I get where you’re coming from about the in-kitchen traps. Here’s how I break it down, especially when you’re watching the budget and don’t want to deal with a disaster later:
- Upfront cost: In-kitchen traps are way cheaper to buy and install. You can get a decent one for under $200, and it’s a DIY job if you’re handy. Underground units? You’re looking at thousands, plus pro installation.
- Maintenance: Yeah, cleaning the in-kitchen ones is gross, but it’s quick. Five minutes every week or two and you’re done. With underground traps, you’re hiring someone with a pump truck every few months. That adds up fast.
- Early warning: I agree—your nose is a better sensor than any blinking light. If something’s off, you know right away and can fix it before it gets worse. With underground, you might not notice until there’s a backup or (worse) a leak under your slab.
- Repairs: If an in-kitchen trap cracks or fails, swap it out for another $50-$100. If an underground line goes? You’re digging up concrete or your yard, and that’s a nightmare for both your wallet and your sanity.
- Space: Only real downside for me is if you’ve got a tiny kitchen. The under-sink units do take up some cabinet space, which can be annoying if storage is already tight.
I’ve had both setups in different houses. The only time I’d go underground is if local code requires it or if you’re running a commercial kitchen with crazy high volume. For home use, I’ll take the occasional stink over a surprise five-figure plumbing bill any day.
One tip—if the smell gets bad even with regular cleaning, try tossing in some enzyme packets once in a while. They help break down the gunk and keep things from getting too nasty between cleanings.
Just my two cents... but yeah, I’d rather deal with some stink than have to call in heavy machinery because of a hidden clog.
I hear you on the cost and hassle—underground traps are a money pit unless you’re running a restaurant. But I do wonder about the environmental side. With in-kitchen traps, you’re more likely to keep up with maintenance, so less grease ends up in the sewer, right? I’ve read that even small leaks from underground systems can cause bigger issues for local water treatment. Anyone ever had problems with city inspectors or fines because of a missed cleaning or a leak? That’s the one thing that makes me hesitate about the “out of sight, out of mind” approach.
That’s the one thing that makes me hesitate about the “out of sight, out of mind” approach.
You’re not wrong to worry. I’ve seen folks get hit with surprise fines after ignoring underground traps for too long—city inspectors don’t mess around if there’s a leak. In-kitchen traps might be a pain, but at least you know what’s going on. Out of sight just means out of mind until it’s a problem... and then it’s a big one.
I get where you’re coming from—out of sight can turn into out of budget real fast if something goes wrong. I’ve had tenants ignore underground traps and it’s a nightmare when the city gets involved. At least with in-kitchen, you spot issues early. It’s a hassle, but sometimes the hassle is worth the peace of mind.
Had a job last year where the underground trap was totally forgotten about—outta sight, outta mind, right? By the time anyone noticed, the backup was so bad it shut down half the kitchen. The city inspector wasn’t thrilled either. I get why folks like the in-kitchen ones even if they’re a pain to clean. At least you know what’s going on before it turns into a disaster. Sometimes the extra hassle is just the safer bet.
