Your advice about not going too hard with the lye and trying mechanical unclogging after softening it up with lye was the key to unlock my problematic sink! Only wish I could upvote ten times, my fellow beard brother!
I am just getting started in soap making I live in Nova Scotia Canada and our soap making products are very expensive to buy. The lye at the hardware store is much cheaper than trying to get it at the soap suppliers.. Thaks for the info Love your show.. Lots of truth here and very helpful.. Tanks
My Lye method: Pour some of the solid lye down the drain. Carefully add boiling water; causes more boiling, pretty dramatic. Have to be careful. Also lye attacks aluminium and who knows what else.
Uve had this stubborn clog for 2 days. It still flushes but it takes 30 mins to get back to regular water level. I thought "lye? Dont I have that in my garage?" Sure enough my dad gave me a whole bottle when I bought my house 6 months ago :) I put in the lye to the toilet, a cup of cold water. Came back 30 mins and du.ped a bigger cup of cold water, it u clogged just from the 2nd cup of water!!! Works wonder! I tried drain o and liquid plumber....garbage products! Thnx brotha! I dont have anxiety when I gotta poop now, not knowing if itll flush or get more clogged is stressful lol
Thank you for this video...I just started making soap for my family...and my did slow down... I watched the video and had an ahaaa moment...now my drains are clear...thank you and have a good day...
Good job Jon. I knew the first part. We always use the hot water method. But I've been like u regarding the chemical aspect, but pertaining to the lye, I never knew or studied how much to use. Thanks for answering that question and sharing this. Have a great Saturday night bro and rest of the weekend. 2️⃣👍👍⬆️😉👌💈
+Hunter Green Thanks! Sometimes, the hot water and plunger just don't cut it. So, I rely on the old stand by. The reason lye works so well is because it turns the fats into a soap-like substance and softens everything by heat and chemical reaction. I tend to have a lot of issues with my shop sink since I make soap and it regularly slows the drain down....lol Have a great weekend!
G'day Jon, been watching a few of your videos, thanks you they are great, I haven't made any soap as yet, but after looking at you videos I think I'll give it a try. I have a question about the clogged drains, is it safe to use the lye on a drain that has a garbage disposal, my kitchen drain has two sinks, one without gb and with a gb....? Another question, where is the best place to get some lye, I really don't want to purchase online at this stage as I'm really haven't made any soap yet? You did mention smaller hardware stores, like Ace, or are there other places to look for it? TIA
I have done it in the past but I wouldn't. It could cause the seals to go bad possibly. The other issue is if someone turns on the disposal while there is lye water in the drain, it's going to make a mess and possibly injure someone. I have always found that I need to take the piece of drain apart near the disposal when it clogs (which is rare). Hope that helps.
+PJ D yes, the vinegar and baking soda down the disposal is fine. If you get an actual drain blockage it should be in the main trap which handles the disposal side as well as the other side of the sink. If it's only the disposal that is backing up then I'm not sure. So maybe try the baking soda and vinegar first. Just cooler than boiling water might work as well. Lye would be my last resort unless you're pouring it into the non disposal side.
Do you know what it's from? Hair, soap, food grease? All of the above? I would honestly see if the sink will drain (even if it's very slow) and once it at least mostly drained, mix up a lye solution and then let that sit in the drain for about 30-60 minutes. Then pour almost boiling water down there and let that sit for maybe 10 minutes. Then use a plunger. I find that a good plunger might be all you need from the start. Otherwise, you'll need to place a bucket under the p trap and take that apart to see what the problem is.
Thank you so much for taking the time out to write me. I honestly think it's from all of the above lol. I wanted to try and do it myself but at this point I might as well call a plumber but thank you so much
A cesspool is going to need more attention than some lye. Is it an actual old school cesspool or a septic made sometime in the last 20 years? If septic a good pumping service will do wonders for a couple hundred dollars. If cesspool I'm not sure.
@@unclejonssoap Thanks for responding..its an old cesspool built 1948 from what I know.It had been 9 months in between pump out..after that about a month later had to pump out again.i ordered some Caustic soda Four 2lb. Container just not sure how to apply..been told best to put in water pit that leaches out to drain field.do I pre mix pour into pit?first time ever it's filled up so quick..usually took 3-5 years between pump outs.if this don't work looks like might have to put in New drain field.Again appreciate your time Thanks for responding so quickly.
@@DevildogDragoons I would definitely make the lye crystals into a solution. So, for every pound of lye I would use 2 pounds of water. Mix to dissolve and then pour a few minutes later. The lye will mainly deal with fats in the system. Basically turn them into soap so they can be rinsed away. It lro6wont get it all but might clear it up enough to function a bit longer.
