Hi,

I'm putting in a new sink. The old sysem (single basin sink) had the sink draining piped out to the back wall and a separate pipe taking the dishwasher water. It was however fitted with an air gap.

So the dishwasher had a hose that went up to an airgap wich had a second hose coming down into a pipe coming out of the wall. The sink was drained out through a different pipe.

Do I really need the air gap as the dishwasher and sink are drained through two different pipes? I'd rather not have one if I don't have too.

House is in WA state build around 1980.

Thanks,

In my region of operation, air gap is mandated by Plumbing Code. However, I am puzzled over the fact that you have dedicated drain just for D/W. Typically D/W is connected to air gap which drains to either Garbage Disposer - or in absence of G/D - it drains to "branch T" fitting located right above the trap.

Some States don't require Air Gap. In these States you are allowed to connect D/W discharge hose directly to " branch T" or G/D. Every D/W includes installation manual that covers both types of installation.

So to answer your question: No, you don't need air gap. Dishwasher will operate just fine w/o it. Just keep the discharge hose high, right bellow the countertop before it drops down toward the drain.

But in any case, it is good practice to check with your local Building Department before you do anything.

If your local building allows you with out Air Gap, you can install the hoses with or with out the G?D per the pictures below, good luck.

Regards,
John

Milo is correct but call your building department to be sure what's needed if you intend to stay within code. A high loop in the drain works just fine. Think of all the folks you know who have a washer and don't have that weird looking air gap on their counter.

ballengerb1: In new homes, we now install 2 dishwashers in islands, one on each side of the sink. That means 2 "weird looking" air gaps.:D

In my region of operation, air gap is mandated by Plumbing Code. However, I am puzzled over the fact that you have dedicated drain just for D/W. Typically D/W is connected to air gap which drains to either Garbage Disposer - or in absence of G/D - it drains to "branch T" fitting located right above the trap.

Some States don't require Air Gap. In these States you are allowed to connect D/W discharge hose directly to " branch T" or G/D. Every D/W includes installation manual that covers both types of installation.

So to answer your question: No, you don't need air gap. Dishwasher will operate just fine w/o it. Just keep the discharge hose high, right bellow the countertop before it drops down toward the drain.

But in any case, it is good practice to check with your local Building Department before you do anything.


That's why I asked the question. I thought it was weird that I had an air gap with a dedicated drain (with trap no less). Thanks for the responses. I'll check with the building department tomorrow, but will most likely run hose high w/o the air gap and keep the d/w on it's dedicated drain rather then plug into garbage disposal.

In my region of operation, air gap is mandated by Plumbing Code. However, I am puzzled over the fact that you have dedicated drain just for D/W. Typically D/W is connected to air gap which drains to either Garbage Disposer - or in absence of G/D - it drains to "branch T" fitting located right above the trap.


Most Plumbing contractors in WA State rough kitchens in with a 2"x1-1/2"x1-1/2"x1-1/2" partition cross and then glue a schedule 40 p-trap and 1-1/2"x7/8" adapter onto one of the inlets for the dishwasher on trim-out.

It isn't a requirement, but it sure makes running and draining a dishwasher a whole lot quieter.

That's why I asked the question. I thought it was weird that I had an air gap with a dedicated drain (with trap no less). Thanks for the responses. I'll check with the building department tommorrow, but will most likely run hose high w/o the air gap and keep the d/w on it's dedicated drain rather then plug into garbage disposal.

I wouldn't recommend removing it -- The air-gap is a safety measure that prevents discharge water from re-entering the sump of the dishwasher.

Also, it isn't the Building Dept. you need to contact -- The person you want to contact is your County or City Plumbing Inspector.