Air Gap

Keep An Eye On Your Dishwasher Air Gap

 

air gapHave you noticed your kitchen dishwasher air gap lately? This device is that thing that is usually attached to your sink or countertop. It looks like a small upside down cup with vent holes and it is part of the plumbing. In the event that your dishwasher drainage should back up, this little gadget makes sure the backed up water gets directed into your sink instead of your floor – and the dishwasher can empty out.

It’s amazing how every time you turn around, the air gap is pointed away from the kitchen sink. You want to make sure it actually points toward the kitchen sink so that it can do its job properly. If you have an inattentive spouse or house cleaners, the dishwasher air gap seems to constantly point in any direction other than the kitchen sink.

If your gap is left in this incorrect position, the backed up water would spill out all over your kitchen, possibly damaging your new cabinets and countertops, etc… You could even wind up damaging the flooring depending on what kind you have.

Some models may be designed so that they can’t be rotated out of position, but most do not have that ability.

Per the plumbing code, the air gap must be 2 times the (ID) inner diameter of the pipe to be effective. As this is part of the required back flow prevention.

If your dishwasher air gap has a habit of getting rotated around until it no longer points into your sink, it would be a good idea to make a habit of taking note of it whenever you use the sink – correct the situation and make sure it points into the kitchen sink. If your dishwasher backs up, you will be glad that you did.

SW Florida plumbers Protek Plumbing and Drain Specialists are ready to take care of all of the plumbing in your home.