Author: Honey Hogan

Surgeon

Skin Tag Removal – How to Get Rid of Skin Tags

Honey Hogan

Many people have skin tags that are painful, itchy or get caught on clothing, seatbelts or jewelry. Although some tags will disappear on their own, board-certified dermatologists have several procedures that are quick and safe for removing them. Reach out to Skin Tag Removal Phoenix for expert assistance.

Skin Tag Removal

Home remedies are not recommended, especially when they involve cutting off a growth or using harsh treatments like apple cider vinegar. These can cause irritation and even skin ulcers.

In this method of skin tag removal, the dermatologist will use a scalpel or sharp medical-grade, sterile scissors to cut off your skin tags. Your doctor may inject a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Then, he or she will clean the area before cutting off the growth. The snipping process will cause minor bleeding. The wound will form a scab, which helps to protect the area from infection. After a few days, the scab will fall off and you should see less bleeding in the area.

It is important to note that snipping and other methods of skin tag removal should only be performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist. This is because the process can lead to complications such as excessive bleeding and infection. This is especially true if the patient does not follow post-procedure instructions. It is also important to inform the dermatologist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you may be taking, as these can affect bleeding and clotting time.

While skin tags are harmless, it is advisable to have any growth that appears on your body checked by a dermatologist before attempting any removal technique. If the growth is itchy, scabbed, or changing in appearance or color, you should consider getting it biopsied. This will ensure that you have a definitive diagnosis of a skin tag rather than another condition like a wart or skin cancer.

Experts do not know what causes skin tags, but they are known to appear in certain people, particularly in those who have a history of family members with them. They can also be a side effect of other health conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and the human papilloma virus. Frequent irritation in skin folds and friction can also lead to their formation.

Some people choose to have their skin tags removed because they are unattractive, can get caught on clothing or jewelry, or just feel uncomfortable about them. While it is possible to remove these fleshy growths at home, it’s best to have an experienced dermatologist take care of it for you. That way, you’ll avoid potential problems, including a more severe scar.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery is a method that uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. It is used to treat warts, moles, skin tags, and small skin cancers. It is also used to treat a few internal disorders, such as liver cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer.

This is a minimally invasive procedure and it involves freezing the tissue with liquid nitrogen. The doctor sprays the tissue with liquid nitrogen or touches it directly with a probe cooled by liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen freezes the cells and damages them by forming ice crystals. The ice crystals damage the cell membrane and disrupt the blood supply to the tissue, thus destroying it. This causes the lesion to shrivel and disappear.

Several types of cryosurgery procedures are available. The open technique uses a spray or probe that is intermittently released with liquid nitrogen, allowing for more controlled application of the freezing agent. This is particularly effective for papular lesions, and it provides greater precision than the closed/contact technique. The open technique can be applied to small or large lesions, and it is particularly useful for melanoma.

The closed/contact technique is more effective for squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, which are usually larger than a verruca. The closed/contact technique uses a probe cooled with liquid nitrogen, and it is most effective for large or thick lesions that do not respond to the open/semi-open technique. The closed/contact technique is a bit more risky than the open/semi-open method because it can cause ripping of the tissue and bleeding.

Liquid nitrogen is the most common freezing agent for cryosurgery. It boils at -1960C, and it is used to freeze the tissue. The ice crystals in the frozen tissue cause damage to the cell walls and to the surrounding tissues, which results in cell necrosis and the eventual destruction of the tumor (Figure 2).

It is possible to monitor the cryotherapy process with MRI. During the freeze-thaw cycle, the ice ball can be monitored by dynamic MRI. This enables the physician to determine the degree of cellular destruction and whether or not the procedure has succeeded.

Cauterization

Skin tags are soft non-cancerous tumors made of collagen fibers, nerve cells, and small blood vessels wrapped in layers of skin. They typically take the form of flat bumps or growths that dangle on a thin stalk. They can be a similar color to the surrounding skin or darker. Although they are not dangerous, some people may want to get rid of them for cosmetic reasons or because they are irritated by friction from clothing, jewelry, or other sources. It is important to seek the advice of a medical professional when removing skin tags.

Some home methods for removing skin tags are not safe or effective. Using an electronic device to freeze the growths or applying apple cider vinegar can cause damage and may not completely remove the tag. It’s best to consult a healthcare professional for skin tag removal in a sterile office setting.

