Why can't drain pipes from sinks be in a somewhat clear plastic so you can see when you are getting a clog or what is causing a clog?

You can buy glass plumbing pipes and if you want to pay the price you can have them. I have installed lots of glass piping in Laboratories that use lots of acids.

Interesting question. You could measure the OD of your current drain, and go buy some clear plastic tubing with the ID to fit it. Many places have heavy, tough vinyl in large sizes. Cut off the current drain pipes, slip the plastic over the stubs. Arrange it into a trap. It needs to go down and back up far enough to trap water in the bottom of the loop, and then back to the vent in the wall. Secure the ends with the screw type radiator clamps.

I wouldn't be too surprised if it quickly developed an ugly coating you couldn't see through.

I installed flexible clear plastic tubing on an A/C condensate drain about a year and a half ago. We made it through last summer with no backups for the first time in years. It had been a long time problem despite having professionals work on it several times.

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Originally Posted by 12gink

why can't drain pipes from sinks be in a somewhat clear plastic so you can see when you are getting a clog or what is causing a clog?

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Because most blockages occur in a wall or under cement. I have installed glass drainage in a school laboratory but never in a residence. Regards, Tom