Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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.
In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are incredibly reactive, meaning that given the slightest weakness they could degrade even PVC piping at high enough concentrations. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping.
When they do reach the roots, they may also kill the tree itself and even nearby grass and plants. They’re dangerous. 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. They’ll kill your pipes. Lye and bleach are corrosive.
The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. 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.
Can you pour lye down the drain?
Lye: Lye is typically used as a disinfectant and in soap-making, but you can also use it to unclog a drain. Carefully pour several teaspoonfuls of lye directly into the drain. Pour a small amount of water down after it.
Will lye dissolve pipes?
Although it won’t melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. As such, you should only use lye as a last resort even if your pipes are metal. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid.
What does lye do to pipes?
When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. 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.
Will lye damage copper pipes?
But they’re very corrosive to pipes (including galvanized steel, copper, and iron) as well as fixtures and fittings. Lye drain cleaners also release heat (as do acid-based products) that softens and deforms plastic pipes.
Will lye damage pipes?
Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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.
What does lye do to metal?
Lye will react with metals such as aluminum, cast iron and steel. It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. Glass should be used with caution because it may break due to the heat released when lye reacts.
Can drain cleaner damage pipes?
Drain Cleaner Can Damage Your Pipes Drain cleaner is caustic, meaning it will eat away at your pipes — even the tougher types. If your home employs plastic pipes, use the solution sparingly, if at all. It can even eat away at metal pipes. Use the solution once to break up a clog, and you could be safe.
How do you make a lye bath with cast iron?
Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces.
Is lye safe for cast iron?
Rust: LYE does not remove rust, do the following: Soak pieces in solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water for several hours. 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.
Can I dump lye water down the drain?
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.
How do you neutralize a lye bath?
When working with lye, keep a bowl of vinegar nearby to splash on any skin the lye accidentally comes in contact with. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed.
How do you dispose of unused lye?
To dispose of the lye, you can mix it with distilled water and pour it down the drain. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. If you’re worried about your drain, you can also contact your local waste management services to find out how to dispose of hazardous materials.
More Answers On Will Lye Damage Pipes
Can lye damage pipes? Explained by FAQ Blog
May 30, 2022Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. What does lye do in pipes? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely …
Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? – Hunker
Oct 28, 2021While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. 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 …
Does Lye Work for PVC Drains? | Hunker
Oct 28, 202101:33. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. 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.
Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? A Michigan Tech Explains
In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring.
Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? | Sewer Line Clogs – Roto-Rooter
They’ll kill your pipes. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, it’s best to call a professional. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow.
Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften
For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. Chemicals contained in drain cleaners can be corrosive, but what really causes PVC pipes to melt or soften is the heat produced by the chemical reactions. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes.
Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. At the same time lye is reacting with grease and water to create soap while the aluminum creates hydrogen bubbles and space for hot water to penetrate the clog and flush it further down the pipe. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners.
How to safely unclog drainage with lye – Umami Days
Apr 29, 20221. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Using rubber gloves is advisable. 2. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. 3. If you’re using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Lye can corrode aluminum so make …
Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? » House Trick
Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages.
What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? (Important Facts)
The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. 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. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours.
Can Drano Harm Pipes? | Al’s Plumbing – Plano Texas
5 days agoDrano harms different Sewer Pipe materials differently. We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. PLUS At The End Of This Article — We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. Ingredients In Drano Max Gel Clog Remover. Although. Sodium Hypochlorite/Strong BLEACH // pH=12.5
Why Not to Use Drano to Unclog Your Drains – Einstein Pros
First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. 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.
will lye damage cast iron pipes – tunisiaonline.com
will lye damage cast iron pipes Just by breathing them in, you could experience stinging and irritated eyes and throat. … The sinks, especially the kitchen sink, were often clogged. Possibly — if not used as directed. Lye is caustic and in old pipes can mean a bad thing, the best way I know of getting lines to drain better is the use of a …
Can lye damage pipes? Explained by FAQ Blog
Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. Lye can safely be used to clean nickel or chrome plated pieces. What does lye do in pipes? When the lye dissolves the grease, it releases explosive hydrogen. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely …
Will Lye damage pipes?
Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Secondly, is Lye safe for metal pipes?
Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? A Michigan Tech Explains
In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials can cause a chemical reaction, which produces heat and can melt or warp the pipe. In addition to causing pipe damage, drain cleaners can also cause serious injury if not used properly. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring.
Does Liquid Drain Cleaner Harm Pipes? – Hunker
While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. 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 …
Does Lye Work for PVC Drains? | Hunker
01:33. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. 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.
Will Lye Dissolve Tree Roots? | Sewer Line Clogs – Roto-Rooter
They’ll kill your pipes. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Instead of protecting your pipes, they damage the metal, leading to future plumbing issues. To remove tree roots from your sewer line effectively, it’s best to call a professional. Saving a buck today might cost you 10 tomorrow.
How to Clear Blocked Pipes and Remove Solid Caustic Soda
Use a drain auger, or snake, to clear blockages in the waste line past the trap. 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. If the obstruction is lodged too deeply in the waste line for the auger to reach, call a plumber, who has …
How to Clean a Drain With Lye – Hunker
Generally, lye should be used in metal pipes only as a last resort and never in PVC or other plastic pipes. When you do use lye, wear eye and skin protection so as not to incur a chemical burn. … The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to damage your plumbing. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Lye quickly kills …
Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften
For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. Chemicals contained in drain cleaners can be corrosive, but what really causes PVC pipes to melt or soften is the heat produced by the chemical reactions. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes.
Is Drano Bad for Your Pipes? » House Trick
Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. The lye in Drano eats through organic matter and pipes. Then the aluminum also reacts with lye producing heat. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages.
Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? | Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
Lye breaks down organic matter and in a hot environment, the decomposition is accelerated. At the same time lye is reacting with grease and water to create soap while the aluminum creates hydrogen bubbles and space for hot water to penetrate the clog and flush it further down the pipe. This is the theory behind liquid drain cleaners.
How to safely unclog drainage with lye – Umami Days
1. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Using rubber gloves is advisable. 2. Avoid inhalation of the stuff. Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. 3. If you’re using lye to unclog a kitchen sink, clear the sink first. Lye can corrode aluminum so make …
Can you put lye down the drain? – atop.montanapetroleum.org
Regarding this, will Lye damage plastic pipes? If you will use a lye-based drain cleaner on your PVC drains and pipes, always ensure that you’re using the proper concentration because lye is a corrosive substance and especially so at high concentrations. As long as it’s used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains.
What Is Lye? Everything You Need to Know – Nella Naturals
Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. When working with it, the lye can damage surfaces that it comes into contact with, including your skin. In fact, it’s so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. Lye is sodium hydroxide. It comes in liquid form, flakes, or crystals.
Can you put lye down the drain?
Similarly, will Lye damage plastic pipes? If you will use a lye-based drain cleaner on your PVC drains and pipes, always ensure that you’re using the proper concentration because lye is a corrosive substance and especially so at high concentrations. As long as it’s used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Is Lye the best …
What Dissolves Tree Roots In Sewer Lines? (Important Facts)
The excessive roots that accumulate in the drain, sewer pipes, and septic field lines can be killed with a zep root kill. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. 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. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for 24 hours.
Why Not to Use Drano to Unclog Your Drains – Einstein Pros
First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. 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.
Resource
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/