A dermatologist or family doctor will be able to diagnose the condition and recommend a treatment option. They will likely be able to do this through an in-person visual examination, but telehealth can also be an option. In some cases, the doctor will recommend a biopsy to ensure that the skin tag is not cancerous.

In most cases, doctors will use one of two techniques to remove skin tags. The method they choose depends on the size of the skin tag and its stalk. If the skin tag is small and doesn’t have a long stalk, they may simply snip it off with a sharp surgical blade. If the tag is larger or has a long stalk, they may choose to use electrocautery, which involves burning it off with an electric current.

Both of these treatments are painless, and they can be done in the doctor’s office. Patients can usually expect to leave the office after a short period of time, and they will be able to resume their normal daily activities immediately. However, it’s important to take care of the wound properly and not pick at it or stretch it, as this can cause infection and scarring.

Home remedies

Skin tags are flesh-colored growths that develop near areas where the skin rubs together, such as necklines and armpits. Although they aren’t dangerous, they can get caught on clothing or seatbelts and become irritated by repeated rubbing. Consequently, people seek treatments to remove skin tags. Various at-home methods have been promoted, including freezing kits, using duct tape and applying baking soda or tea tree oil. However, most of these are unproven and may even result in scabbing or scarring. While many of these home remedies are inexpensive, they don’t offer consistent results and can distract from seeking a dermatological treatment.

The best way to get rid of a skin tag is to have it removed professionally by a dermatologist. They have the equipment and experience needed to remove the growth without damaging the surrounding skin. They also use a local anesthetic to ensure a pain-free removal and choose techniques based on the size of the skin tag to minimise scarring. Moreover, they are careful not to damage any nearby blood vessels, which could lead to bleeding and infection.

Some at-home remedies for removing skin tags involve soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and placing it on the skin tag. The idea is that the vinegar’s acid will dry out the skin tag and cause it to fall off. Similarly, some people use liquid iodine to remove skin tags. While iodine is inexpensive, it’s not scientifically proven and can cause chemical burns.

Other home remedies include applying vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help shrink a skin tag. Another popular method involves putting garlic on the skin tag before going to sleep, which is thought to reduce its size and make it drop off.

Despite their claims, most at-home treatments for skin tag removal are unproven and ineffective. They should be avoided if possible, as they can cause skin irritation and infection. In addition, these remedies can sting and lead to scarring or darkening of the skin where the skin tag was. They’re also not as quick as surgical methods, which can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Plumbing

The Importance of Proper Plumbing Maintenance

Honey Hogan

Plumbers work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They install, repair, and maintain pipes and fixtures that convey water, gas, and waste. For more information, click the link https://hubbardmechanical.com/ provided to proceed.

To become a plumber, you need to complete technical courses offered by community colleges or trade schools. You should also enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship program to get hands-on experience.

The plumbing system of a building comprises pipes that carry fresh water to appliances and fixtures, and dispose of waste water. Plumbers install and repair these systems, as well as test their performance and safety. They often work with blueprints and building codes to ensure that the pipes meet the required standards. They also inspect the work of other tradespeople to ensure that plumbing is installed properly.

The pipes that transport fresh water to household appliances and fixtures are called primary piping. They can be made from steel, copper, plastic, or other materials. These pipes are usually located inside walls and beneath the floor. They can also be outside the building, in a crawlspace or basement. Some exterior piping is exposed to extreme weather conditions, so it’s important that it’s protected with appropriate insulation and waterproofing.

These piping systems connect to other plumbing lines that convey sewage and other wastes. They may be connected to a sewer main, which is usually located within or under the foundation of the building. Sewer pipes typically start at the foundation and extend to a drain trap, which is an arrangement of perforated pipe or a vent stack.

In new construction, a plumber sets the sewer accommodation stubs, which connect the house to the sanitary sewer system. This is done before the concrete foundation is poured. During the rough-in plumbing phase, a plumber installs and connects all the supply and drainage lines to what’s called a “stack.”

Plumbers also make sure that hot and cold water lines have enough room to be run through them. They take into account the size of appliances and fixtures, as well as the amount of water they’ll be used for. They also verify that the pipe sizes are correct for the building’s construction and that all connections are secure.

Plumbing requires special skills to perform correctly. It involves working in cramped spaces and using a variety of tools and equipment. It’s important for plumbers to be competent at their jobs because incorrect installations can lead to leaks and other problems.

