I hear you, but honestly, I’ve had a different experience. In my rentals, the high loop has held up just fine as long as it’s installed right and the sink’s kept clear. Air gaps can be a pain—more parts to break or get clogged, and tenants call me about them more than anything else under the sink. Maybe it’s not as “permanent,” but sometimes simple just works better, especially if you’re not dealing with constant backups. Guess it depends on how much hassle you want to sign up for.
Air gaps can be a pain—more parts to break or get clogged, and tenants call me about them more than anything else under the sink.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve seen air gaps cause more headaches than they solve, especially when you’ve got folks who don’t know what that weird little thing on the sink is for. High loop’s been solid for me too—less to fiddle with and way fewer complaints. If you keep the drain clear, I honestly don’t see the point of overcomplicating it.
I hear you on the air gap hassle, but I’ve actually had a different experience. Had a dishwasher back up once and flood the cabinet because the high loop wasn’t enough—turns out a slow drain can sneak up on you. Ever since, I stick with air gaps, even if they’re a pain to clean. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather deal with a clogged air gap than water damage. Just my two cents... I get why folks skip them, though.
Ever since, I stick with air gaps, even if they’re a pain to clean. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’d rather deal with a clogged air gap than water damage.
Honestly, I’m with you on this one. I know the high loop is “code” in some places, but after seeing what a slow drain can do, I’ll take the ugly little air gap any day. It’s not just about code—it’s about not having to rip out soggy cabinets later. Plus, cleaning the air gap is way less gross than mopping up dishwasher backflow.
I’ll take the ugly little air gap any day. It’s not just about code—it’s about not having to rip out soggy cabinets later.
- 100% agree on the soggy cabinet nightmare.
- Air gaps might look weird, but they’re like cheap insurance.
- High loop is fine until you get that one gross backup... ask me how I know.
- Cleaning the air gap is annoying, but at least it doesn’t smell like swamp water.