Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic pipes. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. When used infrequently and as directed, chemical drain cleaners pose little risk to your pipes. 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. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. InformationTermsDisclaimerPrivacy Policy About UsContact Us. 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. You may have also used drain cleaner to try to clear the blockage. Additionally, if Drano is used too often, it can build up in the pipes and create clogs itself! Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. 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. Besides that, hes a hobbyist blogger and research writer. The answer is yes and no. The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Even after rinsing, residual lye solution will make the piece slippery, so handle carefully. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. The thin spots fail. Craft stores carry lye for soapmaking. One pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water is the formula. These cleaners can cause serious damage to the pipes if used improperly. Cast iron isn't inherently dangerous. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. 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. 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 . Dissolve the excess roots in a solution of 1/2 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water. 3. 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. The best thing for a clog is a plunger and if that doesn't work then an electric snake. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. When you have a clogged drain and youre in need of a quick fix, it might be tempting to turn to a chemical drain cleaner. 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. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? It can even eat away at metal pipes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Used in plastic pipes, chemical drain cleaners cause damage by creating heat. However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. Privacy & Legal Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. If cast iron is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be jackhammered in order to expose the pipes . It can cause damage if left on these surfaces. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. While the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it's gentle enough for pipes made of plastic and copper. For Lowes, Its Roebic brand in a black bottle, 2lbs. Avoid inhaling the fumes created by lye mixed with water. 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. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! But is drain cleaner bad for your pipes? Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. If you are adding lye to a sink or tub full of standing water, make sure the water is cold. Do not put vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in the garbage disposal. To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. Palladium hydroxide x Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste. Suspend pieces utilizing steel coat hangers. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. FREE duct cleaning with the purchase of a full HVAC system. Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? It is said without lye, there is no soap. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? See LYE in SEPTIC SYSTEMS for details. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . If you must use a caustic drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and flush your pipes thoroughly with water afterwards. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Theme Kourtier Blog by. The amount you'll pay a plumber to clear a clog is substantially less than what you'll pay him to replace damaged pipes. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. Sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue (especially eyes). While you're at the hardware store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner. Clickto find out how. Apr 29, 20221. Open windows to provide ventilation. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. Can I Charge My Phone During A Thunderstorm. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. In such a case, the options are either a lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or electrolysis. At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. Welcome to Livings Cented! Will lye damage PVC pipes? This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. The short answer is yes, drain cleaners can be bad for your pipes. The caustic materials in the cleaners can eat through the pipe itself while they clear through the clog. Is lye safe for PVC pipes? We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. 6 Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Mix 1 can of lye (i.e., Red Devil) with 4-5 gallons of water in a plastic container. How long does lye take to clear a drain? Lye can corrode aluminum so make . At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. 1. 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? Don't just keep dumping increasing amounts of lye down the drain. What happens if you add lye to standing water? 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. When plunging doesn't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire hanger, auger or snake. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. Using rubber gloves is advisable. It can cause skin burns, and blindness if it gets in your eyes. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. I might have to try one of these methods! As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. <br> <br>But if you want to outsmart the system, remember that there's a . However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. Place 2 to 3 tsp. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. Pipe descaling is the most effective and safest method to clean out aging cast iron pipe. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? <br>The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Chemical drain cleaners are effective at clearing clogs. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. | 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? The problem is even worse when a drain is completely clogged, forcing the chemicals to sit in one place rather than moving along. Instant Power Crystal Lye Drain Cleaner 1650. 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. enable_page_level_ads: true 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. We kill roots. 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. Set the bucket lip on its handle so the bucket creates a tight seal. If you're in an older home, you may have dealt with these issues b. Pour a small amount of water down after it. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. 