Thread: Airgap!

This is the very first time I have seen an airgap installation on a filter system. This was a Culligan reverse osmosis installation and it had an airgap and a p-trap. I was astounded. Normally, I see a saddle connection that discharges through a hole drilled into the sink drain pipe. It is the white cylindrical doohickey next to the disposal. The discharge tubing enters the top, the front of the airgap/cylinder is open. Sorry about the quality of the pic. Somewhat overexposed.

I got so excited, that I just had to share.

I guess it is designed so the water does not back up into the overflow line and contaminate the water. Hmm. Makes sennse to me.

Neat ... but ... what happens when the drain backs up and ... starts to back up into the disposer ... ?













Why do I always have to be the one to ruin a good party?

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Neat ... but ... what happens when the drain backs up and ... starts to back up into the disposer ... ? Why do I always have to be the one to ruin a good party?

You really are killjoy. With proper maintenance, the sink should <never?> back up. But, have you ever seen anything like this? I suppose the R/O drain could go into a dishwasher airgap, but then you would end up with two of those little chrome R2D2 things on your sink.

Gunnar

Just one.

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

But, have you ever seen anything like this?

Only once, and I had the same question then.

My client looked at it, looked at the hole, looked at the sink so far above it, then said '(non-repeated word)! That thing backs up and I've got a cabinet full of crappy water!', or words to that effect. I said 'Yep. That's what I'm talking about.'

Gunnar

It also appears that there are two traps on that trap arm.

CPC 2007 § 1001.1 … Not more than one (1) trap shall be permitted on a trap arm.

CPC 2001 § 1001.1 … Not more than one (1) trap shall be permitted on a trap arm.

Ooh, I hadn't caught that. Thanks.

Most of the RO systems that are newer have a built in air gap for the drain. It runs uphill to the dispenser, and then back down to the drain.

Originally Posted by Jim Robinson

Most of the RO systems that are newer have a built in air gap for the drain. It runs uphill to the dispenser, and then back down to the drain.

I haven't seen that. Do you have a pic?