Eventually. But usually for a regular drain cleaning the concentration wouldn't be enough to do it in the 20-30 minute window from start to finish. But, it breaks down enough of the gunk to let the hair pass through.
You need to be cautious using Lye with no hand/eye protection. Good product but can be harmful to us Humans my friend. Master Plumber & Mechanical Tradesman since 1988
Understood. Been around the stuff most of my life. Eye protection I can see but gloves actuality end up being more dangerous in the long run. They give a false sense of security because it's so easy for either the crystals or mixed solution to get under your glove which causes more chemical burns than bare hands as long as you have running water near by. Unless you're duct taping the wrists of your gloves each time.
I'm definitely safe with my hands..lol. Dealt with chemicals much worse than this for sure. Like a said, Google's would be good if they didn't fog up. But regular safety glasses do nothing to protect from chemical splash. Gotta know the tools..lol. It's like wearing work gloves when using a circular saw.. one of the most dangerous things you can do.
Hot water will help with softening the gunk in the pipe so you can use a plunger. Otherwise you would need to use something caustic or take the trap of sand clean it good with dawn and hot water.
Your advice about not going too hard with the lye and trying mechanical unclogging after softening it up with lye was the key to unlock my problematic sink! Only wish I could upvote ten times, my fellow beard brother!
I am just getting started in soap making I live in Nova Scotia Canada and our soap making products are very expensive to buy. The lye at the hardware store is much cheaper than trying to get it at the soap suppliers.. Thaks for the info Love your show.. Lots of truth here and very helpful.. Tanks
Awesome! Have fun with the new addiction..err.. hobby 😂
My Lye method: Pour some of the solid lye down the drain. Carefully add boiling water; causes more boiling, pretty dramatic. Have to be careful. Also lye attacks aluminium and who knows what else.
Uve had this stubborn clog for 2 days. It still flushes but it takes 30 mins to get back to regular water level. I thought "lye? Dont I have that in my garage?" Sure enough my dad gave me a whole bottle when I bought my house 6 months ago :) I put in the lye to the toilet, a cup of cold water. Came back 30 mins and du.ped a bigger cup of cold water, it u clogged just from the 2nd cup of water!!! Works wonder! I tried drain o and liquid plumber....garbage products! Thnx brotha! I dont have anxiety when I gotta poop now, not knowing if itll flush or get more clogged is stressful lol
Lol.. just be careful using lye in the toilet. It'll break that thing in a heart beat with the rapid temperature change.
Did you put it in the toilet bowl? If so, did the toilet bowl have to be completely drained?
Still gets recommednded great job
Thank you for this video...I just started making soap for my family...and my did slow down... I watched the video and had an ahaaa moment...now my drains are clear...thank you and have a good day...
i guess I am kind of off topic but do anybody know of a good site to stream newly released series online ?
@Canaan Brixton flixportal =)
@Xzavier Nash thanks, I went there and it seems to work =) I appreciate it!!
@Canaan Brixton glad I could help =)
Pure Lye Crystals is it the same as the lye used in soap making
Yep! Pure lye crystals (should also say 100% lye) is what we use for soap making 😁
Yep.. not great on the skin. It starts to saponify the oils on your skin and then will burn.
Good job Jon. I knew the first part. We always use the hot water method. But I've been like u regarding the chemical aspect, but pertaining to the lye, I never knew or studied how much to use. Thanks for answering that question and sharing this. Have a great Saturday night bro and rest of the weekend. 2️⃣👍👍⬆️😉👌💈
+Hunter Green Thanks! Sometimes, the hot water and plunger just don't cut it. So, I rely on the old stand by. The reason lye works so well is because it turns the fats into a soap-like substance and softens everything by heat and chemical reaction. I tend to have a lot of issues with my shop sink since I make soap and it regularly slows the drain down....lol Have a great weekend!
+Jon Conley Gotcha. Sounds interesting. Good info thanks buddy. U too.
G'day Jon, been watching a few of your videos, thanks you they are great, I haven't made any soap as yet, but after looking at you videos I think I'll give it a try.
I have a question about the clogged drains, is it safe to use the lye on a drain that has a garbage disposal, my kitchen drain has two sinks, one without gb and with a gb....?
Another question, where is the best place to get some lye, I really don't want to purchase online at this stage as I'm really haven't made any soap yet? You did mention smaller hardware stores, like Ace, or are there other places to look for it? TIA
I have done it in the past but I wouldn't. It could cause the seals to go bad possibly. The other issue is if someone turns on the disposal while there is lye water in the drain, it's going to make a mess and possibly injure someone. I have always found that I need to take the piece of drain apart near the disposal when it clogs (which is rare). Hope that helps.
