If you’ve been thinking about installing a garbage disposal, then you may have come across the debate over whether or not it needs an air gap (not an air switch, which is completely different). This topic has caused some confusion and controversy among homeowners, with arguments about its necessity ranging from safety concerns to plumbing code requirements. So what’s the verdict? Does your garbage disposal need an air gap? Or can you install it without one?
In this blog post, we’ll break down the purpose of an air gap and provide insight into whether or not your garbage disposal truly needs one.
What Is an Air Gap?
Let’s start with the basics: What exactly is an air gap, anyway? Simply put, it’s a way to prevent wastewater from flowing back into your home’s potable water supply. It creates a physical gap between the drain pipe and your clean water supply, which allows air to enter and prevent any backflow from occurring.
If you’ve never seen one before, then yes, it’s an actual physical thing and not just a “gap of air”! It’s a simple device consisting of two tubes that are connected through a vented cap.
What’s the Point of an Air Gap?
An air gap serves as a crucial safety measure for your home’s plumbing system. Without one, there is a risk of contaminated water flowing back into your clean water supply, which can lead to serious health issues. For example, you could end up ingesting bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause illness or even death.
How Does an Air Gap Work?
The way an air gap works is fairly simple. When water flows down the drain, it creates suction that can pull wastewater back into the dishwasher through the drain hose. This means that if your garbage disposal and dishwasher share a common drain line, contaminated water from the disposal unit can potentially flow back into your dishwasher.
An air gap prevents this from happening by creating an open space between the two drain lines. This allows air to flow into the dishwasher drain hose, breaking the suction and preventing contaminated water from being pulled back.
Do You Really Need an Air Gap with a Garbage Disposal?
Now that we understand what an air gap is and how it works, let’s get to the question at hand: Does your garbage disposal really need an air gap?
While the exact requirements can vary by your local plumbing codes, the general recommendation is yes, you do need an air gap for your garbage disposal. It’s just not worth the risk of contaminated water flowing back into your dishwasher and potentially causing health issues.
Additionally, many local building codes actually require you to an install an air gap for garbage disposals. So, not only is it a smart idea from a safety standpoint, it may also be required by law.
But the keyword there, though, is “may” – an air gap isn’t required everywhere. There are some areas where you can directly connect a garbage disposal to the dishwasher. But you’ll still have to do a little something extra – you’ll need to use the high loop method.
What Is the High Loop Method?
The high loop method is an alternative to using an air gap (at least, where applicable). In this case, you’ll need to install the dishwasher drain hose higher than the connection point to your garbage disposal or drain pipe. This creates a loop in the hose, which acts as a barrier and prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your dishwasher.
While this method may comply with plumbing codes in some areas, it’s not necessarily as safe as using an air gap. After all, the high loop still relies on gravity to prevent backflow. So, if the water pressure changes suddenly or there’s a clog in the hose, it can make the high loop ineffective.
Where Do You Install the Air Gap on a Garbage Disposal?
If your local codes do require an air gap, you may be wondering where exactly you should install it with your garbage disposal. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple – it really depends on the way you have your plumbing set up.
Wherever you decide to place it, though, there is one general recommendation: the air gap should be at least two inches. This is to ensure that there’s enough space for the air gap to properly do its job. But even this can change based on your particular situation (like the size of your discharge and supply lines, for example), so be sure to check your local regulations for more information.
Or, if you want to stay on the safe side, it may be a good idea to hire a professional plumber to install an air gap for you. That way, you can be sure that it’s done correctly and meets all necessary codes and standards.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, yes, you should definitely install an air gap for your dishwasher. This small device may seem insignificant, but it plays a crucial role in keeping your kitchen safe and free from contaminated water. Whether you choose to use an air gap or a high loop method, though, make sure to follow your local codes and regulations to ensure proper installation and maintenance of your plumbing system.
Furthermore, even if an air gap isn’t required by your local codes, it may still be a good idea to install one for added protection against potential backflow issues. Remember, water pressure and clogs can still render the high loop method ineffective, so an air gap provides an extra layer of security.
In the end, it’s important to prioritize safety when it comes to your plumbing system. Whether it’s for your garbage disposal or any other appliance, make sure to consult with a professional if you’re unsure about proper installation or maintenance procedures. And always stay up-to-date on local codes and regulations to ensure the safety of your home and family.
So, go ahead and install that air gap – your kitchen will thank you!
Need an air gap? Find one here.