Water System Air Gap

Air gaps of appropriate design are required for water safety by legislation in many countries.

Water system air gap.

An air gap as it relates to the plumbing trade is the unobstructed vertical space between the water outlet and the flood level of a fixture. While there are many uses for an air gap we will focus on the reverse osmosis application. Once potable water leaves the outlet of a fixture it s either used or sent down the drain. Air gap international has been in the plumbing business for over 30 years.

The main difference between an air gap and non air gap faucet is that an air gap faucet is designed to create a physical siphon break from the reverse osmosis ro system itself and the sink drain. Shut off water to the r o system and then remove the drain tube usually colored black that connects to the drainpipe. In a plumbing system potable water and wastewater are intended to flow through different pipes to avoid contamination. It leaks if the drain line is clogged.

Air gap fittings are plumbing code required to mount in the drain line waste line of water treatment equipment and their primary purpose is to prevent non potable water from flowing backwards possibly mixing and contaminating potable drinking water. Universal air gap for water softeners and filters with 1 2 inch od or 5 8 inch id inlet port and 1 1 2 inch or 2 inch drainpipe outlet ag100 001 mr. A related term in computer security is air gap networking. An air gap is the most simple and effective means of preventing contamination of a potable water supply.

Without getting too technical an air gap system is where water is dropped from one tube into another through the air. An air gap in your plumbing system prevents health hazards in simple terms an air gap is the simplest backflow prevention method. Water leaking from an air gap in an ro system may result from improper installation or a restriction preventing water from flowing to the drain. Fresh water systems is proud to carry air gaps for your dishwasher kitchen sink well water and water softener applications from a well known manufacturer in the industry such as air gap international.

Gravity is the only force that moves water from the air gap to the drain so any resistance causes the water to back up and leak from the air gap hole. Use a pipe cleaner to unclog any debris that may be blocking water flow. An air gap is when a water supply is dropped from one tube into another through the air.