Bigger indoor trap might be a pain, but at least you can actually get to it when you need to.
You nailed it. I’ve seen way too many folks regret going underground just because it “looks cleaner.” Sure, indoor traps take up space and can stink if not maintained, but nothing beats being able to fix a problem without tearing up concrete. I’ll take a little hassle over a jackhammer any day.
nothing beats being able to fix a problem without tearing up concrete
That’s the key right there. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen folks go for the underground option, only to end up with a nightmare when something goes wrong. It’s true, indoor traps aren’t exactly pretty and they can be a pain to clean, but at least you’re not dealing with a slab saw and dust everywhere if you need access.
One thing I do wonder about is long-term odor control. Even with regular maintenance, some kitchens just can’t seem to shake that smell—especially in smaller spaces. Anyone ever find a good workaround for that? Or is it just part of the package?
I get why some owners want everything hidden away, but from a maintenance standpoint, I’d rather have an awkwardly placed trap than risk major downtime down the line. Curious if anyone’s actually had an underground system that *didn’t* turn into a headache eventually...
Honestly, I’ve had the opposite experience—underground traps can be a lot less hassle if they’re done right.
- Less risk of kitchen slip hazards or accidental tampering.
- No constant odors wafting through the kitchen (assuming proper seals and venting).
- Out of sight means less disruption for staff and customers.
Sure, repairs are a pain if something goes wrong, but with regular inspections and a solid install, I’ve seen them last years without issues. Indoor ones always seem to need more attention... and yeah, that smell never really goes away in tight spaces. Just my two cents.
Underground traps definitely sound appealing when you put it like that. I always get nervous about the “out of sight, out of mind” thing, though—like, will I remember to check it before it becomes a nightmare? But yeah, the constant whiff from the indoor ones is a dealbreaker for me. My buddy put in an underground trap and swears by it, but he did mention the install cost was a bit of a gut punch. If you’ve got the budget and can set a reminder to check it, seems like the way to go.
I always get nervous about the “out of sight, out of mind” thing, though—like, will I remember to check it before it becomes a nightmare?
That’s a legit concern. I’ve seen more than a few places where folks forgot about their underground trap until it started backing up... not pretty. One client even had to rip up part of their patio to get at it after ignoring the maintenance schedule. If you’re the type to set reminders and actually follow through, underground’s solid. But if you’re forgetful, the indoor ones—smell and all—are easier to keep tabs on. Just comes down to what headache you want to deal with, honestly.
