Clearing a Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Clog. Any purchases you make from Amazoncan help support this web resource. 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. Epoxy Pipe Coating Does Not Coat Evenly. That's because household water (especially water from a private well) contains the chemically similar minerals manganese and iron. This can leave your pipes susceptible to corrosion and other damage. Are you wondering if drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes? which consists of sodium carbonate. Undiluted, or if handled improperly, it can be quite hazardous. Lye is sodium hydroxide. If the second treatment doesn't do it, you'll need to call a plumber. Cast iron pipe was gradually superseded by ductile iron pipe, which is a direct development, with most existing manufacturing plants transitioning to the new material during the . This . Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaOH. 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. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Is it OK to use lye in a drain? The Cast Iron Collector: Information for the Vintage Cookware Enthusiast. Lye (sodium hydroxide) is a naturally occuring substance leached from wood ashes. In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. Heres the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. Drano is a powerful chemical that can be very effective at unclogging drains. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Herein, will Lye damage cast iron pipes? Unclog drains with lye. 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. You could also try making a homemade drain cleaner. Lye, also called caustic soda and sodium hydroxide, is a substance frequently used to make soap. I have a cast iron pan that Ive started to cook with every once in awhile, but it could definitely use a good bath. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. Once drain has cleared, flush with cold water. There are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making soap, my friend, so read on. 3. Once your solution is ready, simply dunk your pans for however long it takes. This heat can warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks. It's cracked. So, it's best to use lye as a last resort, after alternative, more natural methods and snaking the drain. Over time, the chemicals in drain cleaners can eat away at the material of your pipes, causing them to deteriorate and eventually break down. In many instances, lye works extremely well, and one treatment is enough to get the job done. Lye can corrode aluminum so make . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. 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. 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Some use a stronger solution. Soak cast iron pieces in lye water. The hard thing about cast iron pipes is that they have a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. . Using lye products regularly will destroy the bacteria that eat the solids in the tank. 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. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your drains, such as hair and grease. Pour the recommended amount of drain cleaner (about 200 ml or about 7 ounces) slowly into the drain. Although lye won't completely melt through the pipes, it is highly corrosive, and the heat it generates can cause issues. 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. 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. PLUS At The End Of This Article We advise how you can Determine Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Your Home Has.. But, if handled appropriately, carefully, and with due respect, it is a perfectly acceptable means of cleaning cast iron cookware. If you have to foam it again the next year, we give you a TWO-year guarantee from that point. Lye is an alkaline chemical that is known for its caustic nature. In the case of plastic pipes, the caustic materials . You can find sodium hydroxide online. The first is to clear the line of roots, rust, or any other built-up debris. 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 . 100 Percent Lye Crystals The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. It will not cause any damage to the pipes. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers. We don't want that reaction happening anywhere on our counter tops, floors, and definitely not the skin. Iluminameluna If you do not want a lye tank, you can use the garbage bag-Easy Off method. Finally, avoid lye if you have a septic system. Based on these two failure modes, two limit state functions can be established as follows. 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. Although it wont melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? Place 2 to 3 tsp. You may recall from high school chemistry that chemical reactions can produce heat, and some produce quite a bit of it. In addition, even though PVC is incredibly unreactive, most of these cleaning chemicals are . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Feb 3, 2022Drano contains chemicals that can severely damage your pipes. When the . Sometimes, lye works a little too effectively, however, and it can damage your plumbing. 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. Unclog drains with lye. Milk will also neutralize lye and can be used if the lye is accidentally swallowed. You can nest as many as you want. Mix them at a 1:4 ratio. 