Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye or caustic soda, is of importance to not one but various industries. Its chemical formula is NaOH and it is described as an odorless, white crystalline substance. It is available, commercially, either in solid form like sticks, pellets, and chips, or in the form of solution in water with different concentrations.

Originally, caustic soda is used in the manufacture of soap but it has become valuable in many other industries over time. In chemical manufacturing, for instance, it is helpful in pH control, acid neutralization, and off-gas scrubbing. Another notable use of the substance is in the manufacture of cleaning agents such as oven cleaners and drain cleaners, which are common household products. Usually, clogged pipes are with a mixture of fats and grease. What happens is that those cleaners that contain caustic soda turn the fats to soap, which dissolves in water. Moreover, heat is given off when the substance dissolves in water and the heat produced aids in melting the clog.