So the drain hose is clear and where it connects to the garbage disposal and the p trap. I run water down the sink and it drains with no problems but when I run the dishwasher and when it does its drain cycles it spits the water all over the counter. What am I missing? Please help

Air gaps, either counter top or high loop are there to prevent a direct connection between your sewer and the dishwasher. They also prevent dirty water from the sink draining back into your dishwasher.

In the top of an air gap is an insert with two holes. Inside the air gap are two divisions. One division connects to the inflow side of the air gap (from the dishwasher) and the other connects to the outflow side (to the disposal). If the top insert is put in wrong, water will flow from it when the dishwasher empties. For correct operation of the air gap both holes in the insert need to be positioned over the outflow division of the air gap.

I would suggest to install a high loop and you will never have a spits see the images below, Thanks.

John

There is a piece of debris in either:
1. Air Gap itself
2. In 7/8" hose connecting Air Gap and Garbage Disposer

also:

3. Make sure there are no KINKS in discharge hose
4. Inlet in GD must be clear ( usually, inlet to GD is clogged with grease and food )

I suggest you remove the 7/8" hose ( the larger one ) and clean it. Once the hose is removed, stick your finger into the GD inlet making sure there is no obstruction.

Reinstall Hose. Run DW. See if that helped

Back to you / Milo

Totally agree with Afaroo. Change over to a high loop, make sure the lines are clear and you 'll have no more splashing issues. Have not seen an air gap installed in the Atlanta area in the past 40 years.

I totally agree with both john and Brian, Remove the counter top air gap, install a soap dispenser in its place and install a high loop, However if you're in love with your old air gap try this.
. In the top of an air gap is an insert with two holes. Inside the air gap are two divisions. One division connects to the inflow side of the air gap (from the dishwasher) and the other connects to the outflow side (to the disposal). If the top insert is put in wrong, water will flow from it when the dishwasher empties. For correct operation of the air gap both holes in the insert need to be positioned over the outflow division of the air gap.


In case you ever want to do away with that pesky counter top air gap and install a high loop Air gap.(see image) I'll be more then happy to help.
Note: In all the hundreds of high loop air gaps that my company's installed we have yet to get our first complaint or service call. This holds true in the high loops that we have advised installing on The Plumbing Page right here. Good luck, Tom