Water Coming Out of Dishwasher Air Gap

Why Water Is Coming Out of Your Dishwasher Air Gap and How to Fix It

If you’ve started a cycle on your dishwasher only to have water sputtering out of the air gap fixture on your sink, you must be feeling both perplexed and irritated. What’s happening? Is your dishwasher defective? And more importantly, how do you make it stop?

Dishwasher air gaps are one of the most critical parts of your plumbing system, which were created to keep dirty water from back-flowing into your freshly cleaned dishes. Most times, they are never noticed until a problem arises. This blog post will take you through the reasons for the mysterious water spill and, better yet, give some practical tips to get things back in working order.

What is a dishwasher air gap?

Before launching into the troubleshooting, let’s take a moment to review what the air gap does. In simple terms, the air gap is a small, usually cylindrical device commonly installed on your sink or countertop, near the tap. It serves as an important safety feature that prevents wastewater from the sink or garbage disposal from flowing backward into the clean water inside your dishwasher.

When everything is going right, water drained from the dishwasher exits via a pipe, passes through the air gap, and down into the sink’s plumbing or garbage disposal. The problem arises when, for some reason, things are not quite right and water starts escaping from the air gap, making an unwanted mess.

Why Is Water Escaping from the Air Gap?

If water is gushing or dribbling out of your air gap, it may be a sign that there is a blockage somewhere down its drainage system. The following are common culprits:

1. Blockage in the Air Gap

The air gap itself may be clogged with debris, such as food particles, grease, or soap scum. This causes water to back up and spill out through the air gap instead of draining away as intended.

2. Clogged Drain Hose

Another thing that can get clogged up is the hose connecting your dishwasher to the air gap. In it, over time, some amount of residue of detergent, grease, or even pieces of food can build up and restrict the flow of water.

3. Garbage Disposal Issues

If your dishwasher is connected to your garbage disposal, a clog or obstruction in the disposal unit can cause water to back up into the air gap. This usually occurs when food waste builds up in the disposal and isn’t properly cleared.

4. Improper Installation

Sometimes, the issue is not a blockage but an installation problem. Perhaps the hoses are not properly connected or there is not enough slope to allow the water to drop freely.

5. Faulty Air Gap Device

This is the rarest of all occurrences, but a faulty or broken air gap device can cause overflow even when the rest of the drainage system is clear.

How to Fix It

While the sight of water spilling from your air gap can be alarming, many of the underlying causes are relatively easy to address. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting things back in order:

Step 1: Inspect and Clean the Air Gap

Start by removing the air gap cover. This usually just requires twisting or popping it off. Inside, you’ll find a set of inner components—often a plastic cap or cylinder. Take these out and check for any visible debris.

Clean the dirt or grime from around them with a small cleaning brush or stiff pipe cleaner. If necessary, run warm soapy water through the device to make sure it is clear.

Step 2: Check the Drain Hose

Disconnect the drain hose that lies between your dishwasher and the air gap. Check that it is not clogged or kinked. If there’s clogging, then gently force the hose with warm water to eliminate the blockage; you can even use a flexible brush to help dislodge the blockages.

Hook up the drain hose securely, keeping in mind the avoidance of kinking of the hose.

Step 3: Clean the Garbage Disposal

If your dishwasher drains through your garbage disposal, make sure that it’s clean. Run the disposal to grind off any leftover food particles. In more problematic blockages, a disposal cleaning gel can be tried or baking soda mixed with vinegar to degrade stubborn residue.

Pro Tip: Always run water while operating the garbage disposal. It helps to flush food particles down and prevents blockages in the future.

Step 4: Ensure Proper Installation

Check that all the hoses and connections between your dishwasher, air gap, and sink drain are correctly installed. The hoses should slope downwards to allow for smooth drainage. If you’re unsure about how it’s set up, your dishwasher’s user manual is a great resource.

Step 5: Call a Professional If Needed

If these steps do not resolve the problem, then this may be the right time to call a professional. Prolonged leakage of water indicates a problem in which the solution might involve higher damage inside the dishwasher or maybe a plumbing problem further down the line.

How to Avoid Air Gap Water Issues in the Future

Once you’ve resolved the issue, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Here are some maintenance tips to keep things running smoothly:

  • Clean the Air Gap Regularly: Make it a habit to clean the air gap at least once a month, especially if your dishwasher sees heavy use.
  • Run the Garbage Disposal Often: This will keep the disposal clear, even on days when it’s not being used for food scraps.
  • Avoid Overloading the Dishwasher: Heavy loads of dishes can put undue stress on the drainage system. Distribute washing chores over time to prevent back-ups.
  • Use the Right Detergent: Quality, low-foaming detergents keep residue from accumulating in hoses and drains.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll save yourself from the frustration and mess of an overflowing air gap and ensure your dishwasher remains a reliable kitchen companion.

Wrapping Up

Water spilling from your dishwasher air gap can be an annoying problem but is also a symptom that signals you to pay attention to your drainage system. Knowing the causes and being able to proactively fix and maintain your system will keep your dishwasher running well for years.

Need more help with your dishwasher, or any other home plumbing issue? Leave a comment below, or contact us for more expert advice. Your kitchen efficiency is our priority.

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