4 Dishwasher Air Gap Alternatives (Pros & Cons)

You love your dishwasher. It saves you time and energy, and it makes your dishes sparkle. But there's one thing you don't love: the air gap. That little device that sticks out of your sink and makes a gurgling noise every time you run the dishwasher. That's why we're looking at dishwasher air gap alternatives today.

It's supposed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into your dishwasher, but it also creates a mess on your countertop and an eyesore in your kitchen. Is there a way to get rid of it without compromising your dishwasher's performance and safety? The answer is yes!

In this article, we'll show you some alternative solutions for dishwasher air gap installations that are compliant with plumbing codes and standards. You'll discover how to use a high loop drain hose, a check valve, a standpipe or a hybrid air gap soap dispenser to avoid the problems of traditional air gaps.

You'll also learn the pros and cons of each option and how to choose the best one for your needs. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to upgrade your dishwasher installation and enjoy a cleaner, sleeker and more efficient kitchen, no matter the types of dishwashers you may have.

"Do I need a dishwasher air gap?" Yes. Don't let people talk about a "no air gap dishwasher" to you. It's not legit and it doesn't follow code. Now let's move on.

Understanding Dishwasher Air Gaps

Dishwasher air gaps are essential in preventing contaminated water from entering the dishwasher and potentially harming those who use it, as they provide a physical gap between the wastewater and the clean water supply.

The Purpose & Function Of A Dishwasher Air Gap

Dishwasher air gaps serve a critical role in maintaining hygiene and safety within your kitchen. Their primary function is to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the dishwasher, ensuring that clean dishes remain free of bacteria and harmful particles.

These clever devices work by creating a physical separation between the end of the drain hose and any potential source of contamination, such as wastewater or raw sewage. Dishwasher air gap alternatives provide the same functionality.

In this way, they provide an essential barrier against cross-contamination within your plumbing system. Furthermore, installing a dishwasher air gap ensures compliance with local plumbing codes in most areas – regulations designed to protect homeowners from dangerous health hazards associated with improperly drained dishwashers.

The Importance Of Having An Air Gap Installed

Installing an air gap in your dishwasher system is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and preventing water contamination. Creating a physical separation between the end of the drain hose and the sink's drainage system ensures that dirty water cannot flow back into your dishwasher from the sink.

Various local plumbing codes mandate the installation of air gaps to ensure compliance with safety standards. For example, building codes in many areas require an air gap to be installed within the dishwasher drain hose system to prevent any possibility of cross-contamination.

Although some homeowners might view this requirement as merely a legal obligation, adhering to these standards can ultimately protect you and your family from unforeseen consequences related to water backup and appliance flaws in dishwasher design.

Traditional Air Gaps & Their Limitations

Traditional air gaps stop dirty water from entering your dishwasher. But they also stick out of your countertop and look ugly. They can get clogged with debris and stop working properly. And they can be hard to clean or fix without a plumber. That's why many people look for alternative solutions.

Dishwasher Air Gap Alternatives

There are three popular dishwasher air gap options that act as alternatives to the traditional air gap for dishwashers: high loop drain hose installation, check valve installation, and standpipe installation.

High Loop Drain Hose Installation

One alternative to a traditional dishwasher air gap is the high loop drain hose installation. This method involves creating a unique configuration of the drain hose, which takes a sharp turn upwards and runs above the water level before connecting to the sink's drain or garbage disposal.

The high loop acts as a barrier that prevents dirty water from flowing back into clean dishes or entering the supply of clean water running to your tap. To create a high loop, you'll need to draw out as much extra length from the existing drain line as possible and arch it up under the sink against the underside of the sink.

A well-installed high loop should measure at least 32" above floor height if it's going to be connected directly to an under-sink plumbing system.

Check Valve Installation

Another alternative to a traditional air gap for preventing wastewater from entering the dishwasher is installing a check valve in the drain hose. A check valve works by automatically closing and preventing water from flowing back into the dishwasher after it has been drained.

However, it's important to note that this option may not be permitted in all areas due to potential code violations and contamination risks.

In addition, check valves are not designed to deal with small food pieces that can get stuck in the opening, causing a blockage. This type of issue could lead to costly repairs or even replacement of your dishwasher.

Before considering a check valve as one of your dishwasher air gap alternatives, always ensure that you're complying with local plumbing codes and regulations.

Standpipe Installation

Another alternative to using an air gap to prevent contamination is through standpipe installation. However, this method involves extensive plumbing work and is not recommended by professional plumbers.

A standpipe is a long vertical pipe that's around two inches in diameter and located at the P-trap portion of the plumbing unit. It helps with easy ventilation of the dishwasher, but it can be difficult and costly to install as it requires cutting into walls or floors for proper placement. You see these washing machine drainage options in laundry rooms, and I bet you're familiar with them.

Instead of opting for a standpipe installation, homeowners can choose high loop drain hose installation or check valve installation. High loop drain hose installation takes the line up above the water level and installs it beneath the sink base in the cabinet without requiring special equipment or parts.

Hybrid Air Gap Soap Dispensers

Hybrid air gap soap dispensers are a relatively new alternative to traditional dishwasher air gaps. These devices combine the function of an air gap with that of a soap dispenser, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of both while saving space in your kitchen.

However, it's important to note that local building codes may not permit hybrid air gap soap dispensers in some areas and should only be installed by qualified professionals.

While they do offer convenience and space-saving benefits, their effectiveness as backflow preventers has yet to be thoroughly tested or regulated.

Pros & Cons Of Dishwasher Air Gap Alternatives

Alternative options for the dishwasher air gap have various benefits and drawbacks, including efficiency, aesthetics, and compliance with plumbing codes.

Efficiency & Reliability

One of the most significant factors to consider when choosing an alternative to a dishwasher air gap is efficiency and reliability. While all three options (high loop, standpipe, and check valve) effectively prevent contaminated water from entering your dishwasher, their reliability differs.

Check valves offer greater reliability than high loops because they prevent any possible backflow from wastewater systems with positive pressure by automatically closing when there's no flow on the waste side.

However, they may need to be up to code in some areas and could lead to raw sewage seeping into the dishwasher. Standpipes have both efficiency and reliability issues as they require professional plumbing work that involves drilling through walls or cabinets for installation.

Aesthetics & Convenience

Traditional air gaps can be ugly and inconvenient, and they take up space and need maintenance. High loop drain hoses are an intelligent alternative, and they keep the hose above the water level with brackets or hooks. They are efficient, easy to install, and don't interfere with your daily tasks. Choose a high-loop drain hose for a sleek and simple solution.

Compliance With Local Plumbing Codes

Follow local plumbing codes when installing a dishwasher air gap or an alternative. Different areas have different rules and breaking them can cost you money or trouble. Check your codes before choosing an option, like making sure your dishwasher is on a dedicated circuit, etc.

Avoid standpipes as they need more work than air gaps and high loops. Try a hybrid dispenser that works as a soap dispenser and has an air gap. Pick one with a high loop or another approved solution that is safe and efficient.

Those Are the Dishwasher Air Gap Alternatives

Don't let dirty water ruin your dishes. Dishwasher air gaps keep them clean and legal. But not all air gaps are equal, and some are better than others. A high loop is the king of air gaps. Cheap, easy and effective. But don't take our word for it. Ask your plumber what dishwasher air gap alternatives work for your code.

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