Continued: Out of sight

Permaflow drain cleans itself

A new self-cleaning drain promises to eliminate the need for plungers, snakes and chemical drain cleaners.

The PermaFlow trap replaces a standard P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under a sink. It's designed to increase water turbulence to keep the trap clean, and it has a paddle inside that can be rotated with an external knob to remove buildup.

The trap is clear in color, so you can see drainage problems more easily.

PermaFlow traps can be ordered at www.shop.pfwater works.net/main.sc or 1-877-265-9777. Prices for a single trap range from $39.95 to $46.55.

More information: www.permaflow.com.

MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE, AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

Look where your eyes can't

What lies beyond isn't such a mystery anymore.

The new Ridgid SeeSnake from Elyria's Ridge Tool Co. lets you see where your own eyes can't -- behind walls, inside ducts, even underwater. It's a miniature inspection camera on a flexible cable that fits into confined spaces.

The camera sends images to a 2.4-inch color LCD screen on the tool's handle. Two adjustable LEDs provide light and are controlled by a knob on the handle.

The tool comes with three attachments: a hook tip that can be used to pull or pick up small objects or wires within the snake's reach, a magnetic tip for picking up metal objects and a mirror tip that lets you see around corners or into other hard-to-reach places. Extension cables can be purchased to extend the tool's reach up to 30 feet.

The SeeSnake has a suggested retail price of $239 and is available at Home Depot and other retailers. More info: www.ridgid.com/seesnake-micro.

MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE, AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

Flexisnake removes clogs

Here's a new way to rid drains of icky hair clogs fast.

The FlexiSnake is a flexible plastic cord with a Velcro hook-and-loop pad at the end, designed to snag hair so you can pull out the clog. The pad can slip right past a pop-up stopper, and there's a miniature version for even smaller drain openings.

The disposable tool is intended as an alternative to chemicals for people who don't feel comfortable removing the drain trap. The FlexiSnake is sold in packs of two or more at prices starting at $7.95, not including shipping costs. It can be ordered at www.flexisnake.com or 1-877-353-9476.

MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE, AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

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