Question 1

The bottle says 100% lye, and reviewers have said the msds sheet confirms, but when i look at the msds it states 96-100%. did it change? or what gives

Accepted Answer

96% is about right for industrial-grade chemicals.  To get 100% you need reagent grade and will pay for it.  So this is lye suitable for non-technical purposes.

Question 2

Is this cleaner harmful to plastic drain pipes?

Accepted Answer

In the short term probably not because there is no warning on the container about such a risk.  Plus, when I make soap, I dissolve the lye in a plastic bucket, one that I have dedicated to lye solution for soapmaking.  I have used the same bucket for a number of years, with no holes forming in it.  It is possible that over a period of decades it might be affected.  However, when I make lye solution for soapmaking, the solution sits in the same bucket for at least 30 minutes, sometimes longer, whereas drain cleaners are meant to go in and do their job, then get flushed away.  So I believe it is highly likely that this drain cleaner will not harm plastic drain pipes.

Question 3

Will this product kill the good bacteria in the septic system?

Accepted Answer

It is likely that Roebic lye crystals will kill the good bacteria in a septic system.  It would depend on how much lye you pour down the drain or toilet, and the size of your system, and possibly other factors.  I am fairly certain I have read more than once that lye is not to be used in septic systems which rely on living organisms to break down sewage.
If it is too late and you have used it and killed the living organisms, there is a product you can buy that is supposed to help recolonize or repopulate the system with good microorganisms.  Rid-X is one such product.  Good luck.

Question 4

How many cups are in this 60 ounce container?

Accepted Answer

According to my scale: 
1 cup of Roebic lye crystals weighs 9.6 ounces (oz)
2 cup Roebic lye crystals weighs 19.2 ounces (oz)
so 60 ounces (oz) should give you 6.25 cups.

Asin	B00BH34MEY
Best Sellers Rank	#153 in Chemical Drain Openers
Date First Available	February 11, 2013
Item Model Number	HD-CRY-DO
Manufacturer	Roebic Laboratories
Product Dimensions	2.25 x 4.5 x 7.75 inches; 2 pounds

Roebic Heavy Duty Crystal Drain Opener, 2 lb

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