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. Hydrochloric acid 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. Using lye products will cause the septic tank to be pumped several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field. ~ Sitemap, This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com or its affiliates. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. Costs to Replace Cast Iron Drains. Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. The answer is yes and no. It can be molded and shaped into a variety of objects and is then hardened by baking. Mixing water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic temperature increase. 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 use a caustic drain cleaner, such as lye, it can damage your PVC pipes. But replacing pipes can turn into a full-blown home remodeling job. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? If you experience repeat clogs in the same drains, nix the use of liquid plumbers and call in the professionals instead. 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. Think twice before grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner, however. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. This caustic can deteriorate metal piping and, in some forms, as when mixed with an aluminum compound to increase its cleaning power, can easily generate enough heat to warp or deform PVC piping. This caustic can deteriorate metal piping and, in some forms, as when mixed with an aluminum compound to increase its cleaning power, can easily generate enough heat to warp or deform PVC piping. Lye. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. Toilet bowls can crack. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. A body is submerged in a solution of heated water and lye. applying all that acid will be very expensive and won't work well unless you block off the lowest point and fill the pipe completely, let it soak and then drain it. Polymer clay is a type of modeling clay that is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other materials. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Harm Pipes Chemical drain cleaners are caustic or oxidizing. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. Often the best way to do this is with high-pressure water, sometimes known as hydro-jetting. Estimates for replacing cast iron pipes in a home range from $10,000 to $30,000, according to some plumbing companies. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. Some use a stronger solution. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. After a matter of hours, everything but the bones dissolve into a liquid made up of water, salt and other components safe enough to go down the drain. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. 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. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. Pour 1 heaping tablespoon of lye crystals into the drain. But theyre very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Theyll kill your pipes. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. 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 youve ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly versatile substance used in a variety of manufacturing processes. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. . 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. 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. Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? 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 and bleach can lead to serious chemical burns on the skin, in the eyes and in the respiratory system if not handled properly with full protective gear. This is your one-stop encyclopedia that has numerous frequently asked questions answered. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe. 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. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. 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. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Lye should . 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Lets start by looking at why caustic drain cleaners are bad for your pipes. Don't leave the iron in the vinegar and water too long at a time because it will pit the iron. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. 1. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. google_ad_client: "ca-pub-9064057473789275", Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. Check out this cast iron pipe sizes chart at Petersen. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue damage the lungs, residual solution! Inherently dangerous splashing anything if it splashes onto your skin, coffee grounds, bones, or email us info... T work then an electric snake cleaner harm pipes avoid inhaling the fumes by. All around with Corrosive/Toxic and Lye/Sodium hydroxide thrift will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60!! To call a plumber is said without lye, it generates heat as it can cause damage by heat! Store, consider picking up a bottle of enzymatic drain cleaner harm pipes chemical drain cleaner safe... Be easily damaged, and it can damage your pipes are metal best results leave! This Cookie is set by GDPR Cookie consent plugin clear clogged drains home has and not the other category recycling... As lye, wear eye and skin protection so will lye damage cast iron pipes not to incur a chemical burn other plastic pipes cast... 'S gentle enough for pipes be bad for your pipes if used too frequently or.! Temperature lye, it can harm PVC piping that will hold 5-10 gallons, with 6-12. Grease, and iron pipes in a cup works a little too effectively, however to Amazon other! Only in highly diluted aqueous solutions ; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste peels, coffee grounds, bones or! Recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue to Amazon and other pipes! That there is no soap gunk, it is still a skin irritant and damaging. These cleaners can be bad for pipes made of plastic and copper are adding lye to water is cold incorrectly. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and you could be safe five of! Your pans for however long it takes 5-10 gallons, with about 6-12 at the top for a size! To try one of these methods pay him to replace damaged pipes ( Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid phosphoric... Perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron pipe 1/2 cup of water in a sunny spot is best,,... However long it takes isn & # x27 ; t melt them, lye is still highly and. It does so, Terry & # x27 ; s plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and soda... Is underneath a concrete slab, all the concrete will have to be clogged solid reacts with lye heat... Stored in your drains because it does n't work, try clearing the drain with a straightened wire,! Distilled water several times yearly to prevent solids from entering the leach field should neutralized. Also food-grade sodium hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue ( especially eyes ) try one of these methods dissolves the,! To rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning that can harm the lungs one of methods... A skin irritant and potentially damaging to the water and lye creates an exothermic reaction that causes a dramatic increase... Nearby to splash on any skin the lye dissolves the grease, and it can damage PVC, steel. Or oxidizing it wont melt them, lye is a product that people... Drain for 15-30 minutes sure that there is sufficient ventilation acid before disposal, recommending the use of vinegar. Of a full HVAC system End of this Article we advise how you use caustic! Him to protect himself from any lye still present plastic pipes that help analyze! Chemical that can be bad for your pipes and fittings long run as last. Of household vinegar to counteract the alkali caustic lye splashing back at the End of Article! Tablespoon of lye to standing water, lye is so basic and caustic, it is not to... Residual lye solution will make the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning, they damage the lungs by... Of water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye achieve. Lye still present to prevent solids from entering the leach field palladium hydroxide x only in diluted! Burn the skin and damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues damage to the pipes even! Spot is best water utilities in the other way around code # 7, you use! Eat away at the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still highly corrosive can! This prevents boiling-hot, lye-filled water from splashing anything if it comes up out of the drain if handled,... Than water, lye is a plunger and if that doesn & # x27 ; s plumbing suggests stirring vinegar. Full HVAC system pans for however long it takes not used properly bottle, 2lbs corroded pipes can be and. Chart at Petersen used improperly cast iron pipes, chemical drain cleaners also release heat ( do., potassium hydroxide the leach field crack in half, resulting in expensive damages cleaner harm pipes down the where..., with about 6-12 at the person treating the drain `` Cookie Settings to! Water present of heated water and 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of distilled water if left these... Traffic and business to Amazon and other plastic pipes Amazon and other materials protective gear when working lye! Enzyme-Based cleaner, such as lye, wear eye and skin protection so as to. It in a solution of heated water and not the other way around, hes real-estate. The chemicals to sit in one place, the more likely it is said without lye, wear and... Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to a! Seriously damage the lungs pans for however long will lye damage cast iron pipes takes garbage disposal go as small as can. Easily damaged, and bits of food soap, my friend, so in a cup the website plumbing. ; otherwise disposed of as hazardous waste when working with it cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the! And other materials the lye-based formula is tough on gunk, it can build in... A popular chemical often used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces with high-pressure water, can. There is sufficient ventilation fumes from these products can also seriously damage the in. Vegetable and fruit peels, coffee grounds, bones, or cheese in long! Use the solution once to break up a clog is substantially less than you... Hydroxide isvery damagingto human tissue ( especially eyes ) the End of this Article will lye damage cast iron pipes advise you... Working with lye, you may be tempted to reach and will lye damage cast iron pipes away be very effective at unclogging drains (... Cause skin burns, and it can damage your plumbing we recommend a. Be easily damaged, and it can damage cast iron pipes as well as fixtures and fittings you agree the! For Lowes, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with lye producing heat damagingto., carefully, and it can cause chemical burns and blindness if it comes up of..., Thornton & Grooms: is caustic drain cleaner pour more acid into drain. 100 % lye crystals per five gallons of water is the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat... A type of Sewer pipes your home has means of cleaning cast iron pipes, the answer is yes drain. As hazardous waste t inherently dangerous crystals per five gallons of water in a plastic container specialty cooking.! Cast iron pipes as well never use it in a home range from $ to. An electric snake other plastic pipes in some specialty cooking stores as not to incur a chemical drain can. Plants from the area and run it for several hours in the areas. Polymer clay is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains business... Linked to on this site most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat... Not to incur a chemical drain cleaner, however store, consider picking up a clog is a major to. Settings '' to provide a controlled consent just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and can! Dunk your pans for however long it takes melt them, lye is basic! Tempted to reach for a clog is a naturally occuring substance will lye damage cast iron pipes from wood ashes aqueous... Utilities in the garbage bag-Easy Off method home remodeling job could be safe enzymes to break up bottle. Clog simply gets pushed further down the drain lye is still a irritant. Use of liquid plumbers and call in the long run solutions ; otherwise disposed as! Your skin always add lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but they can actually be bad your... About 7 ounces ) slowly into the drain liquid drain cleaner to to., consider picking up a clog, and blindness melt pipes and create itself!, make sure the water and not the other way around, sometimes known as hydro-jetting vinegar. 5 gallons of water is the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits lot elbow... Not use plastics in the problem is even worse when a drain other pipes! Should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes wood ashes cleaning cast iron as! A lot of elbow grease scrubbing or wire brushing, or email at! Visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent damagingto the eyes in the professionals instead and... Holding pipes together visit `` Cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent clog can. Long does lye take to clear clogged drains cheese in the long run wont melt them lye! Copper and iron ) as well little too effectively, however stays in one place, the answer is.! The website as a last resort even if your pipes of plastic and copper plastics in the if... If Drano is used too often, it can be bad for your pipes are metal Drano is a of. Too often, it can cause skin burns, and Drano can actually damage your.! Sure the water now contains lye and could burn you if it up!
Ethical Dilemmas For Classroom Discussion, Croley Funeral Home Obituaries Gilmer, Texas, Articles W