Like a car, your plumbing system needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t think about their plumbing until there is a problem. This can lead to costly repairs and disruptions in your home life. Plumbing maintenance can prevent these issues and extend the life of your pipes and fixtures.

Plumbing work encompasses a wide range of tasks, from installing and repairing faucets to assessing water usage and recommending efficiency upgrades. Leaks, clogs, and other problems are more likely to occur if you don’t perform routine maintenance. A small leak can quickly turn into a huge flood that damages walls, floors, and furniture. Regular plumbing inspections can help you catch and repair these issues before they worsen.

A plumbing inspection is a visual examination of your entire plumbing system. Your plumber will look for leaks, cracks, corrosion, and other problems. They will also check the drains and venting for proper function and condition.

Some common signs that you need plumbing maintenance include a puddle of water under a sink or mildew around a toilet. You should also pay attention to your water bill. Rising water costs could indicate that your pipes are leaking or that your water heater isn’t functioning properly.

Regular plumbing maintenance can help you save money on energy bills and repair expenses. Taking simple steps like using water-saving shower heads and turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth can make a big difference to your monthly bills. You can also reduce your plumbing repair costs by performing basic maintenance tasks like fixing dripping faucets and keeping drain screens clean.

The most important reason to maintain your plumbing system is to avoid expensive and inconvenient problems down the road. Ignoring your plumbing until there is a major issue can lead to costly damage and serious health risks for you and your family. Plumbing inspections and maintenance can catch minor issues before they become large ones, saving you time and money. In addition, keeping your pipes clean helps extend their lifespan and improves the quality of your water.

Plumbing is crucial for building operations, providing clean water and removing wastes. Effective maintenance ensures a continuous supply of water, while timely repairs and efficient problem resolution minimize costs and environmental pollution.

Plumbing repair is often a messy and time-consuming job, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done easily and efficiently. This Fix-It Guide explains how plumbing works, what commonly goes wrong with it, and simple steps to follow for DIY repair. It also recommends the parts and tools you will need, and provides links to specific repair guides with step-by-step instructions.

Whether you need to replace a pipe, fix a leaky faucet, or install a new water heater, this guide can help. It discusses the different types of pipes, their pros and cons, and how to assess your home’s plumbing needs to make the best choice. It also outlines the cost of pipe replacement and offers tips on how to minimize damage during installation. Upgrading your pipes can improve your home’s water efficiency, reduce water wastage, and even boost its resale value.

Plumbing pipes are crucial to a home’s water supply and waste removal systems. They convey water and other liquids, and their failure can lead to a variety of issues such as low water pressure, leaks, and even property damage. Replacing old, corroded, or damaged pipes is a complex task that requires professional plumbing skills and knowledge. However, it is possible for homeowners to replace their own plumbing pipes as a DIY project to save on professional plumbing costs.

The first step in plumbing pipe replacement is assessing the existing system. This involves creating a comprehensive plan and determining the areas that require immediate attention. The assessment should include consideration of the current pipe material, water usage, and potential structural limitations. It is also a good idea to consult with a plumber before starting the replacement process.

Once the assessment is complete, it’s time to gather the necessary tools and materials for the job. This should include a pair of pipe cutters, adjustable wrenches in a variety of sizes, and needle-nose and tongue-and-groove pliers. It’s also a good idea to have a bucket or container nearby to catch any water that may leak during the pipe replacement process. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to invest in plastic-based tubing such as PVC or PEX, which can be more cost-effective than copper and has a longer lifespan than traditional metal pipes.

It is important to shut off the main water valve before starting the plumbing pipe replacement process. This can be done by turning off the water supply at the main valve, and it should also be turned off at any faucets or fixtures that are connected to the affected pipe. Homeowners should also drain the remaining water in the house to minimize water damage during the replacement process.

The next step in the plumbing pipe replacement process is to turn off the water supply at any additional valves that are attached to the affected area. It is a good idea to test each fixture and faucet to make sure that the water is fully shut off. Once this is done, it’s time to start removing the old plumbing pipes. This is a challenging task, but it can be accomplished with careful planning and preparation.

Plumbing

Why You Should Get a Plumbing Inspection

Honey Hogan

Whether you own or are thinking about buying a home, getting a plumbing inspection can save you huge repair bills. As with most things, early detection is key. During a visual inspection, Shreveport Plumbing Company will check all visible water lines, drains, toilets, showers, tubs, outdoor spigots and appliances. They will also look for potential safety hazards like leaks near electricity or improper venting of gas appliances.

