I’ve always wondered if the air gap is just a way to keep plumbers in business, honestly. I’ve had a high loop for years, too, and never had a single issue—knock on wood. I get that codes are codes, but sometimes it feels like overkill, especially when you’re just trying to keep things simple and avoid extra holes in your countertop.
Funny you mention weird stuff in the drain. I once found a Lego head in mine. No idea how it got there, but it definitely explained the “mystery rattle” I’d been hearing. I try to check the filter every couple weeks now, just in case something else decides to take a swim.
I’m with you on the enzyme cleaner. Cheap, easy, and it keeps things smelling decent. I’d rather spend a few bucks on that than call someone out for a clog that’s basically just old spaghetti and a twist tie. Sometimes the low-tech fixes really are the best.
- Had the same debate with myself about the air gap vs. high loop. Ended up sticking with the high loop—less hassle, no extra holes, and honestly, it’s worked fine for years.
- Last time my dishwasher acted up, it was just a chunk of plastic bread bag tab stuck in the filter. Pulled it out, ran a cycle with some enzyme cleaner, and it was back to normal.
- I get why codes exist, but sometimes it feels like they’re written for worst-case scenarios that never actually happen in regular homes.
- Enzyme cleaner’s a staple here too. Way cheaper than a plumber, and it keeps the weird smells away. Not fancy, but it works.
“I get why codes exist, but sometimes it feels like they’re written for worst-case scenarios that never actually happen in regular homes.”
That’s been my experience too—codes are great in theory, but in practice, I’ve seen high loops work just fine for years across multiple units. I do a quick check on the drain hose every turnover, just to make sure nothing’s sagging or leaking. One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone actually had a backup or contamination issue from skipping the air gap? I’ve never seen it, but maybe I’m just lucky.
One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone actually had a backup or contamination issue from skipping the air gap?
I’ve managed dozens of units and, honestly, never seen a legit backup from just using a high loop. Not saying it *can’t* happen, but between checking for kinks and making sure nothing’s sagging, it’s been smooth sailing. My “worst” issue was a tenant stuffing a rag under the sink and pinching the hose—water everywhere, but not a code problem. Sometimes I think codes are just there to keep us on our toes…
Sometimes I think codes are just there to keep us on our toes…
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve done the high loop trick on every dishwasher I’ve installed in my own places, and never had a single backup or dirty water issue. I know the air gap is technically “safer,” but as long as you’re keeping the hose elevated and checking for pinches or weird bends, it’s pretty bulletproof. The code’s probably overkill for most folks, but I guess it’s there for the handful of edge cases.