In remodeling our kitchen, we’re installing our first dishwasher. We’re planning on a Bosch, which apparently requires the standard air gap device; we’re also considering a porcelain farmhouse sink from Ikea that has just one hole on the drainboard at back, for the faucet. The most comprehensive article in my back issues of FHB (June/July 1989, #54) STRONGLY recommends against mounting the air gap anywhere but the sink. To quote the author, “Don’t be tempted to put an air-gap inlet on a counter. Sooner or later it will clog, and water will pour out of the vent holes.” Unless I can successfully drill another hole in that porcelain sink (a lot of nervousness there), we’re kinda stuck.
What are the experiences of the plumbers and kitchen remodelers here? Is this so? Are there alternatives?
Replies
Just mount the airgap as high up under the sink inside the cabinet as you can and you should be fine. of course, check with your local codes to be sure.
Are you sure an airgap is required? I've had Bosch dishwashers installed with no air gap, but obviously I don't know what model you are getting, can't remember what models I had installed, and worse yet, for all I know the plumber did it wrong. The Q still stands though - do you need an air gap? Most modern homes don't get them as far as I know.
Your profile says "left coast." If that is California, the Code requires an air gap. Many states do not require this. Will this job be inspected? If so, you will need to install the air gap. The high loop method works very well, but unfortunately is not currently allowed in CA.
Bill
Just put it in the counter top.
It may clog up some day and puke on the the top,.. so what? Like you are never going to spill something or make a mess on the top? When it does spit water out, you just turn off the dw, take off the hoses, clean them out, and start agian.
No big deal unless you start the dw and then leave the house.
Another option is to just clean the hoses out every three or four months.
Dave
To add to what Mr Brennen said.
California requires an air gap & so does Washington state, but Oregon does not.
Is this just a cabinet swap or a full blown kitchen remodel down to bare studs. If it is a remodel down to the studs , a bit of altering to the plumbing & you could install a "Johnson tee".
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