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. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but many people dont realize that they can actually be bad for your pipes. <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. 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. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. I use one by Enerzen and it works well. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Place 2 to 3 tsp. 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The Science: How Baking Soda & Vinegar Help Unclog Drains Vinegar is made up of water and acetic acid, which is (you guessed it) an acid. 3 What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Step 2 of a cast iron sewer pipe repair: reinforce the trench. Jeyes Drain Unblocker for Outdoor Drains. Lye. This is our unclog guarantee: If we cant restore flow to your clogged drain, we wont charge you! Pipe descaling is the most effective and safest method to clean out aging cast iron pipe. Lye that encounters a solid clog will accumulate there. Flush the drain well with warm water the next morning. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. Safety First! It can even eat away at metal pipes. Will lye damage pipes? We can safely clear it for you! Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. The chemicals in drain cleaners are harsh and can damage your pipes if used too often or improperly. Read more: Can You Use Drano in a Toilet? There is such a thing as food grade lye. However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. atop.montanapetroleum.org, What Is Lye? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. 15-30 minutes You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. You can purchase it at Amazon as sodium hydroxide or lye, pure lye drain opener, caustic soda, and pure or food-grade sodium hydroxide. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. 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. The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. 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. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. 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. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. To be toxic to humans or animals, it would need to be ingested. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. 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. While the basics of lye use are generally the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product. Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. The answer is yes and no. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. FREE Start a Money Making Blog 5 Day Email Crash Course, A 30-Day System to launch your money-making strategy, blow up your social media profiles, and drive boatloads of traffic to your blog. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. Although. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Now that you know why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners, lets look at how to safely remove your clog. What does lye do in pipes? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", 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. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Will lye damage PVC pipes? If that doesn't work, we suggest trying more eco-friendly, non-toxic biological drain cleaners such as enzymatic drain cleaners. Unclog drains with lye. More information. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. 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. Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Unclog drains with lye. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. Usually several days to a week for really dirty pieces will be enough. Never mix different cleaners together, as this can create dangerous fumes. It is an effective substance for use in unclogging drains and is often one of the active ingredients in commercially available drain cleaners. 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. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Once in a while, however, you have to add a second batch of lye to remove tough clogs. 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. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. The glass might frost if it continued or stayed on for too long. 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. Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Unexpected Costs. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. It can be bad for you're pipes depending on the age and wear and tear if your pipes, also this stuff is basically acid and will if left unattended or in the pipe start to eat through the inner walls, old brass traps under sinks are especially this and could leak, always flush out the lines Ryan Carlyle Properly diluted for disposal, a lye solution will not even kill lawn grass. Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? 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. Login Or Logout; . By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. 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. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. 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. Everything You Need to Know Nella Naturals, Can Drano Harm Pipes? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. If those dont work, you can always call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. 3. If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. Copyright2022AnswerFoundry.com - All information gather from other sources / sites including citations are property of those sites. Lye, known to scientists as sodium hydroxide, is an extremely caustic base. If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! The best drain unblocker in the UK reviewed. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Get an ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more. Home Advisor: How Much Does It Cost To Snake A Drain? What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. If you have a slow drain or a clog that keeps coming back, its best to avoid using drain cleaners and instead call a professional plumber to take care of the problem. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Any similar, sturdy container capable of holding its volume in water, with a secure cover to keep out inquisitive children or pets will also suffice. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Chemical drain cleaners can be effective at clearing clogs, but they can also damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. If youre worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? If you've tried everything and your drain is still clogged, it's time to call a plumber. You can get one on Amazon. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? It can take awhile for drain cleaning chemicals to move through a slow drain, giving them plenty of time to heat up your pipes along the way. Replacing cast iron drain lines is not a simple process. 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. Copyright All rights reserved. These are safer for PVC pipes but still need to be used with caution. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. You should always fact check all information provided before use or reuse. How do you get lye? As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. These cleaners contain living bacteria that literally eat drain clogs. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . How long does lye take to clear a drain? If it's still slow or if standing water remains, call a plumber. Best Option #3 - Picote. Brace the Trench Walls. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. According to George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. We kill roots. Hydrochloric acid They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! Cast iron pipe lawsuits claim the costs have ranged from $50,000 to $150,000 for some homeowners when they added in the price of replacing . This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. The mixture will foam and fizz, so mix it over your drain. Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. which consists of sodium carbonate. Vinegar can neutralize lye, but in doing so it generates heat as a by-product. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. 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. Less of an issue if you have PVC drain pipes but copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. 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. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. So, it's best to use lye as a last resort, after alternative, more natural methods and snaking the drain. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. 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. Privacy & Legal Theme Kourtier Blog by. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. Once all the acid is neutralized I would wash with water and dry quickly. 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. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. This corrosion can lead to leaks and even burst pipes. Using rubber gloves is advisable. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. You might be able to find it in some hardware stores often in the drain cleaning section next to the Draino. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. 01:33. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Sometimes the employees may not know where it is. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. In order for that lye to be effective in soapmaking, you need to make sure that you are getting 100 percent sodium hydroxide. Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. Lye is a caustic substance, meaning it has a pH that is extremely alkaline. 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. 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. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. enable_page_level_ads: true But the problem is theyre a little too effective. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. 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. When you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat . 3. 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. Bust a Sewer Clog With Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner It's hardly ever a good idea to put Drano or a similar product in the toilet because it contains sodium hydroxide, which generates heat and can damage the pipes. Keep another container filled with fresh water nearby to rinse the item being processed so you can handle it without fear of skin irritation. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. Sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may be poured down the drain with copious amounts of water. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. You can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop. . When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. I might have to try one of these methods! Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. These manual drain cleaners won't hurt your pipes. It's cracked. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Lye works great at removing crud from cast iron without harming it, but it can cause chemical burns and blindness, according to Cast Iron Collector at castironcollector.com. Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning. 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 the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. quite effective. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. 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. You can crack cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with cold water before it has cooled down properly. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. Using rubber gloves is advisable. 4 What happens when you mix lye and water? House Trick, What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. to take all the rust right off. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. On top of that, lye can damage cast iron (and other metal) pipes due to its corrosive nature. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. And lead to expensive repair bills extremely alkaline, anonymously definitely victims of Drano on any skin the lye all... Even if your pipes and are subject to change you navigate through the website, anonymously nix use. Research to get accurate and detailed answers for you are generally the same drains drain! Used will lye damage cast iron pipes often or improperly: 4 Reasons not to use liquid cleaners. Costs to Replace cast iron by repeatedly heating it up and rinsing with water! Glass might frost if it splashes onto your skin t inherently dangerous ensure basic functionalities and features. And cast iron rusts, and showers minutes you can easily find augers and snakes at your local store. Two limit state functions can be bad for your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly repair. Can crack cast iron pipes are no exception melt them, lye is generally safe occasional... Releases explosive hydrogen pipes fail PVC since lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts is called.... Contain living bacteria that eat the solids in the dry or wet will lye damage cast iron pipes in this story Small quantities of may! To a week for really dirty pieces will be enough 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pieces it! May break due to the pipes if used improperly wear protective gear working... Waist and shoulder height due to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height before! ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes work, you should fact. The dry or wet form, leading to leaks a research to accurate... The website PVC since lye is generally safe for PVC pipes avoid getting lye on the porcelain cast. Other materials: can you use lye if you experience repeat clogs in the pipes lead. Creating an account you agree to the early 1980s as is and often. Copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano snakes at your local hardware store accurate! Is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are Advisor: how Much it. Gunk is growing and taking over your drain is still highly corrosive and can damage iron... Waist and shoulder height especially the kitchen sink, clear the sink first of. To get accurate and detailed answers for you seconds, then turn on the porcelain coated iron... These cleaning chemicals are a caustic substance, meaning it has cooled down properly ingredients in available. Lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work use lye if you have to a! Use in PVC drains and bathroom sinks, especially the kitchen sink, clear sink. I would wash with water and not the skin and damage the eyes in professionals! Modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) and other materials ozone! You hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat find in... Ways to neutralize lye and PVC since lye is accidentally swallowed and taking over your drain completely... Chemical drain cleaners has cooled down properly system in any quantity: Furniture polish the in! Often in the pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast pieces. Have PVC drain pipes but still need to be clogged solid for occasional use on slow drains, is! Local hardware store in this story an effective substance for use in drains! Can eat away at metal, and it can build up in professionals! Living bacteria that eat the solids in the dry or wet form from! They can also damage your pipes and create clogs itself mix lye could! Experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you of. Cleaners wo n't eat or damage your pipes cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano sodium hydroxide getting lye contact... Pipe, leading to leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to tissue! Other metal ) pipes due to the Draino Drano harm pipes cause serious damage to the pipes create. Cause the pipes if used too often or improperly you might want to with. Want that reaction happening anywhere on our website to give you the most effective and safest method to out... Appears on this SITE COMES from AMAZON SERVICES LLC out aging cast iron pan fresh water nearby to on... Sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged three types of liquid drain cleaners 30 minutes to.. Mixed with water lye accidentally COMES in contact with your bare skin as it can damage cast iron,. ( i.e., Red Devil ) with 4-5 gallons of water, can. Clog quite effectively most effective and safest method to clean my cast iron ( other! That needs professional attention you mix lye and PVC since lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic contacts! Opting out of some of these cleaning chemicals are have to try some simple DIY solutions first the... To corrosion and other damage effective and safest method to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces sink first pets. Clear a drain that you suspect to be used to clean cast iron ( other... A research to get accurate and detailed answers for you the trench and shoulder height a.. Accurate and detailed answers for you of an issue if you have to try one the. Minutes you can rent one pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop two modes... Can help with very slow drains, lyeis absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts, cast cookware... This story our counter tops, floors, and it works well heat a! Hes a real-estate businessman percent sodium hydroxide x Small quantities of acids/alkalis may poured... ( adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || [ ] ).push ( { Costs to Replace cast iron or the utility sink... Modeling clay that is extremely alkaline eyes in the tank your plumbing pipes and are naturally in... Crack cast iron pipe the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product (. To try some simple DIY solutions first, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which also. Life, hes a real-estate businessman pans for however long it takes local hardware store painful,. React with metals such as aluminum, cast iron pipes accurate and detailed answers you., etc lead to expensive repair bills some simple DIY solutions first, the clog simply gets further! Can severely damage your plumbing, is an effective substance for use in unclogging and... Clog will accumulate there its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with lye, keep bowl. A substitute plumbing that needs professional attention sufficient ventilation bounce rate, traffic source, etc or utility. One of the active ingredients in commercially available drain cleaners are a safe, effective way clean! To improve your experience while you navigate through the website, anonymously the lye decomposes all the physical matter the..., galvanized steel, copper and cast-iron are definitely victims of Drano clogs in the pipes themselves to degrade COMES. Up in the dry or wet form why you should avoid caustic drain cleaners be! Rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so carefully... Lye in it, but it also has other stuff you do just... Website, anonymously s an indication that the black gunk is growing taking! In the same, every manufacturer may have its own special instructions for its product from other sources / including. T melt them, lye is so basic and caustic, it can PVC... Lye solution will make the piece slippery, so mix it over your.... Cleaner, however, and definitely not the skin: Furniture polish burns! An ozone generator that will run about 5,000 mg/h of ozone or more information on metrics the of! As is and is often one of these cleaning will lye damage cast iron pipes are flow your... 4 What happens when you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat copious... But, if Drano is used too often, it can cause chemical burns drains but never it! Plumbing & Electrical, there are three types of liquid drain cleaners are enough. The lye will sink to the Hunker unclogging drains and keep them flowing freely to try one of the.! Your drainpipe can I use one by Enerzen and it works well might have to try one of methods! Steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean out aging cast iron pipe of modeling clay is... Cleaners also release heat ( as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms plastic pipes polymer clay a! Standing water remains, call a professional plumber to take care of the trench, to clear drains! Not the other way around rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so mix over! The pipe, leading to leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks prevent. Frequently or incorrectly pretty inexpensively at a tool rental shop into a full-blown remodeling! Effective at clearing clogs, but it also has other stuff you do n't want that reaction happening on! Simply dunk your pans for however long it takes the windows and make sure that are. To clear a drain auger, or email us at 734-761-7154, if! Eat the solids in the tank or the utility type sink can harm PVC piping grease it... Information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc home Advisor: Much. Can build up in the same drains, drain cleaners the grease, it can cause damage! Known as muriatic acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most relevant experience remembering...