It’s function is to prevent a “cross-connection” which is a situation in which contaminated water could drain back into the washer. If you look under the sink you will see a hose coming from the dishwasher that is split by a small Y fitting.
What is this thing on my sink?
The valve is actually for the dishwasher and is commonly known as the dishwasher air gap. An air gap’s purpose is to prevent drain water from the kitchen sink backing up into the dishwasher, contaminating your cleanly washed dishes. Now that you know what it is, how does it actually work?
What is the thing on top of the sink for the dishwasher?
“That thing” is actually called an air gap, and it prevents wastewater from siphoning back into the dishwasher, which can occur when sinks become clogged and no air gap is present. Without an air gap, contaminated water could be sucked back into the dishwasher, dirtying your clean dishes and making you ill.
What is the vent on my kitchen sink?
An air admittance valve (AAV), sometimes called an auto vent, is a device attached to the fixture drain line. It has a mechanism that opens up to admit room air into the drain under the force of the negative pressure caused by water flowing through the drain.
Why is an air gap needed?
This gap is usually about the distance between the faucet and the top of the sink or bathtub (one inch or more). Basically, the air gap is there to prevent accidental backflow. If contaminated water backflows, it can cause serious health risks. Without the air gap, wastewater could siphon back into the drinking supply.
What’s the thing under the sink called?
P-Trap: A P-trap is a two-part pipe under your sink that allows waste and water to pass through.
Is your dishwasher supposed to drain into your sink?
When the dishwasher drains, it does so with the aid of an electric pump located in the bottom of the dishwasher. The waste water is under pressure from the pump because the waste water must to be pumped up to the drain line under the sink.
Where is the air gap on my sink?
Air gap fittings have a decorative heading that extends above the counter, usually next to your faucet or soap dispenser. This heading houses the vertical air gap. Air gaps are notched with holes that will release water into your sink if the drain becomes clogged or the tubing is obstructed.
What can I use instead of an air gap?
Standpipes are commonly used to quickly drain the water in washing machines between the fill and drain cycles. However, some homeowners incorporate them under their sink as an alternative to installing an air gap.
Where does an air gap go?
Usually fitted to an existing hole on the sink or countertop and covered with a decorative cap, a dishwasher air gap connects to hoses below the sink or countertop. One is the dishwasher drain hose and the other typically connects to the sink’s drain pipe or garbage disposal.
How do you install an air gap under a sink?
Youtube quote:Right here will start to shoot water coming back into the sink this is my new air gap that we're going to be installing. Right now if you pop this cap off you'll see that there is a nut in a washer
Why is water coming out of my air gap?
Youtube quote:You want to check the holes for kinks. If there's any kinks in the line what will happen is it will restrict the water flow when it's shooting into your garbage disposal.
How do I clean the air gap in my kitchen sink?
Youtube quote:Use tweezers to remove any obstruction. And by using a tube brush to clear any remaining debris reattach the cap over the tube an air gap cover power on your dishwasher. And run a cycle.
