At some point, you will encounter an encrusted pan which, even after days in a lye bath, will have some build-up that just won't budge. Will lye damage PVC pipes? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Put a hair trap in showers to keep hair and soap scum out of bathroom drains. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Chemicals, Oils, Paints: Do not flush these chemicals into the septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish. Iluminameluna Any heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, poisonous chemicals (even those for rats and bugs) are big no-nos for your septic tank. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Mineral acids (Hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid) Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. 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. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. 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. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. 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. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. 5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. Angie's List: 4 Reasons Not to Use Liquid Drain Cleaners. 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. Will Lye Damage Cast Iron Pipes If you've ever wondered whether lye will damage cast iron pipes, the answer is yes. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes? This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. If the drain backs up, turn off the water and wait a bit longer. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. To do so, Terry's Plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking soda in a cup. After removing the trap, insert the auger into the waste opening and push as far as it will go, then turn the crank to work the head through the obstruction. 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. 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. 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. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. Simply coat your item in Easy-Off (well-ventilated area and wear eye protection and gloves) and then place in a plastic bag. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Cast iron rusts, and cast iron drain pipes fail. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Oct 28, 202101:33. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Inhaling fumes from these products can also seriously damage the lungs. THRIFT will liquefy hair and grease in less than 60 seconds! Thrift is also great for sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems. Skip the flushing step if you still have standing water. 30-day Blogging Fast Track Course. 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. It's also of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners aren't good for the environment. The answer is yes and no. There could be a more serious problem with your plumbing that needs professional attention. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. 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 . Costs to Replace Cast Iron 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. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. 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. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. (Important Facts), Can Drano Harm Pipes? But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? Some advanced hobbyists use sodium hydroxide aka lye to achieve a double-acting electrolyte/cleaning solution, but for most, the simpler . Using rubber gloves is advisable. 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. So, feel free to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the questions you are interested in! to take all the rust right off. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. One of the problems with old cast iron is that it was sand cast, and has lots of variation in wall thickness. However, Drano can actually damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. 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. 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. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. The chemicals in these products are designed to break down things like grease and hair, but they can also eat away at the protective coating on your pipes. Place the bucket back over the drain and give the lye another 15 to 30 minutes to work. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Yes, olive oil can be used in the oven. Non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the water. Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? If its winter, I highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply stores. If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Great advice and easy to follow instructions. Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. 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. The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. View chapter Purchase book Drain cleaners should only be used as a last resort when other methods of clearing a clog (like using a plunger) have failed. 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. 3. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Rooto Household Drain Opener and Roebic Crystal Drain Opener, however, still sold at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively, are 100% lye. Between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic resin that could cause the pipe to crack and ultimately leak. Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? 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 If it isn't, leave it to sit or add cold water until it is. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. Always add lye to the water and not the other way around! If you do need to use it, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes. Do not use plastics in the Other category, recycling code #7. It's very easy, and inexpensive, to prepare a homemade version as a substitute. 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. ~ Forums TOS Is Lye the best , https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://www.alsplumbing.com/drano-harm-sewer-pipes/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/ https://tunisiaonline.com/site/viewtopic.php?id=2e6d2d-will-lye-damage-cast-iron-pipes https://faqg.adamstankandlift.com/can-lye-damage-pipes http://mars.railpage.com.au/will-lye-damage-pipes https://thorntonandgrooms.com/help-guides/is-caustic-drain-cleaner-bad-for-pipes https://www.hunker.com/13417358/does-liquid-drain-cleaner-harm-pipes https://www.hunker.com/12512730/does-lye-work-for-pvc-drains https://www.sewerdraincleaningmilwaukee.com/drainCleaningNews/TreeRootsClog https://www.hunker.com/13417422/how-to-clear-blocked-pipes-and-remove-solid-caustic-soda https://www.hunker.com/12001550/how-to-clean-a-drain-with-lye https://oxnardplumbingandrooter.com/chemicals-that-cause-pvc-drain-pipes-to-melt-or-soften/ https://housetrick.com/is-drano-bad-for-pipes/ https://bfplumbingbayarea.com/blog/drain-cleaner-truly-bad-pipes/ https://umamidays.com/kitchen/how-to-safely-unclog-drainage-with-lye/ http://atop.montanapetroleum.org/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://nella-naturals.com/blogs/blog/what-is-lye http://aup.youramys.com/can-you-put-lye-down-the-drain https://www.smallspacegardeningbasics.com/what-dissolves-tree-roots-in-sewer-lines/ https://einsteinpros.com/why-not-use-drano-to-unclog-your-drains/. You only need two ingredients for homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water. Remove the bucket from your drain and flush it with cold water. 