Is lye better than Drano?

Compared to solutions of lye, bacterial drain cleaners are safer. They require less eye and skin protection. But you still should be careful not to ingest or splash the product. Buildup removers are better used as a preventative on a regular basis than as a clog-fixer.

Is lye the same as Drano?

Drano's main ingredient is sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, a substance that decomposes most organic matter.

Can lye be used to unclog drains?

Heavier than water, lye is a popular chemical often used to clear clogged drains. Because it doesn't float, you can use lye in drains even when there is standing water present. The lye will sink to the bottom of the drain and clear the clog quite effectively.

What works better than Drano?

Using a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water – For more stubborn clogs, a combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water may do the trick. Because vinegar is an acid and baking soda is a base, mixing the two will cause a chemical reaction that will create pressure and possibly dislodge the clog.

Will lye hurt your 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.

Why Plumbers Hate Drano!

What is the best thing to unclog a drain?

Baking soda and salt work similarly to baking soda and vinegar. Again, combine a 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of salt. Let this sit in the drain for at least 30 minutes or as long as overnight and then pour hot water down the drain. Repeat this process if necessary.

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.

What do plumbers use instead of Drano?

Salt. Another convenient replacement for Drano is simple table salt. You can either pour about half a cup of salt directly down the drain followed by some boiling water or mix the two in a cup and then pour the mixture into the clogged drain.

What chemical do plumbers use to unclog drains?

Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains. Although this component can be found even in your own stomach, as part of the digestive acids, its pure concentrated form can only be purchased from certain stores if you carry a plumber's license.

What is safer than Drano?

Here's a simple home remedy that's a safe alternative to drano and made from ingredients you likely have lying around the house: Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Let it sit for 20 mins – 1/2 hour and then pour about 2 quarts of boiling water down.

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 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.

Can you pour lye down the toilet?

You cannot use lye in a toilet without creating a leak. You may not see it, but the leak will be there. Toilets must be plunged or snaked.

Why do plumbers hate Drano?

Because of its corrosive nature, Drano can cause toilet bowls to crack, PVC pipes to melt or break and the glue that holds pipes together can be eaten away. If any of these things happen, you're going to be left with an inoperable plumbing system and costly repairs.

What does hot water do to lye?

It will cause a toxic, chemical reaction. Lye is extremely caustic and can do severe damage. When water and lye are mixed together this is known as a lye solution. This mixing will also cause an exothermic reaction, this means that heat is given off as a byproduct of the chemical reaction occurring.

How does lye drain cleaner work?

Caustic drain cleaners contain ingredients such as lye that give electrons to the material causing the clog. This creates a chemical reaction that produces heat and makes grease thinner and easier to dissolve. They are most useful for drains that have been clogged with greases such as a kitchen sink or grease trap.

How do professional plumbers unclog drains?

The plumber inserts the hose deep down into the drain, and then high-pressure water blasts out the nozzle to clean out all parts of the drain. The pressure is enough to completely wash away all debris clinging to the drainpipe walls, making it hard for debris to build up again.

What happens if you pour citric acid down the drain?

Use citric acid to help clear slow drains and flush your drains regularly with a citric acid solution as part of your regular bathroom and kitchen cleaning and maintenance.

Which is more effective Drano or Liquid plumber?

The key takeaway is that Drano and Liquid-Plumr both work, and they both work really well. In my experiment, Drano removed the clog more efficiently. But, ultimately, both got the job done. So, if you're wondering which drain cleaner is “better,” rest assured knowing both are effective.

How do you clear a slow draining sink?

Pour one-half cup baking soda into the drain followed by one-half cup white vinegar; the fizzing and bubbling reaction helps to break up small clogs. Block the drain using a small rag so the chemical reaction doesn't all bubble up out. Wait 15 minutes.

Is vinegar better than Drano?

Baking soda and vinegar may unclog your drain better than Drano ever could.

Why did Drano make a clog worse?

The chemicals in Drano may not solve all clogs, and they can lead to a worsening of pipe issues. Drano can build up in a clogged area, and corrode the pipe. With repeated use, these chemicals may eat their way through a pipe, and cause a leak or a collapse of the system.

How long does lye solution last?

The shelf life of lye, sodium hydroxide, when properly stored is one year. After a year it is possible for your lye to work, but you should do a small batch to test whether the lye is still good.

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.

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.