Fixtures and Appliances

plumbing

Your plumbing system carries clean water into your home and distributes it to all the fixtures, including sink faucets, toilets, showers, tubs, outdoor spigots and more. It also removes wastewater through a series of drain pipes that connect to all the fixtures, including the garbage disposal.

When you hire a plumber to inspect your new home or existing house, the plumbing inspector will evaluate the condition of all the water-using appliances and fixtures in your home. They will look for signs of leaks, cracks, deterioration and other problems. They will check each fixture for proper operation, and they will test the drain lines for flow rates, pressure and obstructions.

If the plumber finds any issues, they will suggest the best way to fix them and provide you with a full written report. This report will explain the problem, the cost to repair it and what preventative measures you can take to avoid future problems.

Leaks are a common plumbing problem that can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. They can also lead to mold and mildew, which are unhealthy for your family. By fixing leaks quickly, you can save money and reduce the risk of major problems in the future.

During the inspection, the plumber will examine the kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures for signs of damage or wear. They will also check the hot and cold water pipes for leaks, corrosion, cross-connections (where the waste pipe and supply pipe are connected), and other problems. They will use a camera to examine the inside of your drains and sewer line for obstructions or other problems.

A plumbing inspection can catch a lot of problems that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as a clogged drain or a leaky water heater. These problems can be expensive to fix and can affect the overall value of your home.

In addition to reducing the likelihood of costly emergency repairs, a plumbing inspection can help you save on your energy bills by identifying and fixing issues that cause water waste. The average household wastes 10,000 gallons of water each year from leaky faucets, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers. By catching and fixing these issues, you can cut your water waste by 10%.

Water Heater

The water heater is the workhorse of the plumbing system. It keeps the water hot so you can take a shower, wash dishes, and use other water-using appliances. The plumber will check that the pilot light is on and operating correctly, that there are no cracks or rust in the tank or on the pipes, that the pressure relief valve is working properly, and that the temperature of the water is safe. The plumber will also look for water drips, especially in the crawl space or basement, as well as in sinks and tubs.

If the home has a gas water heater, the inspector will also check that the gas line and pilot light are functioning. The plumber will also look for signs of carbon monoxide leaks, which are not always visible.

A standard visual inspection should be enough to spot most issues, but sometimes problems are difficult or impossible to see. In these cases, a camera inspection may be necessary. This involves feeding a high-resolution camera behind walls, into ceilings, underneath floors, or through toilets to spot any breaks, clogs, or other problems. The plumber will then recommend the best course of action for fixing these problems.

Many homeowners can save money on their plumbing inspection by keeping up with minor maintenance tasks, such as draining the water heater occasionally to flush out any formed sediments or plunging a toilet when it gets clogged. Performing these simple tasks regularly can help extend the life of the plumbing system and minimize the need for costly repairs down the road.

Getting a plumbing inspection can help homeowners identify problems and prevent larger, more expensive ones down the road. It can also give them peace of mind about purchasing a new home or making sure that the current home’s plumbing is in good condition before selling it. To avoid expensive plumbing repair bills, homeowners should get their home’s plumbing inspected at least once every few years. To keep their plumbing inspection costs low, homeowners can do their own visual inspection or ask a friend with plumbing experience for suggestions on where to start. They can also request multiple quotes from a plumber to compare prices and find the best rate.

Supply Lines

The plumbing supply lines carry water throughout the home from the main pipe to each fixture and drain. They usually consist of copper, steel or plastic tubing. Older homes may have galvanized pipes, which are a health hazard and should be replaced. A plumber should identify the material of each visible pipe during the inspection, and note its condition and whether it is functional.

If the home is a newer construction, it will most likely have PVC or PEX pipes. These are safer and more durable than older galvanized pipes. They also are easier to work with than older copper pipes, which tend to be prone to corrosion. The plumber should inspect these lines for leaks, damage, and the presence of lead or other chemicals that could contaminate the water supply.

Another part of the supply line that needs inspection is the venting system, which is used to expel waste gases from toilets and other fixtures. The plumber will look for proper venting, which is important to preventing dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. The venting system will also be checked for blockages and clogs.

