At least I know what’s going on and don’t have to play “find that smell” in the backyard.
- Been there, done that—nothing like chasing a mystery odor for days only to find out it’s the underground trap.
- In-kitchen units are a pain to empty, but at least you’re not shelling out for a backhoe every few years.
- Underground looks tidy, but repairs are brutal on both time and budget.
- For rentals, I stick with in-kitchen. Tenants can see it, deal with it, and I avoid surprise disasters.
- Only exception: really high-volume kitchens where the under-sink just can’t keep up. Otherwise, I’ll take the hassle I can see over the one I can’t.
In-kitchen units are a pain to empty, but at least you’re not shelling out for a backhoe every few years.
Here’s how I always break it down for folks:
1. Visibility—can you see the trap, or is it buried? If it’s out of sight, it’s usually out of mind… until something goes sideways.
2. Maintenance frequency—are you ready to put someone on a regular emptying schedule, or do you want to gamble and hope you don’t get a surprise backup?
3. Access—can you get to it easily, or are you digging up the yard every time there’s a clog?
4. Cost—upfront install vs. long-term maintenance and repair. Underground looks nice, but that first big repair bill is a gut punch.
I get the appeal of underground for aesthetics, but in practice, I’ve seen way too many folks regret it when they’re standing ankle-deep in a puddle, trying to remember where the cleanout is. Curious—has anyone actually had an underground trap go more than five years without needing a major fix? Or is that just wishful thinking?
Underground looks nice, but that first big repair bill is a gut punch.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen folks shocked by that first dig-up bill. Here’s the thing—if you’re running a busy kitchen, those underground traps just don’t get the attention they need until it’s too late. Ever tried clearing a clog at 2am when you can’t even find the access point? Not fun.
Has anyone actually tracked the real cost difference over, say, ten years? I’d bet maintenance on an in-kitchen unit is way cheaper long-term, even if it’s a hassle to empty every week.
That line about the 2am clog—been there, done that, and it’s never pretty.
That’s exactly it. People love how “invisible” underground setups are until something goes wrong. I’ve seen kitchens grind to a halt waiting for a plumber with a jackhammer. In-kitchen units might be ugly and annoying, but at least you know what you’re dealing with. Long-term, I’m skeptical those buried systems ever really save money unless you’re running a spotless ship... which, let’s be honest, is rare.those underground traps just don’t get the attention they need until it’s too late
Honestly, I get the frustration with underground traps, but I’ve seen them work out fine in places that actually stick to a cleaning schedule. Yeah, they’re a pain when they clog, but in-kitchen units can stink up the whole place and are a nightmare in tight spaces. Not saying buried systems are perfect, but sometimes having that mess out of sight (and smell) is worth it if you’re on top of maintenance.
