Understanding the Need for a Dishwasher Air Gap
If you have a home inspection conducted, chances are good that you will be informed about a problem with the home’s dishwasher air gap. Mostly, installers can’t seem to get the installation right. The area is often out of sight and out of mind. Due to this missing air gap, you might have faced the problem of frequently getting your sink contaminated with wastewater. Meanwhile, a good home inspector will be able to identify the problem and call for correction. So, your living experience remains safe and up to the standards.
What is a Dishwasher Gap?
An air gap is a little fixture installed above the countertop of a dishwasher. It acts as a dishwasher backflow preventer as it protects your dishwasher from flooding with wastewater. As a result of clogged tubing, wastewater can re-enter your dishwasher. So, the air gap ensures a unidirectional flow of water in your dishwasher.
Does a Dishwasher Need a Vent?
A dishwasher surely needs a vent. However, a machine can perform its operation without a vent or an air gap, but there would be chances of getting the drain clogged and the sink contaminated with grey water.
Is an Air Gap Necessary for My Dishwasher?
Yes, it is necessary for all dishwashers to have an air gap. The plumbing codes set forth all dishwasher installations along with an air gap. Anyhow, to avoid contamination a dishwasher gap is a must to install. Not installing the air gap for the dishwasher can increase the risk of contamination, causing serious health concerns.
Do All Dishwashers Come With an Air Gap?
Most dishwashers do not have built-in backflow prevention on the drain hose side. This is where the drain air gap device functions to prevent contamination of the inside of the dishwasher. This type of contamination would occur if there was a kitchen sink drain backup. The Uniform Plumbing Code requires that an air gap device be installed at the countertop level to prevent backflow into the dishwasher. A dishwasher check valve can also be helpful to ensure a one-sided flow of water, avoiding re-entering contaminated water in the dishwasher sink.
What Can be Possible Ways for Dishwasher Backflow Prevention
In order to prevent a backflow of wastewater, you must keep your lines clean. There are a few devices that are helpful in keeping lines clean and ensuring the unidirectional flow of wastewater. Such available devices are:
1.Check Valves:
Check Valves allow the unidirectional flow of water. These are installed in direct drain pipes, but a check valve can cause a malfunction especially when its door gets stuck open. In such a case, you will need to replace that check valve.
2.Vacuum Breaker:
Backflow usually occurs when the pressure in the drain lines changes and water starts moving backward to the source. To resolve backflow issues, vacuum breakers are also used. A Vacuum Breaker is installed on the hoses and spigots. These breakers need regular inspections as they can be faulty under extreme weather conditions.
3.Air Gaps:
Air Gap is the dishwasher backflow preventer. It gets installed above the counter of the dishwasher. It creates a gap in the air pressure and prevents wastewater from re-entering the dishwasher sink. It is the best device to keep your dishwasher clean. So, it is claimed that air gaps are necessary for the dishwashers to maintain hygiene.
How Does a Dishwasher Air Gap Work?
An Air Gap prevents sink water from draining into the dishwasher. Air Gap separates the dishwasher drain line from the sink drain line. There are two hoses of an air gap. One is for the used water from the dishwasher, and the other takes the used water to the garbage disposal. This device prevents backflow by keeping the connection above the fixture flood-level rim and having an opening to the atmosphere (preventing a siphon effect). The device looks like a small chrome canister, usually just to the right of the sink basin. The air gap device has a vertical slot that should be directed to face the sink. At times, the air gap device will fail, causing discharge water to exit through the slot in the air gap device.
How to Install an Air Gap in a Dishwasher?
The installation process of an Air Gap consists of five easy steps. If you are going to install it on your own, just follow these steps:
1.Find the Dedicated Hole on the Dishwasher Counter
Usually all the dishwasher counters come with a dedicated slot for the air gap. It is where the kit has to be placed. If there is no slot on your counter, you will have to drill it. It would be better if an expert goes for the drilling step.
2.Connect the Smaller Inlet to the Dishwasher Drain Line
The smaller inlet of the Air Gap is to be connected to the drain hose of the dishwasher. Make sure that the tube is connected tightly. Any loose connection can affect the working of Air Gap.
3.Connect the Other End to the Disposal Line
Use a clamp to fix it tightly on the drain hose or garbage disposal line. The connection must be tight so the Air Gap will work efficiently, avoiding any leakages.
4.Place the Air Gap in the Dedicated Hole
You need to push the Air Gap into the dedicated slot on the countertop. You need to use tools like a screwdriver or a wrench to tighten it. Place the vanity cover over it and the installation completes here.
5.Checking the Connections
The last step is about checking the connections and leakages. Run your dishwasher and keep checking if there is any leakage in the dishwasher cabinet.
If you are facing issues with the air gap, you must ask your plumber to install it or replace it if broken.
Can an Air Gap Go Bad?
An air gap usually does not malfunction until the user puts uncleaned dishes in the dishwasher. The food particles and grease can cause a blockage in the lines. Such a clog ends in an air gap leak, and the air gap starts spilling water out. However, putting precleaned dishes in the dishwasher can help to avoid any obstruction in lines and air gap leaks.
Air Gap Being Best for Dishwasher
Some building codes allow the high loop method (fasten drain hose high at the underside of countertop). This installation will work in most cases unless a siphon occurs. Attending to the need for an air gap at the dishwasher can prevent a rather disgusting and unsanitary event should a backup occur. There is no doubt that practically air gap is best for dishwasher drain hose backflow prevention.
Advantage Inspection Service provides home inspections in Arizona. Our services cover the entire Phoenix metro area. You can get a reliable inspection report for your home and details about all essential fixtures from our home inspector.