Is lye an effective drain cleaner?
Unclog drains with lye. It is an effective substance for use in unclogging drains and is often one of the active ingredients in commercially available drain cleaners. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog.
Is pure lye safe for 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 bad for drain 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 is the best drain opener you can buy?
Best Overall: Drano Max Gel Clog Remover This commonly recognized product is popular for good reason—it’s a great all-around drain opener that’s effective and affordable, to boot. Drano Max Gel Clog Remover comes in 80-ounce bottles, and it’s safe to use on PVC, metal pipes, garbage disposals, and septic systems.
Does lye eat plastic?
Sodium hydroxide (lye) reacts with aluminum. Stick with stainless steel, heavy duty plastic and glass.
Can I put lye in my toilet?
It is used in soapmaking and for cleaning and opening drains. If your toilet becomes clogged, sprinkling a small amount of lye in the toilet will help unclog it. Lye is used to clean and unclog drains, including those in toilets. Before using lye, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the product.
What acid do plumbers use to unclog drains?
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is the most common acid used by plumbers to unclog drains.
Does lye water expire?
If your lye solution does not get very hot, it may be expired. Above, the potassium hydroxide lye solution using expired lye only reached 124 ° F. If you notice anything odd happening with your lye, don’t use it in cold process soap. Expired lye doesn’t saponify properly, meaning your soap may not reach trace.
How does Lye clean drains?
It is an effective substance for use in unclogging drains and is often one of the active ingredients in commercially available drain cleaners. Lye works because it is caustic and actually dissolves hair and grease, which are the root causes of the drain clog. Unclog drains with lye.
Is Lye safe for drains?
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.
Does Lye work for PVC drains?
If you’re wondering if lye works for PVC drains, the short answer is yes. However, it can also be harmful and cause damage to your drain in the long run.
What is a drain opener?
Handheld drain openers are physical devices, or equipment, that are designed to open and clean clogged drains. An example of a handheld drain opener is the handheld electric drain cleaner. This tool resembles a hand drill and is typically used to unclog lavatory, tub, shower and sink drains.