About Dishwasher Air Gaps
When it comes to designing a kitchen, you want to make sure you have the right setup. You should strongly consider updating with a dishwasher air gap (also referred to as sink air gaps). This kitchen accessory creates a gap between a sink and the dishwasher to keep contaminated water from overflowing into the dishwasher.
Browse through dozens of options and find the best match for your kitchen sink and your kitchen faucet installation.
Sink Air Gap Installation Guidelines
These should be installed above the counter next to the kitchen sink faucet. Here at PlumbersStock, we carry a wide range of options in different finishes. If the kitchen sink fixture is in oil rubbed bronze, you’ll probably want an oil-rubbed bronze air gap to match. They sit approximately three inches above the counter, with approximately eight inches of pipe below the counter. Installing one is easily done; most of the pieces are included upon purchase. Take not that there are required hose pieces that are needed to hook the plumbing air gap to the garbage disposal on one end and the dishwasher on the other. The required hose can be purchased and cut to fit each installation specifically. Please see below for installation instructions.
How to Install Sink Air Gaps
Tools you’ll need:
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Channel-type pliers
Installation in 4 steps:
- Prepare a pre-cut hole in the kitchen sink countertop, preferably next to the kitchen faucet for aesthetic reasons. Fit the sink air gap into the pre-cut hole and secure the unit to the underside of the sink with the retaining nut (provided). Carefully, tighten the nut with your channel-type pliers.
- Over the smaller nipple on the air gap, fit the end of the dishwasher drain hose. If needed, trip the hose length to fit – using your utility knife. With the hose clamp, secure the hose to the nipple. Tighten the clamp using your screwdriver.
- Measure and cut a length of hose that will run between the larger kitchen sink air gap nipple and the inlet nipple for your garbage disposal. Fit the hose ends over both nipples, securing the hose with hose clamps.
- As directed by the manufacturer, place and install the cover (the decorative part) over the top end of the air gap body that is visible above the counter top.
With the newer dishwasher models on the market today, purchasing and installing an air gap has not been as popular as it should be. Most consumers trust that their dishwasher will drain properly or that their sink will not overflow into their dishwasher and that the extra precaution isn’t necessary, at Plumbers Stock we feel differently. It is always better to be safe than it is to be sorry and we suggest purchasing and installing an air gap for any new home or any kitchen remodel.
Buy the Best Air Gaps at PlumbersStock
If there are any further questions or concerns in regards to implementing kitchen dishwasher air gaps, please contact our customer service department directly. One of our friendly representatives would be more than happy to go through the benefits of doing so with you! Brands include:
- Delta
- Hansgrohe
- Moen
- Price Pfister
- and more!
