I’ve always wondered if they’re worth the extra hassle, especially since they take up space on the sink deck.
I’ve done both high loop and air gap installs, and honestly, the air gap feels like overkill unless your local code really insists. The space it eats up on the sink deck bugs me too. Never had a high loop fail as long as the hose stays put—though I get what you mean about zip ties feeling a bit sketchy for the long haul. Where I live, inspectors are fine with a high loop, but I know some places are strict about air gaps. It’s one of those “depends who’s looking under your sink” situations...
I get where you’re coming from with the air gap feeling like overkill. Honestly, I’ve seen a few too many “creative” high loop installs that ended up sagging over time, especially if someone shoves cleaning supplies under there and knocks the hose loose. That’s when you start risking backflow, and nobody wants to deal with a dishwasher full of sink gunk.
I’ll admit, the air gap isn’t exactly pretty, and yeah, it hogs space on the sink. But it’s one of those things where, if you ever have a backup, you’re glad it’s there. I’ve seen a couple kitchens saved from nasty messes just because the air gap did its job. Not saying high loops don’t work—just that they rely a lot on whoever’s organizing under the sink not messing with them.
If you’re in an area where code lets you pick, it’s kind of a toss-up between convenience and peace of mind. I lean toward the air gap just because I’ve seen what can go wrong, but I get why folks skip it.
I get the “peace of mind” thing, but I kinda feel like the air gap is just one more spot for grime to build up.
—I guess, but in my old apartment, the air gap actually clogged before the drain did, and water started shooting out all over the counter. Maybe I’m just unlucky, but the high loop seemed simpler. I just zip-tied it up high and never had an issue. Maybe it depends on how chaotic your under-sink area is?“if you ever have a backup, you’re glad it’s there”
Yeah, the air gap is supposed to be the hero, but sometimes it’s just a mess magnet. I’ve seen more counters get soaked from a clogged air gap than an actual backup. High loop’s not code everywhere, but honestly, it’s way less drama if you keep things tidy under there. Just gotta watch out for those mystery leaks... they love to show up at 2am.
Just gotta watch out for those mystery leaks... they love to show up at 2am.
Ain’t that the truth. I swear, my kitchen sink has a sixth sense for when I’m finally in REM sleep. Last year, I woke up to what sounded like a gentle rainstorm, but nope—just the air gap doing its best impression of Old Faithful because someone (me) thought “nah, it’ll be fine for one more week.” Spoiler: it was not fine.
I get the whole air gap thing is supposed to keep stuff from backflowing, but half the time it just seems like it’s collecting gunk and giving me extra cleaning chores. I switched to a high loop setup after my third “midnight mop-up,” and honestly? Way less drama under there now. Not sure if it’s technically by-the-book everywhere, but my counters have been bone dry since.
Mystery leaks are still lurking though—pretty sure they’re just waiting for me to let my guard down.