Had a similar thing happen with the disposal hookup—one time, a rogue pasta noodle managed to wedge itself right at the connection and I didn’t notice until water started pooling under the sink. Not my favorite surprise. Since then, I’ve leaned toward dedicated drain lines when possible. It’s a bit more work upfront, but in my experience, it cuts down on those weird smells and random clogs. Still, if space or budget’s tight, the disposal hookup does the job... just gotta stay on top of it.
Still, if space or budget’s tight, the disposal hookup does the job... just gotta stay on top of it.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’m not convinced dedicated drain lines are always the answer. I’ve seen more leaks from those than from disposal hookups, especially when folks try to DIY. Plus, with a disposal, you’re less likely to get food bits stuck in the line—assuming you’re careful about what goes down. I know it’s tempting to want a “cleaner” setup, but sometimes the simpler route is actually safer for the long haul. Just my two cents.
I’ve actually noticed the opposite in some older homes—disposal hookups seemed to back up more often, especially when folks got lazy about running enough water or tried to grind stuff they shouldn’t. I do get what you mean about DIY installs on dedicated lines, though... seen some real “creative” plumbing under sinks. Has anyone here run into issues with codes or inspections preferring one method over the other? Sometimes that’s the deciding factor where I work.
Around here, inspectors tend to favor dedicated drain lines for dishwashers, especially in newer remodels. It’s mostly about minimizing the risk of backups and cross-contamination. I’ve had a couple units flagged during inspection because someone tried to get clever with a disposal hookup and skipped the air gap. Honestly, I’ve seen fewer headaches long-term with dedicated lines—even if it’s a bit more work upfront, it saves me from those late-night “my kitchen’s flooding” calls. Just my two cents.
I hear you on the dedicated lines—less drama in the long run. I’ve always wondered, though: for folks trying to retrofit older kitchens, is there a practical way to add a dedicated drain without tearing up half the cabinetry? Or is it just not worth the hassle?
