Dishwasher Garbage Disposal Air Gap

A dishwasher air gap separates two branches of hose with a physical gap of air to guarantee that cross contamination between the dishwasher and drain is impossible.

Dishwasher garbage disposal air gap.

The air gap fitting links either to the garbage disposal or to the drain itself. If there is a blockage then this will need to be removed by using a plumber s snake. The air gap works by allowing fresh air into the drain hose if there is a backup causing negative pressure. However if you d prefer not to use that fitting there is a dishwasher air gap alternative.

Check the pipes between the air gap and the dishwasher and the air gap and the waste disposal. One branch of the air gap fitting connects from the dishwasher to the air gap. A clogged air gap can be a major problem and cause a lot of headaches. It s a basic yet useful preventative measure.

A dishwasher air gap is code in many jurisdictions though some allow an alternative installation method. Mounted to the rim of a kitchen sink the air gap s outlet intercepts and empties waste water from clogged drains before it can flow through the appliance s drain hose and into the appliance. The incoming dishwasher drain hose connects to one fitting while a secondary hose runs from the other fitting to the kitchen sink s drain pipe or garbage disposer. There are a few different reasons for this including a damaged seal or possibly because of a blockage in the pipe which connects the air gap to the dishwasher.

A dishwasher with a functional air gap will pump wastewater through the air gap and into a disposal system by way of a drain hose. The dishwasher pumps discarded water and food particles through the hose and into the garbage disposal. You then connect the garbage disposer and the drain tube with hose clamps. If you see water gushing out of the air gap you likely are experiencing a clog and must clear your drain tube of debris.

You can make a high loop a unique configuration of the drain hose that takes the line up above the water level. The other branch descends from the air gap to the garbage disposal. You can use a pipe strapping or hose clamp to ensure that the hose is securely held onto the counter top s underside. Just like the air gap the high loop will prevent the back siphoning of garbage from the disposal into the dishwasher.

If everything works properly the dishwasher pumps waste water to the air gap where it s moved away by the drain hose to the garbage disposal.