Replies

1. 
   philarenewal | Apr 17, 2006 10:51pm | #1

   Plumbill schooled me that the airgap prevents siphoning any dirty water in back into the dishwasher (like a slow drain that fills the sink when the dishwasher drains itself).  To my mind, kind of thing that doesn't happen often and when it does you know about it.  Route the drain hose as high as you can (make the hole right at the underside of the countertop in the side of the cab for it to pass through) and it would take a pretty full sink and a pretty messed up d/w to siphon stuff back out of the sink, especially without anyone noticing.

   So . . . if code in your area doesn't require the air gap, I'd skip it.

    

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

2. 
   DML | Apr 18, 2006 01:28am | #2

   Lot's of my clients want these taken out as well, and I agree they seem to be a little overkill, however they are required by code.

   Not that I would ever do anything after inspection, but if I did, I would take out the airgap, run the dishwasher hose high in the cabinet as mentioned and then put a soap dispenser in the left over hole (they're all 1 3/8" holes).

    

    

    

3. 
   plumbbill | Apr 18, 2006 01:35am | #3

   Phil said the purpose, personaly I don't like them ( atleast the ones that come up through the sink or counter)

   I prefer a "johnson tee" They have their own drain & most of the time the air relief is outside the house so if it does blow it doesn't blow all over the counter top.

   Do you look to the government for an entitlement, or to GOD for empowerment. BDW

4. 
   DanH | Apr 18, 2006 04:30am | #4

   In some places they're required by code, some places not. I believe all standard US DWs are designed so that they don't NEED air gaps if properly installed (keep the drain line routed high). If code doesn't require one my feeling is that you're better off without it.

   If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
1. 
   wrudiger | Apr 18, 2006 05:15am | #5

   European dishwashers are definately designed to not use air gaps - not code over there.  Interesting conversation with the German owner of the appliance store - LOL!

1. 
   user-106321 | Apr 18, 2006 04:52pm | #6

   Thanks, The dishwasher is a Bosch. I guess if it does not work, I can convert it to a soap dispenser.