Thanks for the fast reply!
Is vinegar and baking soda ok to put down the drain then...?
+PJ D yes, the vinegar and baking soda down the disposal is fine. If you get an actual drain blockage it should be in the main trap which handles the disposal side as well as the other side of the sink. If it's only the disposal that is backing up then I'm not sure. So maybe try the baking soda and vinegar first. Just cooler than boiling water might work as well. Lye would be my last resort unless you're pouring it into the non disposal side.
Thank you so much for you information, I really appreciate it! All the best to you and yours.
Cheers!
well, just wondering, how does this lye solution doesn't saponify the oils in the drain ?
Because there's more lye solution than oils. It saponifies a little bit but not really noticable.
What if I have a completely clogged drain.
Do you know what it's from? Hair, soap, food grease? All of the above? I would honestly see if the sink will drain (even if it's very slow) and once it at least mostly drained, mix up a lye solution and then let that sit in the drain for about 30-60 minutes. Then pour almost boiling water down there and let that sit for maybe 10 minutes. Then use a plunger. I find that a good plunger might be all you need from the start. Otherwise, you'll need to place a bucket under the p trap and take that apart to see what the problem is.
Thank you so much for taking the time out to write me. I honestly think it's from all of the above lol. I wanted to try and do it myself but at this point I might as well call a plumber but thank you so much
At the very least I would pour almost boiling water down there and then plunge after it sits for about 5-10 minutes. You might be surprised.
How much for a 750 gal cesspool best way to apply?.thanks
A cesspool is going to need more attention than some lye. Is it an actual old school cesspool or a septic made sometime in the last 20 years? If septic a good pumping service will do wonders for a couple hundred dollars. If cesspool I'm not sure.
@@unclejonssoap Thanks for responding..its an old cesspool built 1948 from what I know.It had been 9 months in between pump out..after that about a month later had to pump out again.i ordered some Caustic soda Four 2lb. Container just not sure how to apply..been told best to put in water pit that leaches out to drain field.do I pre mix pour into pit?first time ever it's filled up so quick..usually took 3-5 years between pump outs.if this don't work looks like might have to put in New drain field.Again appreciate your time Thanks for responding so quickly.
@@DevildogDragoons I would definitely make the lye crystals into a solution. So, for every pound of lye I would use 2 pounds of water. Mix to dissolve and then pour a few minutes later. The lye will mainly deal with fats in the system. Basically turn them into soap so they can be rinsed away. It lro6wont get it all but might clear it up enough to function a bit longer.
@@unclejonssoap Ok thanks..each container is 2lbs was gonna mix with 5 gal of water per container .Most likely do two batches.
Lye completely dissolves hair.
Eventually. But usually for a regular drain cleaning the concentration wouldn't be enough to do it in the 20-30 minute window from start to finish. But, it breaks down enough of the gunk to let the hair pass through.
Wear goggles. This stuff will turn your eyes to soap nearly instantly.
'Can' be caustic?
lol.. you got the point. Sometimes words don't always come out right.
Is that clog??!!!!🤔🤔😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒😒
Kills PESKY GOVT SPRAYED BLACK FLY EGGS
You need to be cautious using Lye with no hand/eye protection. Good product but can be harmful to us Humans my friend. Master Plumber & Mechanical Tradesman since 1988
Understood. Been around the stuff most of my life. Eye protection I can see but gloves actuality end up being more dangerous in the long run. They give a false sense of security because it's so easy for either the crystals or mixed solution to get under your glove which causes more chemical burns than bare hands as long as you have running water near by. Unless you're duct taping the wrists of your gloves each time.
Ok then I'm going keep doing what I do in a safe and professional manner, I glove up all day & every day. Enjoy your day and B SAFE! I'm off to work>>
I'm definitely safe with my hands..lol. Dealt with chemicals much worse than this for sure. Like a said, Google's would be good if they didn't fog up. But regular safety glasses do nothing to protect from chemical splash. Gotta know the tools..lol. It's like wearing work gloves when using a circular saw.. one of the most dangerous things you can do.
@@davidyoung1269 great for you tips
Baking soda and vinegar works great. You never need chemicals.
Except.. those are chemicals.
@@unclejonssoap Well, I meant toxic chemicals. lol I live on a pond and I can't/won't use horrible stuff like Draino.
Unfortunately, vinegar can be just as damaging to ground water and soil health. It is toxic to vegetation and some wildlife.
@@unclejonssoap It is?? Oh noo. Do you think I should just stick to hot water then?
Hot water will help with softening the gunk in the pipe so you can use a plunger. Otherwise you would need to use something caustic or take the trap of sand clean it good with dawn and hot water.