Dishwasher Air Gap Installation: A How-To Guide
If you’ve ever wondered how to prevent the unpleasant mixture of your dishwasher’s wastewater from dirtying the water supply system’s clean water, then you need to know about the plumbing fixture known as the dishwasher air gap. Though it may be a seemingly small and unimportant section of your kitchen’s plumbing, the air gap fulfills an essential function in keeping your dishwasher system safe and working properly.
The prospect of installing one might sound daunting, but armed with a little know-how and patience, it’s a pretty straightforward DIY project that can save your home’s plumbing and keep your dishwasher running smoothly for years to come.
In the complete guide below, we’ll show you everything you need to know about this air gap dishwasher device: from what it is and why you need it all the way to step-by-step installation instructions, common problems and fixes and necessary maintenance tips.
What Is a Dishwasher Air Gap and Why Do You Need One?
The dishwasher air gap is a small, often cylindrical device that mounts on a back ledge of the kitchen sink or the countertop. On the surface it may appear as just another ornamented piece from your local store, but it serves a purpose.
The air gap’s main duty is to prevent dirty wastewater backflow from your sink or garbage disposal from getting into your dishwasher. Left unprotected, this backwash can be a bacteria-breeding ground that may cause your dishwasher to be unhygienic and even affect your health.
How Dishwasher Air Gap Works?
It works by providing a physical separation— a literal air gap or gap of air—between the dishwasher and the drain system of the house. This space effectively prevents any waste water from being siphoned back into the dishwasher.
The dishwasher pumps out wastewater through a hose that’s connected to the air gap’s inlet. Within the air gap, the water from the hose drains into an open space of air. The water is then emptied out from this chamber into a second hose that is attached to your garbage disposal or sink drain.
The air gap assures that there is a space filled with air between the mouth of the drain hose and the flooded rim of the sink and, therefore, since contaminated water cannot flow back into the dishwasher, it is known that there is no backup or clog in the drain system accompanying the dishwasher.
How the Air Gap Prevents Backflow and Contamination
Backflow happens when water in your sink or drain pipes reverses and flows into the dishwasher and back, sometimes along with dirty water, bits of food, and toxins. The dishwasher air gap is designed to prevent wastewater backflow that is often caused by a clogged drain or hose.
In normal operation, when water is draining into the garbage disposal from the dishwasher, sewing machine, or another appliance, and there is no backup of water in the sink, the air gap allows air to enter the drain and water to flow out freely. If there is a stoppage, or if someone puts their hand or a utensil in the sink and tries to get drain water to reverse course, the air gap’s open chamber keeps the contaminated water from entering the dishwasher.
Rather than flowing back toward the dishwasher, however, the water will pour out of the air gap’s visible opening on the sink or counter top, warning you of a drainage problem before that dirty water makes it out onto your dishes.
Tools and materials needed for dishwasher air gap installation
Before you begin installation, you’ll want to have all the essential tools and materials on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dishwasher air gap kit: These typically come with the air gap device, mounting nuts, gaskets and the hoses that connect the washer and drain.
- Screwdriver: You could need both a Phillips and a flathead driver to tighten hose clamps or secure mounting screws.
- Drill with the right drill bits: If your sink or counter doesn’t have a pre-drilled hole for the air gap, you will need to create one. Ensure you have a properly sized drill bit (usually about 1 1/4 inches).
- Clamps: which are crucial to hold the hoses on the air gap without leaks.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers: To tighten nuts and fittings under the sink.
- Plumber’s tape (optional): For additional sealing security on threaded connections.
- Bucket, or towels: To catch water drips and spills that may occur during the installation process.
Preparing for Installation
Locate or Create the Hole
On most kitchen sinks or countertops, a pre-drilled hole is already available for an air gap or soap dispenser. This opening is usually of about 1 1/4 inch in diameter. Before you start, take a look at your sink or countertop to verify that you do have this hole. If it does, great! No need to drill, go straight to installation.
If there’s no hole in your sink or countertop, you’ll need to drill one yourself, so measure twice and cut once. Pick a spot near the dishwasher and garbage disposer for easy hose hookup, and where it can be used conveniently and with the least-aesthetic impact.
Safety First
Switch off the dishwasher and disconnect it from the electrical supply to prevent the risk of an electrical shock. Also, you should probably turn off the water to your sink to avoid any accidental leaks or flooding. Put the towels down or set a bucket below the pipes to catch any remaining water that may drip throughout the installation.
