Dishwasher Air Gap: Why Do We Need Them? 2022

Depending on where you are in the country then you may have been seeing more dishwasher air gaps in today’s construction or renovation. Many areas have adopted a new plumbing standard for the local plumbing code that is requiring an air gap to be installed.

What is a dishwasher air gap?

A dishwasher air gap is a device installed in the sink drain line to prevent water or suds from backing up into the dishwasher. The air gap acts as an overflow prevention system, allowing waste water to escape if it ever begins to rise too high and threatens to backflow into the appliance.

A typical installation of an air gap includes a tee fitting that is connected to the sink drain and a cap or cube-shaped device placed on top of the sink. The cap has two ports; one for the dishwasher drain hose and one for venting air thus creating an air gap between the dishwasher and sink drains, thus preventing cross-contamination.

Air gaps are required by many local building codes now. Check with your local municipality to determine your area requirements.

Even if your local code doesn’t require an airgap to be installed, it may be an idea add-on when adding or replacing your current dishwasher.

What does an air gap look like?

Air gap flow

Problems Found With Air Gaps?

Overall a  air gap is a simple safety device for your plumbing system. Check out the image below.

1. The problems we find are usually around installation, needs to be installed where water can not damage the finishes nearby. Should be placed on the sink basin so if a leak happens the water will drain into the sink.
2. Incorrect Hose Sizes, if the hose is undersized then the water flow will be be disturbed
3. The dishwasher air gap fitting is loose or damaged

Recap:

Air gaps are adding to increase the flow of water when draining to prevent backflow. I personally prefer the normal drain hose from the dishwasher being installed with a high loop.

When installed properly, the system drain just fine. Here is one below that is not installed properly. You can see the backflow in the hose. If your dishwasher drain hose looks like this then you should consider correcting to stop any backflow from happening. Another article to check out is “Dishwasher High Loop Keeps Your Water Safe”.

How to Install the Air Gap

Source

For additional questions or comments, be sure to reach out. GGR Home Inspections conducts home inspections in the Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami Dade county areas.

Amazon.com. Spend less. Smile more.

See it On Amazon

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.