Lye bath in cellar dangerous?

[Janis Berzins]

I just purchased some knew food grade barrels with locking lids. We have an old cellar/dirt floor basement and I am wondering if there is any reason not to put them down there?

[Russell Ware]

The only concern I would have is spill containment. Keep in mind that the solution will eventually have to be disposed of, so you need to be able to remove the spent caustic and gunk safely from that area to the disposal area.

[Janis Berzins]

Yea, that shouldn't be a problem. It is an older house and not a really usable basement.

[Stephen Amaral]

You may have an older house, but if you are also on a well there is a likelihood of ground contamination to your water source if you dispose of the lye bath on the ground too close to the well.

[Mark Zizzi]

I've had mine in the basement since day 1, electrolysis tank too, Janis.  Works for me.

[Janis Berzins]

Oh, we have city water, but we do have a creek coming out of the back of the basement. I think it should be fine. Plus the barrels I bought have locking lids. Thanks folks for all the help.

[James Wilson]

For what it is worth.
Use the old caustic to clean out your drains. When mine has reached the end of its useful life it serves that purpose well . That is some long time though as I tend to filter the majority of suspended much with a large fine wire kitchen strainer then refresh with more crystals.
When it is too contaminated with residue to continue I dispose of it. At this point it has also lost its strength.
if you are concerned with the alkalinity then dilute with water or neutralise with acid before disposal. Bog standard litmus paper will help you gauge the ph level

[James Wilson]

Yea, that shouldn't be a problem. It is an older house and not a really usable basement.

As usual, use caution and a healthy dollop of common sense.
Keep water, a bucket and a mop handy to dilute any overspills. Be prepared to flush, wash, rinse any skin contact. Especially, look after your eyes