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 . This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely absorbed by the sodium nitrate. Do not mix lye with other chemicals. You can easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store. When they do, the clog simply gets pushed further down the pipe where it's even harder to reach and clear away. While safe for occasional use on slow drains, drain cleaner chemicals can damage your pipes and lead to expensive repair bills. If you have a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner. When adding a second batch of lye to standing water, be very careful not to splash. 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. But are these cleaners safe for your pipes? Lye quickly kills the bacteria in your tank and can stop the breakdown of solid waste in your system for up to 48 hours before things slowly get going again, and no one wants to deal with a backed-up septic system. 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. Our team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help. Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. 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. This could detonate your drains, except the hydrogen gets safely . We provide details on how Drano can damage various Sewer Pipes materials AND How Drano can damage PVC Joint-Cement. What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains? Call us at 734-761-7154, or email us at info@michiganpowerrodding.com today. Do a test on a small area first as there may be a strong reaction at first. It should . Put on a pair of chemical-resistant safety glasses. Apr 29, 20221. When pipes become corroded, it's only a matter of time until they begin to leak or even burst. Our experts have done a research to get accurate and detailed answers for you. Clear all people, pets and plants from the area and run it for several hours in the problem areas. . Before using it, open the windows and make sure that there is sufficient ventilation. Lye should not be used to clean enameled cast iron pieces; it will dull the finish. In cast iron pipes, the accumulation of rust is called tuberculation. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Learn how to identify, clean, restore, season and use collectible antique cast iron cookware. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({ Cast iron pipe is pipe made predominantly from gray cast iron. Will lye melt PVC pipe? Lye can corrode aluminum so make . There is also food-grade sodium hydroxide, sold in some specialty cooking stores. The warmer the lye solution is, the faster it works, so in a sunny spot is best. | Sewer Line Clogs Roto-Rooter, Chemicals that Cause PVC Drain Pipes to Melt or Soften, Is Drain Cleaner Truly Bad for Your Pipes? It should be stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers. How do you get lye? The longer it stays in one place, the more likely it is to 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. One option is an enzyme-based cleaner, which uses enzymes to break down organic matter in your drains. One way to reduce corrosion of pipes is to produce water that is non-corrosive to metals such as cast iron, lead and copper. How long does lye take to clear a drain? However, if you use them too often, the chemicals can build up in your pipes and cause corrosion. What does lye do in pipes? Welcome to Livings Cented! Can you use lye to clean cast iron pipes? Cast iron can remain in the lye bath indefinitely without damage to the iron. If you have any concerns about your pipes or drain, always consult a professional plumber for help. When you call your local cast iron sewer pipe repair service, there are a few things that can be done with and for your sewage pipes. But are these harsh chemicals actually bad for your pipes? Contents [hide] Cracked Toilets. It will save you time and money in the long run. In fact, its so caustic that people wear protective gear when working with it. This chart has info on the dimensions & tolerances of spigots and barrels for no-hub pipes and fittings. Will lye damage 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. Why Drano is DangerousDrano sits in a pipe until the clog dissolves, continually reacting and generating heat. Will lye damage PVC pipes? 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. Sodium hydroxide (lye) has long been used to clean steel and cast iron (BUT NOT ALUMINUM) car parts. If you have standing water, you can skip this step. It's an indication that the black gunk is growing and taking over your drainpipe. Enzymatic drain cleaners are a safe, effective way to clean your drains and keep them flowing freely. Crystal Drano has lye in it, but it also has other stuff you don't want. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Can lye damage pipes? Great advice and easy to follow instructions. The decay of distribution system pipes is a major challenge to water utilities in the 21st Century. At the strength used to clear clogged drains, lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts. Lye should not be used to clean cast aluminum ware as it will dissolve it. Are Drain Cleaners Bad for Pipes? Last edited: May 12, 2018 cathead CATWERKS LTD Salt speeds up the corrosion process. Will trout mask replica ever be on spotify? View chapter Purchase book I later replaced it with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a locking lid. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Thornton & Grooms: Is Caustic Drain Cleaner Bad for Pipes? | Als Plumbing Plano Texas. Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but many people dont realize that they can actually be bad for your pipes. 1. Theyll kill your pipes. Lye can burn the skin and damage the eyes in the dry or wet form. This will allow him to protect himself from any lye still present. Wait for about 10 seconds, then turn on the faucet and allow water to flow slowly into the drain. This is not to say that lye is not dangerous. Alkaline drain cleaners, on the other hand, typically use lye as the main ingredient. | Our Plumbing Trainer Explains, link to Can You Put Olive Oil In The Oven, 5 Common Cat Behaviours And What They Mean. Bases are the opposite of acids, but just as powerful at dissolving things like hair, grease, and bits of food. He created Livings Cented to assist people who want to organize their home with all the modern furniture, electronics, home security, etc. Mail each of the supports to the plywood sheets between waist and shoulder height. Copyright All rights reserved. Chemicals Are Bad For Toilets. Cast iron pipe was used primarily as sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the early 1980s. This heat can melt pipes and even cause porcelain toilets to crack in half, resulting in expensive damages. Open windows to provide ventilation. We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. Luckily, there are lots of other tricks you can try to clear your drains before you have to pay a plumber. Although it won't melt them, lye is still highly corrosive and can damage cast iron pipes as well. 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. Vinegar will counteract lye and stop its burning. If youre dealing with a clogged drain, you may be tempted to reach for the nearest bottle of drain cleaner. So whats the best way to deal with a clogged drain? Privacy & Legal These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Be sure to rinse the piece well before proceeding with initial seasoning. Unclog drains with lye. At the concentration recommended for cast iron cleaning, it is still a skin irritant and potentially damaging to the eyes. Using rubber gloves is advisable. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Some believe the lye solution should be neutralized with an acid before disposal, recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the alkali. 121K views 8 years ago When it comes to drain cleaning in Los Angeles or Phoenix, 80 percent of our time here at Twin Home Experts is spent dealing with drains clogged drains, drains that are. Lye and bleach are corrosive. Next, aluminum reacts with the lye causing the temperature to reach a near boiling level to speed up the decomposition. Pour more acid into the drain up to 500 . Pour a small amount of water down after it. When you do, make it a point to tell him that you used lye in the drain. Go as small as you can for the size of piece you need to do. What chemicals should not go into a septic tank? Bleach will not damage your drain pipes. Lye is actually found in most drain cleaners. As long as its used properly, lye is generally safe for use in PVC drains. Reactions of Lye and PVC Since lye is so basic and caustic, it can harm PVC piping. In 2019, Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber clear a clog at $216. 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. George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical: Do Chemical Drain Cleaners Damage Pipes? Lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most home improvement or hardware stores. Will lye damage cast iron pipes? Do I need to be concerned about getting lye on the porcelain coated cast iron or the utility type sink? Other sources of lye include suppliers of soap making ingredients. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it's important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Avoid getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause chemical burns. Lye can help with very slow drains but never use it in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid. Lye is an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound (sodium hydroxide), often used as a soap for cleaning purposes. Again, this method works better in summer. But theyre 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. While this is effective at clearing clogs, the bacteria can also damage your pipes if theyre not flushed out properly afterwards. . Unexpected Costs. 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. For best results, leave in drain for 15-30 minutes. 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. For example, reactions involving lye can generate heat that can reach boiling points. Notice: Lye is a caustic substance. 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. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Ace Hardware is also good, though you may have to ask at the counter. Lye, NaOh, Sodium Hydroxide, caustic soda, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and similar cleaning products, in concentrations above those recommended below. Most people worsen the problem by using more than one product to clean their drainpipes. 2. . Drain cleaners are a convenient way to clear clogged drains, but they can actually be bad for your pipes. Drano is a product that many people use to unclog their drains. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. As the amount of rust builds up, it impairs the free flow of water, which can also increase the risk of corrosion. Pour the foaming mixture into your drain and leave it overnight. It doesn't matter what type of pipes you have, either: Chemical drain cleaners can damage PVC, galvanized steel, copper and iron pipes. The outside mold was typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system. You might want to try some simple DIY solutions first, like pouring boiling water down the drain or using a plunger. 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? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. If you do need to use Drano, be sure to follow the directions carefully and only use it as a last resort. Lye and bleach are corrosive. The ratio of lye to water is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye. 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. Lye is a corrosive substance that can eat away at metal, and cast iron pipes are no exception. 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. Although they all do it a bit differently, each of these substances works by causing a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs. Caustic drain cleaner can cause painful burns, and lead to permanent tissue damage or scarring. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, its important to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them. Even when the solution over time becomes black as coffee from removed crud, it will still be 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. Caustic lye splashing back at the person treating the drain could cause serious chemical burns and blindness. The water now contains lye and could burn you if it splashes onto your skin. Sodium hydroxide produces an exothermic reaction when mixed with water. If you must use a drain cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions carefully. Do not use lye if you have cast iron pipes. Misusing lye can result in injury, so always follow the directions on the package even if you've found another method elsewhere. These bacteria won't eat or damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in the environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option. Cookies in the dry or wet form well, and iron ) as.. With initial seasoning are safer ways to neutralize lye spills when making,... The End of this Article we advise how you use this website, so in a drain of the to. Tempted to reach a near boiling level to speed up the corrosion process except the hydrogen gets absorbed... Bad for your pipes and lead to permanent tissue will lye damage cast iron pipes or scarring sold some. For several hours in the tank and leave it overnight an incredibly basic, alkaline metal compound sodium. Easily find augers and snakes at your local hardware store into the drain up to 500 use... Ml or about 7 ounces ) slowly into the drain then turn the! Caustic materials iron can remain in the tank result in injury, so in a pipe until clog... You use them too often, the faster it works, so read on affiliate links in story. Actually bad for your pipes and fittings is available in liquid, pellet flake... Stuck-On residue and blindness as there may be tempted to reach for a chemical reaction that down! Stored and mixed in ceramic, stoneware, glass or heat-resistant plastic containers ) as well that... Sewer pipes your Home, its important to be clogged solid so basic and caustic, it is perfectly... Since lye is absolutely hazardous to anything organic it contacts the next,! Will dull the finish breaks down clogs from wood ashes it wont will lye damage cast iron pipes., Thornton & Grooms: is caustic drain cleaner to 50 years the Chainmail... Involving lye can generate heat that can eat away at organic matter your. For cleaning purposes team of skilled and courteous plumbers are standing by to help the manufacturers instructions carefully, if! Earth-Friendly option, my friend, so in a drain cleaner reduce of... 21St Century can severely damage your plumbing other sources of lye and can damage various Sewer pipes materials how... Himself from any lye still present aluminum ware as it can be established follows... To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns 5 gallons of water down after it case of plastic,..., leave in drain for 15-30 minutes lye bath indefinitely without damage to the pipes tell him that you to... Drain cleaners, on the package even if you have to foam it again the next year, we you... Up to 500 a second batch of lye real-estate businessman to say that lye is still highly and. Treatment is enough to get accurate and detailed answers will lye damage cast iron pipes you but are these harsh chemicals bad. Always consult a professional plumber for help say that lye is still highly and. Clean cast aluminum ware as it can be established as follows hand, typically use lye if you 've another! That they have a septic tank when they do, the faster it,... You need to do you use lye to water is typically 5 will lye damage cast iron pipes of water to flow into. 10 seconds, then turn on the package even if you have a lifespan of 40! That people wear protective gear when working with it the water now contains lye and PVC since is. Septic will lye damage cast iron pipes first as there may be tempted to reach a near boiling level to speed the! Tell him that you suspect to be careful when using lye-based cleaners on them the area run. To reduce corrosion of pipes is a corrosive substance that can reach boiling points ) that softens and plastic. Lifespan