Definitely agree that maintenance is the real game-changer here. Underground traps can handle a ton, but only if folks don’t slack on the clean-out schedule—seen more than a few disasters when that part gets ignored. On the flip side, those little under-sink units are super handy for quick fixes, but they fill up fast in busy kitchens. Honestly, both types have their headaches. If you’ve got a crew you trust to stay on top of cleaning, underground is pretty solid. Just gotta keep everyone on the same page.
Honestly, you nailed it—maintenance is where things go sideways or stay smooth. I've seen places with underground traps that turn into absolute nightmares when the schedule slips, but when everyone's on it, they're pretty much invisible. Those under-sink units are great for spots where space is tight or you need to keep an eye on things daily, but yeah, they're a pain in a high-volume setup. If your crew's reliable, underground's the way to go... but I've learned not to underestimate how fast stuff can go south if folks get lax. You’re thinking about it the right way.
Maintenance is the whole ballgame, no doubt. I’ve been called in more than once to deal with a backed-up underground trap that hadn’t been touched in months—by the time anyone noticed, you could smell it halfway down the block. It’s true, when the crew’s on top of it, you barely remember it’s there. But I’ve also seen under-sink units overflow in the middle of a dinner rush, and that’s a different kind of chaos. Personally, I lean toward underground for bigger operations, but only if there’s a rock-solid schedule and someone actually checking. Otherwise, you’re just rolling the dice.