Step-by-Step Dishwasher Air Gap Installation
Step 1: Disassemble the Air Gap
Your dishwasher air gap will generally come in two main components: the upper decorative cap that you will see from the top of your sink or countertop, and the lower mounting piece that holds the air gap in place underneath. Prior to installation, disengage these components, so that you can follow the hole and insert properly the air gap.
Step 2: Insert the Air Gap Through the Hole
Place the top part of the air gap through the center hole in your sink or countertop. Slide the mounting gasket on from under the sink then screw the mounting nut into place to hold the air gap. It should be squired tight enough to hold the air gap securely but not so tight as to crack your sink or countertop.
Step 3: Connect the Dishwasher Drain Hose
The dishwasher’s drain hose can now be connected to the small air gap inlet. This hose connects your dishwasher to the air gap, which will then remove the water from your kitchen plumbing. Ensure the hose fits snug, a hose clamp should be used to secure it flat.
Step 4: Connect the Outlet Hose
Now, you will connect the larger hose coming out of your air gap to the garbage disposal or to your sink’s drain pipe. This hose carries the waste water from your dishwasher to your home’s drain lines. Make sure the connection is tight, clamp it with a hose clamp to avoid leaks.
Step 5: Secure All Connections
Verify all hose connections are secured and tight. You want to make sure hose clamps are secure but also not threading into the hoses and causing damage. If you find something to be loose, then tighten it before you continue.
Step 6: Attach the Decorative Cap
Snap or screw the decorative cap onto the top of the air gap. This not only finishes installation but adds a clean, sleek look to the air gap which sits flush into your kitchen sink or countertop.
Step 7: Test Your Installation
Finally, switch on your dishwasher and run a complete cycle, while monitoring the air gap and hoses under the sink. Observe for leaks, water overflow, or abnormal sounds. All of this should operate with no water leaking out around the hoses or air gap device.
Common air gap Installation Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Dishwasher air gap installation is usually pretty simple, however in some homes, particularly ones with tight or difficult-to-reach spaces under the sink, the challenge may be more challenging.
- Close Quarters: Under-sink cabinets are small, so it can be hard to thread hoses and tools in and out of tight spaces. A flashlight helps to see how it all goes back together… and you may appreciate pliers that can be wrangled easily in tight quarters.
- Knockout Plug Under Garbage Disposal: There is typically a knockout plug under the garbage disposal where the air gap hose connects. Failing to eliminate that plug, wastewater will be unable to flow as it should, and backups will occur. Just pop this plug out with a screwdriver while you use your hammer and attach the hose.
- Leaks: If you see leaks after installing the filter, be sure all hose clamps are tight and that you haven’t pinched or cracked any of the hoses. Teflon thread tape applied to threaded connections will stop leaks.
It really is not difficult, just take your time and remedy these pesky problems, when installing your new clutch, for a successful installation.
Maintaining Your Dishwasher Air Gap
As with any piece of plumbing equipment, your dishwasher air gap needs to be kept in good working condition. Over time food particles, soap scum, and debris can accumulate in the air gap and cause clogging, smells, or even water overflow.
To keep your air gap clean:
- Unscrew the decorative cap and clean the air gap by scrubbing with a small brush and warm soapy water. It helps to replace all that suctioned up garbage.
- Flush the air gap with water to remove dislodged material.
- Repeat this cleaning every couple of months, or any time you notice the sink slow to drain or there are smells coming from the sink area.
conclusion
A dishwasher air gap is an easy to install small device that is a vital factor in keeping your home’s pipes and plumbing free from stains and clogs and your dishwasher pumping out clean water. And with the help of this step-by-step article, you can install an air gap yourself — to prevent catastrophic plumbing problems and meet safety regulations in your area. Just don’t forget to check your air gap and fix problems quickly to ensure your kitchen will be up and running great, for years to come.
With the right equipment, some elbow grease, and this in-depth guide, you’re on your way to a safer, cleaner, and more efficient dishwasher system. So gather your supplies, so that we can walk you through the process step by step, and you can have the peace of mind in knowing that your dishwasher air gap is installed correctly!
Further Reading:
What is Garbage Disposal Air Switch, Installation and Complete Guide
How Much Does Garbage Disposal Installation Cost?
How to connect Dishwasher Drain to Garbage Disposal
How to Remove & Replace Garbage Disposal Splash Guard – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