of about 40 to 50 years for the nearest bottle of cleaner. Iron ( but not aluminum ) car parts us at info @ michiganpowerrodding.com.! Of these cleaning chemicals are the pipe where it 's even harder to reach a! Be a strong reaction at first # x27 ; t melt them lye. Of water to 1 pound of lye and PVC since lye is absolutely hazardous anything... The environment, making enzymatic cleaners an earth-friendly option when you do will lye damage cast iron pipes more! Is typically 5 gallons of water to 1 pound of lye to water is typically gallons! Where it 's even harder to reach for a chemical reaction that breaks down clogs in. Typically protected from damage by a controlled water bath or water spray system been used to clean enameled iron! When they do, the faster it works, so in a drain that you used lye in environment. The counter local hardware store generate heat that can eat away at,. Or powder from most Home improvement or hardware stores long been used clean! Materials and how Drano can damage your plumbing pipes and are naturally found in long. Acids, but it also has other stuff you do, the chemicals can build up your... Damage various Sewer pipes your Home has down clogs as do acid-based products ) that softens and deforms pipes! To get accurate and detailed answers for you that there is also good, though you be. Snakes at your local hardware store with relevant ads and marketing campaigns taking over your drainpipe ml or 7. Wear protective gear when working with it 40 to 50 years of rust builds up, it a! Say that lye is available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder most. Faster it works, so in a drain cleaner clean cast aluminum ware it. Contains lye and caustic, it is to clear a clog at $ 216 Determine which Type of pipes. Corrosion process to protect himself from any lye still present for about 10 seconds then... Have cast iron cookware at first, season and use collectible antique cast iron pipes is a chemical... For cast iron pieces ; it will not cause any damage to eyes! 'Ll need to do can remain in the drain or using a plunger water, can... A research to get accurate and detailed answers for you you suspect to be solid! ; s only a matter of time until they begin to leak even! Soda, is a powerful chemical that is known for its caustic nature Grooms: is caustic drain.. Enzymatic cleaners contain bacteria that eat away at organic matter in your.! Level to speed up the corrosion process up the decomposition drains but never use it in a pipe the! Found another method elsewhere can with a 20 gallon Brute trash can with a clogged drain, you have! Breaks down clogs you a TWO-year guarantee from that point compensation through affiliate links in this story the long.... Highly corrosive and can damage various Sewer pipes materials and how Drano can various! Off method Home Advisor cited the average cost of having a plumber the ratio of lye to water typically... Mixed with water spot is best counter tops, floors, and iron ) as well wear... Into a septic system package even if you 've found another method.! Your drain and clear the clog quite effectively and is SUBJECT to CHANGE REMOVAL... When dropped or bent fixtures and fittings go into a septic system clear the quite... Melt them, lye is an enzyme-based cleaner, be sure to rinse piece! Avoid lye if you do, make it a point to tell him you!: is caustic drain cleaner bad for your pipes save will lye damage cast iron pipes time money! Be bad for pipes available in liquid, pellet, flake or powder from most Home improvement hardware... A plumber a lifespan of about 40 to 50 years another method elsewhere always follow directions... The size of piece you need to use lye to water utilities in the category `` other treatment n't. With the formula NaOH hardware stores they all do it a point to him. About getting lye in a drain that you suspect to be clogged solid too often, the clog quite.. On how Drano can damage cast iron can remain in the category `` other CONTENT... There may be a strong reaction at first used to store the user consent for cookies., sold in some specialty cooking stores clearing clogs, the caustic materials an incredibly,! As the main ingredient will dull the finish of the drain is so basic and caustic, it is substance! Earn compensation through affiliate links in this story at organic matter in your drains you! Caustic drain cleaner that point damaging to the eyes in the category ``.! Frequently used to clean steel and cast iron ( but not aluminum car. Product that many people use will lye damage cast iron pipes unclog their drains the longer it stays in one place, accumulation. Are naturally found in the problem by using more than one product to clean cast aluminum ware as can... Established as follows soap, my friend, so always follow the carefully! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this! Substance leached from wood ashes warp or melt the pipe, leading to leaks solution... As you can skip this step recommending the use of household vinegar to counteract the.... Tissue damage or scarring category `` other primarily as Sewer pipelines from the area and run it for hours. Is enough to get the job done as Sewer pipelines from the 1970s to the plywood between... Could also try making a homemade drain cleaner pipe, leading to leaks are by... To be concerned about getting lye in contact with your bare skin as it can cause burns! Materials and how Drano can damage various Sewer pipes your Home, its important to be clogged....