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. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. Its best to use drain cleaners only as a last resort and to contact a plumber if you have a persistent clog. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? 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. If youre using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Powered by The Cast Iron CollectorCopyright 2010-2021. Lye (sodium hydroxide or caustic soda) is . If swallowed, lye will burn the esophagus and can cause death. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Furthermore, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? 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. 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. The thin spots fail. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Old, corroded pipes can be easily damaged, and Drano can quickly eat away at the glue holding pipes together. Will lye damage pipes? 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. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. I have used the same batch of lye for more than a year to clean dozens of pieces. For your lye tank, buy a Rubbermaid or equivalent tote with a locking lid to keep the pets, critters, and young ones out. At the concentration recommended for cast ironcleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Biowonder multipurpose enzymatic drain cleaner. . Modern cast iron is centrifugally cast, has uniform wall thickness, and should last longer than any of us are going to be alive. Open windows to provide ventilation. Lye is sodium hydroxide. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Try to target the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the bottom of the sink or tub. 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 . The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. Cut enough 2x4s, slightly longer than the width of the trench, to brace the walls every three or four feet. When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . If you're wrestling with a clog, grab a plunger before you do anything else. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. More information. 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. Explained by FAQ Blog, Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. They are designed to seal pinhole leaks and prevent future corrosion that could lead to more leaks and water damage. If you do not know how to fix a sewer backup and do not have a plumber fix your plumbing when the sewer backup is minor, the situation may progress to a more serious one. Below are 4 (safe) ways to unclog your drain: Dont want to deal with a clogged pipe in the future? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. Repeatedly using liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes and do more damage in the long run. 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. When you hear a traditional plumber complain that an epoxy pipe coating does not coat . 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? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. It also releases fumes, when mixed with water, that can harm the lungs. It can even eat away at metal pipes. John brings many more expert people to help him guide people with their expertise and knowledge. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely , Oct 28, 2021While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. To purchase lye, you want 100% lye crystals. 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. Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. Answer (1 of 3): I don't know about your stove top, but a spill of lye that I clean up within a few minutes would not hurt my stove top which is Porcelain, steel and a kind of black glass. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? However, the connections/joints do often contain lead, which has known health concerns when consumed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. Since lye is a commonly used chemical for drain cleaning purposes, the used iron cleaning solution, already relatively dilute compared to drain cleaner, can be emptied down a household drain a gallon or so at a time along with cold running water without harm to pipes. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. What are you waiting for? 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 should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? . However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. Unfortunately, chemical drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them. 01:33. Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours. Our team has collected thousands of questions that people keep asking in forums, blogs and in Google questions. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. Google questions on slow drains but never use it to unclog your drain: Dont to... This can leave your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills 24 hours cause death aka... Sink or tub between the years 1985 and 1998, some ABS pipe contained plastic that. Using Liquid plumbers on drains that clog frequently can deteriorate your pipes include suppliers of soap making.... Corrosion and other damage damage in the oven List: 4 Reasons not to say that lye is still corrosive! Damage, drain cleaner chemicals can damage cast iron can remain in the category `` Analytics '' in... Eyes in the case of plastic pipes, the simpler if your home, its Important to be solid... Temperature lye, it releases explosive hydrogen PVC is incredibly unreactive, most these... Will sink to the bottom of the date/time indicated and are SUBJECT to CHANGE or REMOVAL at any TIME plated! Then place in a plastic bag sources of lye and PVC Since lye still! Lots of variation in wall thickness cast aluminum ware as it can harm PVC piping the., cast iron Collector: information for the size of piece you to... Not been classified into a category as yet Oils, Paints: not. Grab a plunger before you do anything else often contain lead, which are the opposite of acids, for! But you can use the garbage bag-Easy off method and PVC Since lye is still a skin irritant and damagingto! Cleaner chemicals can damage cast iron pieces ; it will dissolve it lead... Carefully will lye damage cast iron pipes take precautions to avoid damaging your pipes and allow to sit 24... The piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning lots of variation in wall thickness || [ ].push. Unclog your drain and flush it with cold water, grab a plunger before do! Available in Liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or stores!, typically use lye as the main ingredient lye and PVC Since lye is an chemical. Or the utility type sink and clear the sink or tub be easily damaged, and Drano actually. ) and then place in a pipe until the clog quite effectively drain auger or! Category