The plumber will also test the water flow rate at each fixture. A slow draining sink or gurgling toilet is a sign that debris like hair, food scraps or grease is building up in the pipe or that the drainage and ventilation systems are not working properly. The plumber will also note the location of each main water shut-off valve.

Prevent emergency repairs – Problems like leaking water heaters and sewer backups can be expensive to repair, and they may cause severe damage if not caught early. Plumbing inspections find these issues before they become major problems.

Protect the home value – Plumbing problems can reduce a property’s value, but regular maintenance and inspections prevent them from occurring. A plumbing inspection gives the home owner a peace of mind that the system is well maintained and up to code.

Having a plumbing inspection done every two years is a good idea to catch any problems before they become serious. It is also a great idea for people who are planning on purchasing a home, as it can ensure that the plumbing is in good condition.

Crawl Space or Basement

Depending on the type of home you live in, you might have a crawl space or a basement. Both are below-grade structures that present different challenges to homeowners compared to above-ground ones. If you are deciding whether to buy a home with a basement or crawl space, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each type of foundation.

Crawl spaces are a great choice for homes in wet climates because they help keep the wood used to support the house from rot and mold. They also raise the floor of the house off the ground, which can be helpful for air conditioning and heating ducts as well as plumbing lines.

A crawl space can either have a dirt floor or a concrete slab. The latter is more common. The advantage of a crawl space is that it can be accessed by a ladder, making it easy for the inspector to get in and check for problems. However, the main issue with a crawl space is moisture. This can cause mold or mildew, which can damage the insulation in the space and potentially lead to poor indoor air quality in the rest of the house.

During a plumbing inspection, the plumber will check the venting and drainage system in your crawl space. If they see any signs of leakage or other issues, they will recommend solutions to fix them. They may also suggest installing a dehumidifier, which can reduce the moisture levels in your crawl space.

If you have a crawl space, it is worth having a professional look at it, particularly if you are thinking about buying a new home. A plumbing inspection will allow you to have a better understanding of the condition of your home and can be helpful in negotiating the price. A visual inspection is often enough, but a combination inspection with a camera can give the plumber a closer look at any problems. This is an option that should be included in your initial plumbing inspection quote. It will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs later on.

Plumbing

Drain Cleaning Tips You Can Do at Home

Honey Hogan

Drain Cleaning Philadelphia PA is an essential service that keeps your home’s plumbing working like it should. Without regular drain cleaning, items like hair, soap scum, grease, coffee grounds, and garbage can bind together to cause blockages that prevent water from flowing properly.

Drain Cleaning

Luckily, there are many methods you can use to clean your own drains. One of the most effective is to pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of white vinegar down the drain.

Clogged drains are a major headache. They can lead to water damage to counters, floors, or walls and may even cause mold. While some clogs require professional help, there are many that can be remedied by using items found in the home. If you’re stuck with a slow-draining sink or shower, try these time- and money-saving tips before calling a plumber.

Start by removing the foot plug or drain cap and visually inspecting your pipe. You might be able to see the obstruction, or you might need to use a flashlight to illuminate the drain opening. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid touching any of the blockage.

Once you know where the clog is located, remove any hair, soap scum or other debris that might be blocking the drain. Then, pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar into the clogged drain. This mixture creates a chemical reaction that breaks down grease, grime and soap scum. Let it sit for about half an hour and then rinse the drain with boiling water. Repeat this process if necessary for more intense clogs.

Another good way to keep your drains clear is by using an all-natural, environmentally friendly drain cleaner. Calabrese recommends Bio-Clean, which introduces a good bacteria into your pipes that eats away at the gunk and keeps your drains clean. It’s slower to work than store-bought liquid drain cleaner, but it’s safer for your pipes and the environment.

If your clogged drain isn’t going to budge, you can try a simple home-made snake. You’ll need a wire coat hanger that you can bend into a long rod shape, along with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Unwind the hanger, making sure to leave a hook at the end to catch onto the debris. Feed it into the drain slowly, turning it as you go to work your way over the clog.

Finally, if all else fails, you can always call a professional to clear your clogged drains. A plumber can use more advanced tools to get rid of stubborn clogs and help prevent future ones.

Baking Soda

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural product that works wonders for cleaning many things in our homes, including clogged drains. This kitchen staple is a natural deodorizer that also can dissolve mineral deposits and help cut through organic materials like food scraps, hair, and grease. It even has slight disinfectant properties to combat odor-causing bacteria and fungi.

