High loops are code in a lot of places and they work, but they’re kind of like locking your front door and leaving the window open... not perfect, but better than nothing.
That’s a pretty solid analogy. I’ve had to clear out enough gross stuff from under-sink setups to know I’d rather just run a dedicated drain if I can. High loops are fine for passing inspection, but if you’ve ever pulled out a dishwasher hose that’s been sitting in a greasy old trap, you know it’s not ideal. Honestly, if you’re already doing the work, why not do it right? Peace of mind is worth the extra effort—nobody wants mystery funk on their silverware.
- Dedicated drain is great, but honestly, if you’re on a tight budget, high loop gets the job done.
- I’ve had a high loop for years—never had a backup or weird smells.
- Not saying it’s perfect, but sometimes “good enough” is all the wallet allows.
- If you’re already tearing stuff out, sure, go for the dedicated line... but if not, I’d rather save the cash and just keep an eye on things.
I get the budget angle, but man, after dealing with tenants who think a garbage disposal is a wood chipper, I’m all about the dedicated drain. High loops are fine until someone shoves a potato peel down there and suddenly you’re getting midnight calls about “the dishwasher smells like swamp water.” If you’ve got the chance to do it right, I say save yourself the headache down the road. Sometimes “good enough” just means “good enough for now... until it isn’t.”
High loops are fine until someone shoves a potato peel down there and suddenly you’re getting midnight calls about “the dishwasher smells like swamp water.”
Man, you nailed it. I once had a guy call me because his “dishwasher was burping up spaghetti water” — turns out his kid thought the disposal was a magic portal for leftovers. Dedicated drain lines aren’t glamorous, but they sure save your nose (and your phone battery) in the long run. High loops work... until they don’t, and then it’s always at the worst possible time.
Dedicated drain lines aren’t glamorous, but they sure save your nose (and your phone battery) in the long run.
Ain’t that the truth. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to crawl under a sink at 2am because someone’s “magic disposal” backed up into the dishwasher. High loops are fine until life happens—kids, guests, or that one roommate who thinks anything fits down the drain. Dedicated line isn’t flashy, but it’s peace of mind. I’ll take boring over swamp water any day.