Do I Need An Air Gap in My Dishwasher?

One of the many questions our Southern California plumbers are asked is if an air gap is a dishwasher necessity.

An air gap may seem like an unassuming term to describe some separation of space between two parts. But the plumbing term “air gap” really refers to a fixture that prevents drain water backing up into a dishwasher, something that could cause contamination via siphoning from the dishwasher line into the main water supply. While the chance of a backup event like this is unlikely, the possibility is still there.

Therefore, most safety codes require plumbers to install an air gap. Some might suggest the use of a “high loop,” where the dishwasher is connected to the sink drain through the highest point under the sink. However, any reputable plumber will absolutely not perform this method. Instead, they will opt for the air gap, ensuring safety codes are met and that the dishwasher and its connections will pass city inspection.

Because the air gap is a cylinder-like fixture that is plumbed into both the sink drain and the dishwasher drain pipe, it is easy to spot and know if you need repair or maintenance. If water flows from the fixture into the sink or there is no cylinder fixture where the air gap should be, then it is time to call.

At Adeedo!, we are proud to be the leading Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Bernardino County plumber. We’ve been successfully installing air gaps for decades and ensuring that our customers are getting the most out of their dishwasher. Since our company’s founding in 1949, we have handled any plumbing job, large or small, for both residential and commercial customers.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with an Adeedo! plumber, please give us a call at (833) 936-1791.