Next to my kitchen sink faucet is a small area for hand soap, a dish rack for drying utensils and dishes, and a sponge and scrub brush for washing dishes. The sink itself may have a sprayer and additional features such as a garbage disposal, and may have a built-in ledge for a dish scrubber, cutting board, or other items.
Depending on the model, there may also be useful storage compartments for items such as sponges, dish towels, and cleaning supplies.
What is the little tap next to the sink?
The little tap next to the sink is often referred to as the vessel sink filler. It’s specifically designed to fill the sink with water for hands or dishes. Vessel sink fillers typically come in a variety of shapes from a traditional spout to a modern spiral.
They are often made of metal, ceramic or stone but some are made of plastic. The vessel sink filler usually connects to the homes’ existing water supply lines, usually the cold and hot water pipes. The water is normally shut off when the valve is turned clockwise and is opened by turning it counter-clockwise.
Most vessel fillers also have a ceramic disc cartridge which allows for easy flow control, helps to protect against water leakage and also provides control over the thickness of the water stream.
Whats that thing on the side of my sink?
That thing on the side of your sink is likely an air gap. An air gap is a device that is installed in a plumbing system to prevent dirty water or wastewater from flowing back into the potable (drinkable) water supply.
It works by literally creating an air gap between the end of the dishwasher or garbage disposal and the incoming drain pipes. The air gap creates a barrier that prevents backflow, or the flow of contaminated water towards the source of clean water.
The air gap also helps to break up drain line clogs, enabling the water to flow freely through the pipes.
What is a kitchen air gap used for?
A kitchen air gap is a preventive device installed in a sink, typically near the faucet, that helps prevent dirty water from flowing back into the clean water supply. It works by allowing air to escape and stop backflow in between the dishwasher or garbage disposal and the sink drain.
This helps prevent water from going in the wrong direction, like back into the clean water supply, and keeps your water clean and working properly. A kitchen air gap is an important part of an overall plumbing system, and its presence can help prevent backflow of potentially contaminated water.
What is the purpose of the air gap on a kitchen sink?
The purpose of the air gap on a kitchen sink is to prevent contamination of the clean water supply. The air gap works by creating a physical barrier between the outlet of the drain and the inlet of the water supply.
It does this by creating an air gap between the two, which prevents dirty water from flowing back into the clean water supply. In many cases, the air gap will also include a one-way valve that prevents backflow and provides additional protection from contaminants.
The air gap is also essential for water-related appliances like dishwashers, as it prevents dirty water from backing up into the appliance instead of traveling down the drain.
Do I need an air gap if I have a garbage disposal?
Yes, it is recommended that you install an air gap when you have a garbage disposal for a variety of reasons. An air gap is essentially an opening between two plumbing fixtures, such as your sink and drain, that acts as a barrier that can help reduce the risk of a water or sewage backup into your dishwasher.
This is especially important if you have a dishwasher connected to the food waste disposal outlet. An air gap prevents the contaminated sink water from backing up into the dishwasher, protecting you and your family from potential bacteria and other contaminants.
Additionally, it prevents any water used in the dishwasher from the sink from being reversed into the garbage disposal, clogging the drain. Installing an air gap is easy and can help avoid a costly cleanup when things go wrong.
How do I know if my dishwasher needs an air gap?
If you’re uncertain about whether your dishwasher needs an air gap or not, the best thing to do is to check the dishwasher installation instructions. In most cases, the manufacturer will specify if an air gap is required, and if so, provide instructions for installing one.
Additionally, state and local codes can often dictate if an air gap is required for your dishwasher.
In general, air gaps are used in situations where there is a potential risk of wastewater backing up into the dishwasher. This could happen if the sink and dishwasher share the same drain, or if there’s a risk of back siphonage.
In these cases, the air gap is designed to provide an additional layer of protection against the potential contamination of food and/or beverages.
If you’re still unsure as to whether your dishwasher needs an air gap, it’s best to consult a qualified technician or plumber. They’ll be able to evaluate your system and determine if an air gap is necessary.
Do new dishwashers come with air gap?
No, new dishwashers typically do not come with an air gap. An air gap is an additional devices installed between your dishwasher and your home’s drain. It is a preventive measure to minimize the possibility of sewage backup in your dishwasher.
This device is an extra layer of protection when dealing with a house that uses a garbage disposal or that has plumbing fixtures below the house’s main sewer line. If your home does not meet either of these criteria, and your dishwasher is properly installed, then an air gap is not necessary.
An air gap can be installed, however, if you feel more comfortable having the extra protection and peace of mind.
Which is better a high loop or air gap for a dishwasher?
The choice of whether to install a high loop or air gap in a dishwasher installation is highly dependent on the local building and plumbing codes in your area. Generally, either one can work and both will provide adequate protection, but the high loop has become the most popular option.
A high loop is a section of the drain line elevated at least six inches off the ground. This loop creates a physical barrier that prevents contaminated water from backing up into the dishwasher and entering into the supply water piping.
A high loop is comparatively easy and low-cost to install.
An air gap, on the other hand, is an open void between the drain line and the supply water line. The air gap creates a break, using air pressure instead of a physical barrier, to the backflowing of contaminated water.
While an air gap is difficult to install and must be connected to the sink in addition to the dishwasher drain, it is a reliable way to prevent contamination.
Ultimately, choosing between a high loop or an air gap for a dishwasher installation largely comes down to the local building codes in your area and the ease of installing either solution.