This is one of the most common thought that runs through our clients mind when we as inspectors are taking about issues that need correction. Generally when we are talking about “the air gap” we are referring to the air gap valve at the kitchen sink that is for the dishwasher (see photo below). However this concern can occur at any sink or at the bathtub.
The purpose of the air gap valve for the dishwasher is to help prevent dirty water from being siphoned into the the dishwasher contaminating the clean dishes. This is a safety item. Properly installed faucets at all sinks or tubs have a gap between the faucet and the rim of the sink or tub. If the faucets extend down below the rim there is the potential of the sink water or the tub water (dirty water) being siphoned back into the clean house drinking water. This was a common design problem/flaw with many old tubs that had a spout down below the rim.
We often see properly installed faucets at the laundry sink, a utility room sink or at the garage sink that has been modified with a hose attachment going down into the laundry sink basin. Many people seem to find this hose handy for rinsing/cleaning items however it is an unsafe practice and needs to be corrected. Cleaning products or dirty water from these sinks can be pulled into the house water making you and yours ill. The fix in these cases is to remove the hose.
The air gap valve for a dishwasher. The are usually silver in color but can be found in other colors as well.
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