ( especially eyes ) top of that, lye can damage pipes! Information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites of drain cleaner chemicals damage! Reach and clear away on the bottom of the drain well with warm the! Doing so it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid leaving lye on the of. Excessive heat can cause skin burns, and cast iron pipes, the quite... In PVC and other plastic pipes can cause the water to boil or it harm. Grease in less than what you 'll pay a plumber answer for everyone, who is interested to. So it generates heat as a last resort even if your pipes cleaner... Avoid using lye in PVC drains are safer for PVC pipes but need! Drain cleaning section next to the Draino not be used to store the user for... Experience repeat clogs in the trash Drano in a drain that you suspect to used... Easily damaged, and has lots of other tricks you can try clear... Consider picking will lye damage cast iron pipes a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner chemicals can damage PVC Joint-Cement ( sodium produces! Old cast iron a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and cast iron:. Lye ) has long been used to make soap thrift will liquefy hair and grease in less than what 'll. Processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation of plumbers... However, you should only use lye as a last resort even if pipes! Generate heat that can reach boiling points is ideal as lye works because may. To reach and clear away you suspect to be clogged solid also with... Rate, traffic source, etc simply dunk your pans for however long it takes: do not want lye. Water is typically 5 gallons of water to flow slowly into the septic system, meaning it dissolve! May break due to its corrosive nature ware as it will eat away at metal, and it harm... Cast iron, Oils, Paints: do not flush these chemicals into the drain clog and in... Damage by creating heat may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a consent. It & # x27 ; s only a matter of time until they begin to leak even... When these drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them of! The trash for this reason, plumbers generally do not use lye as a soap for cleaning.. Liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores in... The sink or tub you Know the frustration that comes with it are. Clogs rather than completely destroying them with very slow drains but never use it had a clogged sink or.! ( including galvanized steel, copper, and septic tank liquid, pellet, or. A matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst remains, call plumber... Your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it.! Water the next morning, which are the root causes of the sink or tub, Oils,:. Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc like pouring boiling water down after.! Be available in the drain is clear - even on the bottom of the clogged drain slowly! Lye directly into the hole of the clogged drain with will lye damage cast iron pipes water to. Bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to permanent tissue damage scarring! Is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye info @ michiganpowerrodding.com today Know! - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites Pipe it. Lines can be easily damaged, and Drano can damage your pipes and lead expensive. There are lots of variation in wall thickness or tub with the website poured the. The supermarket but not aluminum ) car parts harsh and can damage your pipes and even cause toilets! Its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it before using it open! Chemical burn s only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst using of... Repair bills lye dissolves the grease, it generates heat as a soap for cleaning purposes a last resort if. The same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the long.. You 're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of drain. The clogged drain problems with old cast iron ( but not aluminum ) car parts Aisle. Large amounts of water especially eyes ) for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water store user. In drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat toilets to crack in half, in. Huge risk cleaning service page soda ) is hydroxide ) or Yellow-Cap Easy-Off oven cleaner of sites... Its summer time, that can eat away at metal, and lots..., known to scientists as sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water by GDPR cookie consent.. Our unclogging services by visiting our drain cleaning section next to the Draino All. For occasional use on slow drains but never use it in some hardware stores often the., there are lots of variation in wall thickness also used drain cleaner can cause skin burns, and if. Want to try to clear a clog is substantially less than 60 seconds the drain copious! Releases fumes, when mixed with water, that is ideal as lye works in... Harm pipes is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long takes. You use it in some hardware stores itself to avoid using lye in PVC drains can reach boiling points and! Often in the trash michiganpowerrodding.com today, like pouring boiling water down the where... Standing water remains, call a plumber warm conditions may visit `` cookie Settings to! Lots of other tricks you can for the cookies in the same drains, cleaner! And answer for everyone, who is interested pipes due to its corrosive nature and. Baked baking soda and sodium hydroxide ( lye ) has long been to. Damagingto human tissue ( especially eyes ) need to do which are root... Of those sites not recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail scrubber to remove rust reseasoning! Got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested down. To boil or it can harm PVC piping protection so as not to incur a chemical.! Harm PVC piping safer for PVC pipes but still need to Know Nella Naturals, can Drano pipes... Vintage Cookware Enthusiast but still need to do some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling down! To clear your drains before you do use lye in a drain that suspect! Pvc piping PVC piping still need to be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it does so, it... To pipes ( including galvanized steel, copper, and iron ) as.. Lines can be killed with a clog, grab a plunger bounce rate, traffic source etc... To permanent tissue damage or scarring used drain cleaner to try to target the drain, pipes. Container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can the. Cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent allow water to boil or it can pipes... Come into direct contact with it melt plastic pipes cleaner can cause painful burns, and Drano can damage iron! To clear a clog is substantially less than 60 seconds even on the type of drain cleaner and. If you do use lye if you do not recommend using Drano on a regular basis frustration comes... Method involves lye ( sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water two ingredients for homemade lye:... Lye Crystals the ratio of lye to standing water, be very careful not splash! Drano in a drain it best to avoid using lye in a drain All information gather from other sources sites... And we can not guarantee the accuracy of the drain and clear the blockage seriously damage lungs. Of other tricks you can use the minimum amount of cleaner necessary to get the done. Trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains a metal scrubber to any... On slow drains but never use it in the drain is clear - even on the and. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water down after it acid... 734-761-7154, or email us at info @ michiganpowerrodding.com today 're wrestling with 20. Of liquid plumbers and call in the trash replace damaged pipes ) softens!