Air gaps are not machines, but simply pieces of metal or plastic. However, it does a remarkable job, since the air gap prevents drain water from returning to the dishwasher. What’s the big deal with an air gap in your dishwasher? Let’s make that clear.
Can a dishwasher be installed without an air gap?
An air gap is necessary for the installation of a dishwasher. As an alternative, you can use a standpipe or a high loop. In some areas, it is a plumbing code required to install an air gap with dishwashers. You must then install an air gap with dishwashers.
The dishwasher cleans our plates. Once it’s done, it drains the dirt away. The problem is that the dirt doesn’t always come out smoothly through the pipe. Sometimes the pipes get clogged up. By doing so, the dirty water does not drain out and returns to the dishwasher.
Therefore, the dishwasher tends to become dirty rather than clean.
You can avoid this problem by using an air gap. In the case of clogs in the pipe, dirty water does not return to the dishwasher. Rather, it starts coming out through the upper part of the air gap. Even After that, you can clean the clogged pipe by removing the cap of the air gap.
It is still possible to run a dishwasher without having any air gaps. Similarly, if there is an obstruction in the pipe, then it can cause problems with the dishwasher. Consequently, you must use a different alternative instead of the air gap.
You can use a high loop and standpipe as an alternative.
Does every dishwasher need an air gap? Do new dishwashers need an air gap?
You should use an air gap on all dishwasher types. In the absence of an air gap, you have to use an alternative. However, if an air gap installation is not mandatory in your local plumbing code, you are allowed to install the alternative.
In that case, you must assume the risk of getting a clogged pipe and dirty water backflow to the dishwasher.
The dishwasher cleans out food particles of any size with water. So, when you use a dishwasher, there’s always a risk of a clogged pipe, regardless of the size. Nevertheless, garbage disposals crush food particles and mix them with water.
Some users complain, however, that the pipes are being clogged despite having garbage disposals.
It is necessary to install an air gap with the new dishwasher model. The dishwasher does not come with an air gap installed. You have to purchase one separately and install it together. You should ensure that an air gap is installed to meet the local plumbing code.
Similarly, air gaps are necessary to protect food from contamination.
Is the dishwasher air gap required by code?
New plumbing codes concerning air gaps in dishwashers were adopted by some states in the United States in 2016. Following the code, it is prohibited to install a dishwasher without a proper air gap. But the regulations have not yet been implemented everywhere.
As of now, new plumbing codes are mandatory in California, Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, and New Jersey. The air gap plumbing code is also being rolled out to other states.
You should use the air gap not only to comply with the law but also to maintain the hygiene of your dishwasher, sink, and dish. It is very difficult to open and clean a clogged pipe manually. The use of air gaps reduces the chances of clogging.
In contrast, if it becomes clogged, you can easily clean it.
Is there an alternative to an air gap?
The air gaps are there to prevent backflow. If any other alternative can be used to prevent backflow, it can also be used instead of the air gap. These are some of the most common alternatives to the air gap.
High loop:
The high loop involves hanging the dishwasher drain pipe directly from the sink pipe without connecting it directly to the sink pipe. Any dirt that passes through the loop won’t come back.
However, a high loop does not offer the same level of efficiency as the air gap if there is not any garbage disposal system. Even after installing a high loop, there might be backflow in the dishwasher.
Standpipe:
In a standpipe, the drainpipe is rotated using a U-shaped metal and then inserted into another larger pipe. When the main pipe overflows or is clogged for any reason, the dirty water does not return to the dishwasher but overflows in the main pipe.
Unfortunately, in this case, if the overflow occurs, the kitchen can become dirty.
The Check Valve:
Check valves are highly effective plumbing accessories. Typically, they are attached to the dishwasher’s drain pipe. This prevents water from flowing in multiple directions. The water flows in the opposite direction and never enters the dishwasher.
However, the problem is that if the pipe is clogged for any reason, there is no chance to open the cap-like air gap. It does not have any real drawbacks but still produces similar results.
How to install a dishwasher without an air gap?
Depending on the plumbing code in your area, you may be able to install the dishwasher without an air gap. However, in that case, you must go with one of the alternatives. To install the alternatives, follow these steps.
The things you will need:
You will need a Drainpipe, Pipe cutter, screwdriver, and hose clamp to install the alternative. You can also use the high loop or standpipes or the check valve as alternatives to air gaps.
Set up the garbage disposal:
There is an extra pipe fitting port on the garbage disposal where the dishwasher drain pipe is connected. This port is usually sealed. Open it first. Mount the garbage disposal with the sink flange. Install the drain pipe from the dishwasher to the disposal.
Install a replacement:
If you don’t plan on installing air gaps, you can install any of its alternatives. If you plan to install The Check Valve with a drainpipe, do so with the drain pipe. Connect the other end of the drainpipe to the garbage disposal.
You can use high loops or standpipes to connect the drain pipe. Attach the drainpipe to the disposal unit as you normally would. Make sure your pipe connection is tight by using hose clamps.
How to replace the air gap for a dishwasher?
If an air gap is damaged or faulty, a replacement is necessary. If you have some plumbing knowledge, you can replace the air gap yourself.
The things you will need:
You will need a bucket, towel, screwdriver, air gap, hose clamp, and drain pipe to do the job yourself.
Ensure the safety of everything:
Be sure to turn off the garbage disposal and dishwasher before installing the air gap again. Make sure the electrical connection is disconnected. Place the bucket underneath the air gap and disposal. Shut off the water lines to the sink and dishwasher.
Remove the old air gap:
The air gap is connected with pipes at the bottom. Start by opening the pipes one by one. The water may accumulate inside, leaking out when the pipes are opened. Make sure to dump it in the bottom bucket. The air gap is usually mounted to the sink.
Therefore, remove the old air gap on the sink flange by unscrewing it.
Replace the old one:
Make sure the sink flange and the bottom area are well cleaned before installing the new air gap. Clean out the drainpipe by throwing out the dirty water. Make sure there is no dirt clogging the pipes. Finally, connect the dishwasher drain pipe with the new air gap.
Use another pipe to connect it to the disposal unit. Then, attach the air gap to the sink flange. Use screws to tighten it. Finally, cover the air gap with the cap. Plug the disposal unit and dishwasher into the electrical outlet. Run water to the dishwasher and disposal.
Repair leaks if needed. You can use hose clamps to fix leaks.
Final Thought
It is mandatory to have an air gap in a dishwasher. Without one, dirty water will recirculate in the dishwasher. Several areas prohibit the installation of dishwashers without air gaps due to plumbing codes. It also helps keep the dishwasher hygienic.