How to Use Lye as a Drain Cleaner
- 1). Check a hardware store or farm supply store for 100 percent lye. You can also use commercial drain cleaners that list lye as the active ingredient.
- 2). Put on long rubber gloves to protect your skin from the lye. Eye protection should also be worn.
- 3). Open any windows in the room in which the drain is located, and turn on the exhaust fan, if available. It's important that the area be well ventilated when using lye as a drain cleaner.
- 4). Pour the lye directly into the drain. Do not look in the drain or get too close to it as you pour because this can irritate your eyes or even produce toxic fumes that should not be directly inhaled.
- 5). Wait several minutes to allow the lye to clear the drain. Stand away from the drain during this time.
- 6). Check the drain. If the lye has emptied and the drain seems to be running clearer, you can add more lye to complete the job. if the lye does not empty, contact a professional plumber.