Neutralizing Lye Bath Solution

[STully]

I'm looking to clean my father-in-law's Griswold #14 pan and do it right. I have both septic and well water and therefore would like to dilute and neutralized my lye solution (1 lb of lye to 5 gallons of water) and possible dispose of it down the hill at the bottom of my driveway in the drainage ditch next to the road.. How much water and I'm concerned with adding vinegar since that will create an exothermic reaction?

Please detail steps and amounts. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Doug D.]

Four or five parts plain water to one part normal strength lye solution should be dilute enough for ditch disposal. Vinegar or other acid is not necessary.

 

[STully]

Thanks Doug. To ensure I understand what you're recommending, if I mix 1 lb of lye with 5 gallons of water, I should dilute that solution with an additional 20 to 25 gallons of water - Correct?

 

[Doug D.]

You understand correctly.