What Is Air Gap Plumbing?

If you’re wondering what air gap plumbing is, it is a common design used to separate non-potable and potable water supplies. It prevents water from flooding back into fixtures and creating a health hazard. An air gap prevents backflow by having no moving parts or internal seat. It keeps water flowing in one direction and keeps contaminants out. The most common situation where air gap plumbing is used is in the design of sink faucets. If you find that the air gap in your sink faucet is clogged, there are DIY options available. One way is to blow air into the gap from a paper towel tube placed over the opening. You can also use a long-handled bottle brush to dislodge food particles from the drain hose. Then, you can call a plumber to snake the pipes. After all, the air gap is a small hole in your drain line and it may be blocked due to a buildup of debris. Another common example of air gap plumbing is the space between the rim of a sink and the faucet. Overflowing garbage disposals can cause a sink to overflow or water to spill. This space prevents dirty water from backflowing and protecting potable water. You can find a precut hole in many counters. If your counter doesn’t already have an air gap hole, drill a 1-3/8″ hole at the rim of the sink. If you want to install a water softener, you must make sure the drainage air gap is big enough. Then, you must make sure that the standpipe is vented to avoid sewage backflow. You should also check the diameter of the standpipe. Standpipes are most commonly used in washing machines to quickly drain between the fill and drain cycles. Some homeowners install them under their sinks. If you aren’t sure, consult a plumber before doing so. A water softener can use the physical gap created by an air gap. The discharge from the softener will exit the drain hose forcefully or submerge itself. The water softener can also be installed on a floor drain. It is best to have an air gap in these systems, as backflow events can damage the water softener. So, if you’re worried about backflow, consider a reverse osmosis system instead. An air gap in your drain pipe keeps the water inside from siphoning back into the dishwasher. A clogged drain can cause water to spill and make people ill. Using an air gap prevents this problem. There are different types of air gap connections, but if you’re considering installing one, check out these tips. If you want to install an air gap in your sink drain, you should follow these tips. The right installation of air gap plumbing is crucial to a dishwasher. Click here to learn more about ng boiler derby.