The Importance of Air Gaps for Dishwashers and Garbage Disposals

Unless you have experience installing dishwashers or garbage disposals, you likely are unaware of the importance of air gaps in that process. The reality is that air gaps are essential but are often left out of the process when novice installers are on the job. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons air gaps are so important when installing dishwashers and garbage disposals.
Why Air Gaps Are So Important?

According to proper plumbing code, air gaps are required during the installation of dishwashers and garbage disposals. The line that runs from the dishwasher drain is connected to the air gap, and then another runs from the air gap to the garbage disposal.
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The problem is that many kitchens in older homes did not have dishwashers, which means no air gaps. However, when new dishwashers are installed in these kitchens, it is often done incorrectly, and the air gap is left out of the process. This can cause problems for both the performance of the machine as well as your health.

Protect Your Appliances and Health
The last thing you want is for a faulty dishwasher installation to lead to bad odors in your home and potentially risk the longevity of your appliance. But that is what could happen if air gaps are not included during installation. When you use your sink or garbage disposal, dirt flows back through the dishwasher’s drain line and can lodge in the machine. This causes the risk of the drain pump to malfunction or an unpleasant odor to seep from the dishwasher.