Lye Down the Drain

[Lotus]

Okay, so right after I started making soap consistently (very recently), my sink plumbing went to "crap" and my landlord had to call a plumber (who will be here on Tuesday). The plumbing rusted through to make holes everywhere. Granted, the landlord doesn't keep up on the place very well, and it's a task every time we need anything fixed. We can't wait to move.

I know lye is good for plumbing. Hell, it's made for plumbing.

I haven't actually poured any lye down the drain, concentrated, as yet. The only lye that makes it down the drain is rinsing my molds out.

My question is, there's no way that this is my fault, right? This is the fault of my landlord and not taking care of the place, right? Lye really can't hurt my plumbing, right? I ask, because we want to buy a house soon, and I want to make sure we don't screw up our plumbing there.

 

[shunt2011]

I've been making soap for several years now and have never had a problem with my plumbing. I don't think it's your fault it's the fault of the landlord.

 

[Lotus]

I've been making soap for several years now and have never had a problem with my plumbing. I don't think it's your fault it's the fault of the landlord.

Oh, thank you! I think the timing was just so opportune, and made me wonder.

 

[Lindy]

I always use lye to clear my drains. I have it on hand and it works incredibly well. I live in a house that was built in 1959 and I'm not sure when the plumbing was last upgraded so it gets running slow. If you're on a septic system or field I understand that it's not a good idea then...

 

[Lotus]

I always use lye to clear my drains. I have it on hand and it works incredibly well. I live in a house that was built in 1959 and I'm not sure when the plumbing was last upgraded so it gets running slow. If you're on a septic system or field I understand that it's not a good idea then...

No, we live "in the city" so it's definitely not septic, but good to know, that lye isn't working (I feel there's a word I can't think of, here) to further injure my pipes. Wow, I would love to own a house that was built in 1959. Older houses (granted my mother was born that year, so she wouldn't appreciate this) are so much fun, and yet, set with their own set of issues.

Thanks. I knew it couldn't be the lye. But, I wondered if the lye wasn't "the last straw" or something.

Definitely, our landlord is an irritant when it comes to maintenance. He implies that it's our fault every time something is wrong with an appliance (I've never seen an oven/stove like ours, it's so old). Really, we have our eye on a particular house. I can't wait to get pre-approved for a loan to buy it. Anyway. It just felt like weird timing. I felt weird about it. Glad he doesn't have a clue what's involved with soap making. He's weird like that. Would say it WAS the lye that "done it."

 

[Lindy]

My brother was born the year this house was built and I was born 18 months earlier (57). This house has a story to tell, but we don't know what that story is. There are houses here that were built in the early 1900's that are in amazing condition and much-loved.

 

[Lotus]

My brother was born the year this house was built and I was born 18 months earlier (57). This house has a story to tell, but we don't know what that story is. There are houses here that were built in the early 1900's that are in amazing condition and much-loved.

Oh! How sad that you know that there's a story that you don't know! Is there a chance that you could ever learn it eventually, to pass it on? Old stories are so much fun! What can I say? I SO much love older things. So cool that there are so many old houses in your area. There are a few amazing old houses here, but our city has a weird way, where the "people" like to preserve what is old. Which I get, and I love, but they can go a bit overboard, sometimes, when it's unnecessary. For instance, my landlord requested to have a big tree in our front yard taken down. They obliged and will take it down soon. But with the stipulation that he plants another tree in its place. There's another tree right next to it, already. I really don't think it's necessary. But that's the way of our city. BUT!!! It is still a really cool city, despite its peculiarities.

Edited for spelling.

 

[sosocal]

if any raw soap is going down your drains that will definitely cause problems.

 

[Lotus]

if any raw soap is going down your drains that will definitely cause problems.

Will it? Please explain why!

 

[squeakycleanuk]

I read that about raw soap somewhere in the soap archives on this forum. I think the reasoning was that if you was the raw soap down the sink it will follow through the next stage of saponification right there in your plumbing, maybe if I understood it correctly. So most people were advising that pots etc were wiped of as much residue as possible before rinsing.

 

[stargazer44]

My husband is a scientist, and says me washing everything in the kitchen sink is really good. I was concerned because I saw people talking about clogging their pipes if they was down the sink. He pointed out that Lye is a drain cleaner, and we are making soap - which gets washed down the drain daily. He says I am saving him work and should wash in all the sinks and showers in the house

 

[melstan775]

Your conversation about old houses is making me jealous! I LOVE old houses. The rooms are smaller but they have so much more character, like built in cabinets in the hand-carved banisters that hold the ceilings up, gorgeous windowsills, roof overhangs that are large enough to actually make shade on an actual front porch, big back yards with garages out back... I could go on and on. Old houses just have a nice homey character missing in newer homes.

 

[melstan775]

My husband is a scientist, and says me washing everything in the kitchen sink is really good. I was concerned because I saw people talking about clogging their pipes if they was down the sink. He pointed out that Lye is a drain cleaner, and we are making soap - which gets washed down the drain daily. He says I am saving him work and should wash in all the sinks and showers in the house

Yes but soap begins to saponify quickly so if it's not washed away quickly or diluted well enough, it could build up which might either clog the pipes or etch into the pipes. I think people have had different results with this so the debate is up whether washing soap leftovers down the drain is a help or hindrance. I'm in the camp that says it's a help because I can smell the crap coming up (we have crappy plumbing) out of the drain when I am done, which means it's getting a good cleaning! I usually run lemon juice down the sink after to lower the pH in the wet pipes and kill the smell.

