The number of new dishwasher users is increasing rapidly. Most of them ask, “ Is air gap required for dishwasher in California?”
Hustle-free cleanliness of your dishes is the main goal for using dishwashers. To accomplish it, you must be familiar with the use of the tools like air gap.
If you have recently bought your dishwasher, this article will give you the answer regarding air gaps. Read the article attentively to take care of your dishwasher.
Is an Air Gap Required For a Dishwasher In California?
Yes, every dishwasher in California requires an air gap to accompany them. The state law and plumbing code of California emphasize the use of air gaps with your dishwashers.
It is needed even if your dishwasher is connected to a food waste disposer. An air gap is a must to prevent the backflow of the wastewater which makes your dishes dirty.
So, buy an air gap with your dishwasher. Ensure that the air gap is approved and installed on the discharge side of your dishwasher.
Its flood level should be equal to or above the sinks flood level.
How To Install An Air Gap For Your Dishwasher?
To run the air gap, you must install it properly. The installation process is not that hard. For your easiness, we are discussing the process step by step.
Step 1: Find Or Create The Space To Set The Air Gap
Go to your kitchen sink and look for an opening there. There should be an opening hole of 1-3/8” in size.
The hole should fit your air gap. Uncover the hole as soon as you find it.
If you do not find any, don’t worry. Find a suitable spot to set the air gap. Then create a hole using a drill.
Drill carefully according to the measurement of your air gap. Ensure that the hole is close to the sink rim.
Step 2: Connect The Air Gap With The Dishwasher’s Drain Hose
Now you have to link your air gap and the drain hose of the dishwasher. Stick the small 5/8” legs of the air gap to the hose tube.
Attach the tube tightly to the air gap using the stainless steel hose clamps.
Step 3: Connect The Air Gap With The Disposal Unit
Measure the distance between your air gap and the disposal unit. Take a 7/8” of tubing to connect the air gap to the drain or disposal unit.
Connect the tube to the air gap with a hose clamp. Dismantle the metal plug inside the tube. It will make the disposal leveled with both air gap and non-air gap set-ups.
Step 4: Place The Air Gap
Find the opening hole for the air gap underneath your sink. Insert the air gap through the hole from below to the up.
Fasten the but thread of your sink with the thread of air gap. Make sure that the whole gap is stabilized by the air gap.
Step 5: Cover Up The Air Gap
Now place the cover of your sinkhole over the air gap. Though it is not mandatory, it ensures the desired beauty of your sink.
Step 6: Further Checking
Check if there is any leakage in the tubing connection. Ensure there are no chances of backflow of filthy wastewater. If there are no such issues, your air gap is perfectly set to use.
FAQs About Using an Air Gap with the dishwashers
What Is An Air Gap For The Dishwasher?
It is a tool fitted nearly inches above the sink. This tool prevents filthy water from re-flowing to the dishwasher.
How Does An Air Gap Prevent Backflow?
Air gaps create a separation between the dishwasher and the disposal unit.
Then it creates one connection with the disposal unit and another with the dishwasher.
This activity lessens the chances of backflow. As a result, the dirty water can never come back into the pipe of the dishwasher and contaminate your dishes.
How Much Does An Air Gap Costs?
It depends on the setup and the material of your air gap. The air gaps made of plastics are quite wallet-friendly. You can buy them spending 5-20 dollars.
If you prefer strong bass and metal-air gaps, we will have to spend more. Their price ranges are between 15-30 dollars.
If you can settle your air gap yourself, it will be money-saving. But it will cost 5-15 dollars to set up your air gap if you are unable.
Can Air Gaps Cause Leakage?
Unfortunately yes. The clogs formed in the water lines or the air gaps raise the risk of leakage.
To prevent it, you can clean the clogs or any other debris.
Use air pressure or pipe cleaner for effective cleaning. Clean them regularly to maintain hygiene.
Can We Place Our Air Gaps Under The Counter?
There is no such air gap that can be set entirely under the counter.
They should be placed in a higher elevation compared to the dishwasher for their proper functions.
An air gap must be placed above the countertop so that it can drain into the sink.
So, if you install it under your counter, it will the make under-sink area flood over.
Final Thought
We hope you have got the answer to “ Is air gap required for dishwashers in California?” Cleaning your dishes will be of less hustle if you use an air gap with your dishwasher.
So, keep these pieces of information to understand why you should use an air gap and how you should set it with the dishwasher.
Because, according to the state rule of California, you can not use your dishwasher without the help of an air gap.
It is always a wise choice to use an air gap. It does not let the contaminated water come back and make your dishes dirty. Moreover, it gives you a smoother and more pleasurable cleaning experience.