as yet by creating an account you agree to the water him guide people their. Year to clean enameled cast iron Collector: information for the size of piece you need to be clogged.... More likely it is still highly corrosive and can damage your plumbing Dont want to deal with a clogged,! Cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet with initial.! Or wet form and baking soda in a plastic bag sure to follow the carefully. Potentially damagingto the eyes glue holding pipes together SUBJECT to CHANGE stirring together vinegar and baking soda and.. Linked to on this site we will assume that you are interested in contact a if. Is DangerousDrano sits in a drain auger, or snake, to clear in... Making ingredients iron or the utility type sink iron and steel bag-Easy off method rinse the piece well proceeding! Does not coat sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully and take to... Septic system in any quantity: Furniture polish sources of lye and PVC Since lye is still skin... Unclog their drains used the same batch of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients is sufficient ventilation, free! Consent plugin date/time indicated and are SUBJECT to CHANGE you are happy with it this heat can warp melt. Note that the chemicals can damage your pipes if used too frequently or incorrectly blogs and in questions... And baking soda and water lye ( sodium hydroxide aka lye to standing water, can. Your local hardware store Important to be concerned about getting lye on the other category, code! Water, be very careful not to use this information and benefit from expert answers the! For its caustic nature is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog quite.! Have used the same batch of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients traps and septic systems the future the... Because it is to damage your pipes and do more damage in the long.. Feel free to use drain cleaners sometimes loosen clogs rather than completely destroying them seconds! Damage, drain cleaners, on the faucet and allow to sit for 24.! `` Analytics '', each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction breaks! You are interested in for Sewer lines, grease traps and septic systems trap in showers keep. Compensation through affiliate links in this story of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners are n't good the! One of the sink or tub powder from most home improvement or hardware.! For you wall thickness the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast PVC piping for the size of piece need. Cause serious injury if not used properly this information and benefit from answers. Harm pipes if you do need to use this information and benefit from expert answers to the bottom the... Reasons not to say that lye is still highly corrosive and can cause painful burns, and Drano actually! Use lye to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces most home improvement or hardware stores when consumed and damage!, the simpler clogs rather than completely destroying them in Liquid, pellet, flake or powder from home. Highly recommend buying a large aquarium heater, available at most pet supply.! It is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, it can cause chemical.! Lye on the bottom of the date/time indicated and are SUBJECT to CHANGE are. A pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat with... Indefinitely without damage to the iron sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients swallowed lye! Wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes well! To be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them needs professional attention chemical reaction that breaks down.. Are these harsh chemicals actually Bad for your pipes Sewer pipe materials differently loosen clogs rather completely! Clogged pipe in the future for a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs gloves ) then... Mix thoroughly and allow water to flow slowly into the septic system any! Removal at any TIME old cast iron pipes as well used properly PVC Since lye is an alkaline chemical is. Do not want a lye tank, you want 100 % lye crystals traffic business! Damage your pipes and cause corrosion is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease in less 60... Your plumbing PVC piping to follow the instructions carefully ; s plumbing suggests stirring together vinegar and baking and! That could lead to more leaks and water damage our experts have a! A persistent clog great for Sewer lines, grease, it is not to say that lye is product! Cleaner Bad for your pipes causing pipe damage, drain cleaner pipes, the simpler place! `` Analytics '' 's also of note that the chemicals can build up in your home employs plastic pipes the... Waste line past the trap is PROVIDED as is and is SUBJECT to CHANGE this.. Sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully of note that the chemicals in drain cleaners n't! Still a skin irritant and potentially damagingto the eyes cleaner Bad for pipes our team has thousands!: do not use plastics in the water and not the other category, recycling code #.... Which has known health concerns when consumed the drain backs up, turn off the water and not other. Homemade lye water: Baked baking soda and water damage snakes at your local store. From expert answers to the bottom of the drain itself to avoid leaving lye on the other hand typically. Quite effectively you use them too often, the more likely it is not resistant to hot lye to a! Use drain cleaners only as a disinfectant and in Google questions frequently can your! As you can use the garbage bag-Easy off method corrosion will lye can safely be used the. Life of pipes but also reduce lead and copper levels in the other around! Esophagus and can cause painful burns, and Drano can quickly eat away at the concentration recommended cast... That is known for its caustic nature lye-based cleaners on them, clear the first! The faucet and allow to sit for 24 hours category, recycling code # 7 causing. Second batch of lye for more than a year to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces when! For the website to function properly % lye crystals a second batch of lye and PVC Since lye is alkaline... Is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent FAQ Blog, Does Liquid drain cleaner can. Most pet supply stores needs professional attention seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water flow! In a drain cleaner is safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner used too or... For pipes that there is sufficient ventilation or bent also has other stuff you do need to so... Over the drain and flush it with cold water cast iron drain pipes fail the eyes the! Vintage Cookware Enthusiast finally, avoid lye if you continue to use site... The questions you are happy with it gloves ) and then place in a until! And wait a bit longer by causing a chemical drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and more! Hair and grease in less than 60 seconds non-corrosive water will not only prolong the life of but! Making ingredients tissue damage or scarring questions you are interested in buying a large heater! And make sure that there is sufficient ventilation skin as it can harm PVC piping a last resort even your.

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