Can lye damage pipes?

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.

Is lye drain cleaner safe for pipes?

Here's the problem: Chemical drain cleaners, such as caustic cleaners (containing caustic soda or lye), are bad for your pipes and your health. Using one of these chemical cleaners to unclog your drain could cause more harm than good in the long run.

What does lye do to plumbing?

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.

Does lye harm 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.

Does Drano Destroy PVC Pipes?

Does lye eat through plastic?

Although polystyrene is chemically resistant to room temperature lye, it is not resistant to hot lye. Polystyrene is brittle and will shatter easily when dropped or bent. Do not use plastics in the "Other" category, recycling code #7.

Does lye damage stainless steel?

Corrosion resistance of stainless steels

Both 304 and 316 stainless steel types are resistant to a wide range of concentration and temperature. Below 80 ^oC they can be considered resistant to any concentration of sodium hydroxide, up to the limit of solubility.

Why do plumbers say not to use Drano?

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID USING DRANO. Drano is not only ineffective, but it's also extremely damaging to your plumbing system. The heat created by the chemical reaction is more than your drains are designed to take. Corroded, aging plumbing can easily breakdown.

What does lye do to copper?

"The presence of the sodium hydroxide that is creating a problem with the copper pipe, because it is a different material, is not leading to a layer of protection, it is leading to an attack on the copper pipe, and that could create some leaks that have been observed in some locations."

What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Hydrochloric acid, otherwise known as muriatic acid, is commonly used by plumbers around the world to clear a clogged rain. It is a strong acid that can cause serious injury if it is not used with care.

Can you use lye on plastic pipes?

Unfortunately, it generates heat as it does so, making it best to avoid using lye in PVC and other plastic 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.

How long does it take lye to work in a drain?

Powerful 100% lye formula creates heat to melt and dissolve grease, hair, soap, scum, and other drain clogging material. Clears drain lines in 15-30 minutes. For use in kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, and showers.

Will lye hurt septic system?

Drain cleaners are a no-no for all homeowners, even ones who don't have septic systems. Not only can chemical drain cleaners kill the good bacteria in your septic tank, they can also eat away at your pipes! The caustic soda or lye used in them is a powerful oxidizer and can cause severe burns.

Does drain cleaner ruin 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.

Can I mix lye and water in stainless steel?

Lye does not react to stainless steel. When you get into making bigger batches of soap, a big stainless steel pot is a lifesaver. Make sure your pots are stainless steel and not a blend of stainless steel and aluminum.

Does lye rust metal?

Materion Inc. The short answer is yes. Sodium hydroxide will not react with iron or steel, in fact the alkaline conditions will not allow rust to grow; if you make the conditions oxidizing, the black magnetic oxide will grow in its stead; hence the use of alkaline solutions of sodium nitrate for hot bluing baths.

Is lye water safe?

Lye water (sometimes called 'Lime Water') is a strong (caustic) liquid that is safe to use in very small amounts in cooking, but it can be dangerous if lye water is swallowed undiluted straight from the bottle. It can cause severe corrosive burns to the throat, oesophagus and stomach with permanent damage if swallowed.

What is the most powerful drain Unclogger?

Best Overall: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover

This popular drain cleaner works effectively on different drains and disposals—whether in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or garage. This highly concentrated formula works in about seven minutes and can remove even the toughest grime buildup from your drains.

Can bleach unclog a drain?

Bleach Will Clean Your Drain, Not Unclog It

Bleach isn't going to unclog your drain any more than pouring a glass of water down the sink. Bleach is great for sanitizing your sink and drain and killing smelly germs; it will not break down clogs.

What drain cleaner is safe for PVC pipes?

What container is safe for lye?

Use an Appropriate Mixing Container: It's important to mix your lye solution in a durable and safe container. The container should be a sturdy, heat-resistant plastic or glass. I don't recommend mixing lye solution in a metal container.

Does lye react with glass?

Sodium hydroxide, aka solid drain cleaner or lye, can easily be stored in glass as a solid, but when molten, it reacts violently with glass and can actually dissolve it away!

What happens if you breathe in lye fumes?

Breathing sodium hydroxide dust or mist causes mild or serious effects, depending on the amount of exposure. Effects may include sneezing, sore throat or runny nose. Severe inflammation of the lungs can occur. Swallowing sodium hydroxide may cause severe burns in the mouth, throat and stomach.

How do you clean drains with lye?

Using a plastic spoon, pour a few tablespoonfuls of lye directly into the drain hole. Then, pour in about a quarter cup of water to disperse the lye as far as it can go. Leave it to do its job for a half hour or so then flush the drain with hot water.

Can you use metal spoon for lye?

A warning about bowls and pans and utensils — always use stainless steel or plastic when working with lye. Stainless steel is impervious to lye, but most other common metals used in kitchen gear are not. The chemical reaction from the wrong metal can ruin the tool and ruin the soap.