When combined with vinegar, baking soda creates a fizzing reaction that can loosen and break down small clogs. The resulting carbon dioxide gas can clear out the remaining grime that is stuck in the pipes, making it much easier for water to flow through freely once again. This method is safe to use in most home plumbing systems, and the ingredients are environmentally friendly.

However, it is important to remember that this is not a strong enough solution for larger blockages or tough debris. If you have a serious drain clog, it is best to turn to stronger chemicals or professional help.

One other downside to using this hack is that the chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces carbon dioxide gas, which can put pressure on the pipes and lead to leaks or cracks over time. This is especially true in older pipes.

To avoid these potential issues, it is best to only use this hack for minor clogs and to perform it no more than twice per month. It is also a good idea to regularly flush your drains by pouring boiling water down them, as this can keep them clean and help prevent future clogs.

When the fizzing stops, slowly pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and then a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a damp cloth or stopper and let the mixture sit and fizz for at least 30 minutes. Then, remove the cloth or stopper and flush the drain with hot water from the faucet or stove. Repeat this process if necessary until your drains are fully unclogged. If you do not have vinegar on hand, you can substitute lemon juice for the vinegar in this method.

Dish Soap

One of the most versatile household cleaning products available is liquid dish soap. It’s safe to use on most household surfaces and fabrics, and can sub in for a variety of traditional cleaners. In the kitchen, it can help keep sinks and drains clean by removing stubborn food stains and odors. And when it comes to unclogging drains, a few squirts of liquid dish soap can be enough to get things moving again.

Dish soap works particularly well when the clog is grease-based, as it can easily dissolve fat and oil. However, it’s not a miracle product and will probably not work on major clogs that are made up of solidified materials. If you’re facing a large blockage, start by trying to remove as much of the material as possible using a twisted wire hangar or drain snake before turning to dish soap.

Before you begin, make sure that the sink or drain is dry on the surface. Then pour a generous squirt of liquid dish soap down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. While you wait, boil a kettle of water and carefully carry it to the room with the affected drain. Once the 30 minutes are up, slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. The hot water will wash away the loosened clog materials and restore proper flow.

There are a number of liquid dish soap brands that are safe to use in the drain, including the popular Dawn brand. However, I recommend using a low-sudsing formula that is gentle on hands. You may also want to consider using a green or environmentally-friendly dish soap. These products tend to have a milder fragrance and are not tested on animals.

My top choice for an eco-friendly, high-performance, low-sudsing dish soap is Seventh Generation. This company is committed to transparency and lists all ingredients clearly on the packaging. It’s available in a wide range of appealing scents and has a competitive price point. You can find it at most conventional supermarkets and online retailers like Amazon and Thrive Market.

Boiling Water

Boiling water has the ability to break apart fat and soap scum from your drain pipes. This method can be particularly effective for kitchen sink clogs. However, experienced plumbers warn against pouring boiling water down the drain as the intense heat can damage the pipes. There is also a chance that the hot water will push the clog further down the pipes, rather than dissolving it.

To use boiling water to unclog your drain, first remove any standing water from the sink. Next, squirt in some grease-fighting dish soap into the drain. Then, slowly pour boiling water down the drain. Allow the water to sit for about fifteen minutes. Finally, squirt in some more grease-fighting dish soap and slowly pour down the drain again. The baking soda and vinegar should create a bubbling reaction that dissolves the grease from your pipes.

The high temperatures of the boiling water can burn skin and limbs if not handled correctly, so it is important to be careful when using this method. It is also advisable to wear gloves and oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat. It is also a good idea to flush the drain with cold water afterward to help prevent the pipes from becoming overheated.

While baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can work well as natural drain cleaners for most common clogs, they may not be enough to dislodge tougher blockages. In this case, you will likely need to try a stronger drain cleaner such as Liquid-Plumr.

If you are experiencing a persistently blocked drain, it may be helpful to use the baking soda and salt technique on a weekly basis. This can prevent clogs from developing in the first place. Alternatively, you can purchase an enzyme-based drain cleaner at most hardware stores to keep your drains smelling fresh and flowing freely.

While it is tempting to run to the store and purchase expensive chemical drain cleaners, these can be toxic for your family and the environment. By following the tips above, you can successfully use household items to clean your clogged drains without any harmful side effects.