 

[Ruthie]

Lotus' original post was about the pipes rusting. (Lye does not cause rusting.) That's why years ago PVC pipes came into use. And Lotus, that very fact shows how long it has been since the plumbing was updated in your house! I've had to deal with a landlord like that, and I remember well the hassle!

As for soapmaking wash-off saponifying in one's pipes, it would take a LOT to cause major clogs on its own. Even tho it would go through the saponification process, it would still be quite soft and would be washed away by the continued draining of water.

 

[Lotus]

Lotus' original post was about the pipes rusting. (Lye does not cause rusting.) That's why years ago PVC pipes came into use. And Lotus, that very fact shows how long it has been since the plumbing was updated in your house! I've had to deal with a landlord like that, and I remember well the hassle!

As for soapmaking wash-off saponifying in one's pipes, it would take a LOT to cause major clogs on its own. Even tho it would go through the saponification process, it would still be quite soft and would be washed away by the continued draining of water.

That is what I was thinking. It would get rinsed off pretty quickly, even so. I liked reading all the responses about the debate. But, you are right. The pipes were definitely rusted.

I really thought my landlord was the only one. Poor guy. We laugh to ourselves about him when he's not around. I think landlords are the exception of that being okay. It's what makes it worth it to pay the rent, right? : )

 

[soapguy]

Rather than take a chance on messing up the plumbing, I wipe the excess soap/lye 0ff the containers/bowls with a paper towel. I then attempt to neutralize the excess lye by pouring vinegar into the bowls and mixing. I then rinse with soap water and allow to drain. Be advised that no matter what you say or are able to prove, the landlord will think you caused the holes in the pipe. It is better to play it safe it just for your own mental well being.

 

[mel z]

Wow am I happy to see this conversation! I rent in a huge old house built in 1910, the outside is beautiful and somehow still has a cool triangle shaped yard. You can tell where there used to be a horse and buggy lane and trees lining it.

The plumbing is original. Not the worst landlord I've ever had, I have loads of horror stories but beautiful places b/c they are all so old. Just finished up a batch and washed all that soapy oil away. I have been worrying about the oil and pouring some degreaser (from Dollar Tree) down afterward. Last time I just let the soap dishes sit until the next evening, but the soap oil was still oily. I'm taking everyone's word for it that it will be okay. I did just flush some potassium hydroxide down last week, about a tablespoon, in fear of oil build up, and b/c I don't think I'm making liquid soap anymore. I never thought about it actually saponifying in the drain!

 

[soapguy]

Here is some information I found from goarticles.com

Most drain cleaners, aside from being unfriendly to our environment, are not too friendly on your pipes either. In this article we will look at which drain cleaners are safe to use and which ones are not. The drain cleaners that you do not want to use can cause problems in your plumbing, pipes, and surrounding areas.

You should steer clear of any drain cleaners that contain acids. Sulfuric acid is one of the most common acids used in drain cleaners. Stay away from these types of drain cleaners even if the bottle says that they are safe for your pipes.


Pipes
Drain Cleaners remove the blockage in your pipes by disintegrating it, which gives off heat as a byproduct and can damage pipes. Drain cleaners can even soften PVC pipes and cause damage in pipes that are already corroded.

Surrounding Areas
Drain Cleaner can corrode your plumbing and the surrounding areas if it splashes onto the surface. Minimizing splash can be difficult because of how thick drain cleaners can be.

Toxic Fumes
Besides being corrosive and bad for your pipes and plumbing, drain cleaners give off toxic fumes, and if drain cleaner is mixed with anything containing bleach it may create chlorine gas. Chlorine gas is fatal to both humans and other animals.

Pets & Children
Liquid drain cleaners can also pose a threat to both your children and pets. Even in small amounts, drain cleaner is highly poisonous. Make sure that any surface that comes in contact with the drain cleaner is cleaned thoroughly.

Alternatives
Use drain cleaners that contain Sodium Hydroxide (LYE) as an alternative to those containing the harmful acids mentioned above. LYE is non acidic, and it will remove clogs that are composed of organic matter. Since Sodium Hydroxide (LYE) only attacks organic matter it will not harm your pipes since they are not. Special caution should be used when handling drain cleaners containing LYE, they are harmful to skin and/or any other body parts they contact.
Another option is to use a plumbing snake to remove your clogs. Since this does not use chemicals it will not harm your pipes if used properly. However, if you do not feel comfortable using a plumbing snake, it is best to call a plumber and have them remove the clog for you. Remember that hiring a plumber will be cheaper than replacing corroded pip

 

[Lotus]

Ha, soapguy! Well what d'ya know!

 

[Timber]

My neighbor is a plumber and he has come over to unclog our pipes before. His advice was never use any chemicals to clear clogs, because in his experience they are all harmful to the plumbing. A snake is the only way to go according to him. Since I live in a 104-year-old house, I have heeded his advice, although I have replaced all the under-sink plumbing with PVC. That said, I do wash my soaping stuff in the sink but make sure everything is well-dissolved and diluted before it drains. No problems yet.