While plumbing isn’t normally my thing ~ since i spent the last two weeks redoing a section of my kitchen, i was kicking myself that Core77 didn’t write about the PermaFlow a week or so earlier! The PermaFlow by PF WaterWorks touts itself as “The First Ever Self Cleaning Drain System: Eliminate the Clogs – Reduce Frustration – Save Water – Save Money”. Basically it is a clear P-trap with a gear/paddle you can turn ~ so you can not only see when its clogged, but how clogged it is, and rotate the paddle to help clear it without having to call the plumber or remove the piece all together! Also helpful if you’re not *sure* whether you dropped your ring, etc down there… now you can see!

It really does seem like such a simple solution to an age old problem! And it has also won the PLATINUM ADEX Award for Design Excellence and is one of Popular Sciences’ Best of What’s New products!

See more images of how it works after the jump!

From the PermaFlow site (check it out to find out more!):
PermaFLOW™ unique shape increases turbulence to minimize routine buildup preventing the drain from becoming blocked. For heavy use, the PermaFLOW™ Drain has a patented, easy-turn wiper that acts as an in-line drain cleaner and clears the clog.

PermaFLOW™ adapts to standard size drainage system in kitchen and bath sinks (1-1/2”) and easily replaces new or existing p-traps while offering several unique benefits:

Saves Money – Unlike the common P-trap, PermaFLOW prevents clog build-up and eliminates the cumbersome work of “clean-out” traps as well as the need for secondary maintenance products and processes such as dangerous drain cleaners, frustrating plunging, drain disassembly, and snaking.

Safe, Environment Friendly – PermaFLOW safely ends the need for hazardous drain-cleaning chemicals and the associated personal safety and environmental issues. Opening the drain is no longer necessary reducing the hazards of exposure to sewer gases.

Reduces Downtime – PermaFLOW™ is transparent for quick diagnosis of potential problems. Turning the dial to the three o’clock wiper position provides an emergency bypass option for water flow through the upper chamber. The dial turns an internal wiper to remove any build-up and provides an emergency bypass for continuous flow through the upper chamber, thereby reducing downtime.

Supports Water Conservation – With the focus water conservation and increased use of low flow rate faucets, PermaFLOW facilitates efficient removal of stagnant debris in the trap area. Since these chemicals are no longer required, gray water pollution is reduced and it is available for recycling.

Assists with Easy Retrieval of Items – Accidentally dropped items (jewelry, toys, coffee stirs etc) can be easily seen and removed. The dial helps retrieve accidentally dropped jewelry through the sink from the nine o’clock wiper position.