Dishwasher Vent?
We are having granite counters put in and a new under mount sink and faucet. The problem is currently we have a drop in sink that has the faucet and then a round, about maybe 2 or 3 inch high “vent” thing. It has two little slits towards the top and when the dishwasher is running I can hear noise from it, so I think it is some sort of vent or something for the dishwasher. Anyways when I get the granite put in I don’t want that ugly thing near my faucet since I am getting an under mount sink, so does it have to be there? Can someone tell me what it is, if it has to be there, what I’ll need to do to have it not there with the new counters, and if I’ll need a new dishwasher? Thanks in advance! Mine is currently on top of the counter right near my faucet, can I have them install it under the counter just so it doesn't show? I've been to a lot of houses that don't have it on top so I'm just wondering if its really needed or if there is just a different way to install it. I've heard that sometimes if the line gets junk in it that water will spill out of that vent also, so I'm wondering if it is installed under the sink where will the water will go if that happens? I live in a condo also so installing a vent to the roof isn't an option.
Public Comments
- It is caled an airgap and it keeps the dirty nasty sink water from running back into the dishwasher....they say that the new machines have a check valve that is supposed to do the job...but they usually fail 1 year or so in......I have repaired many nasty dishwashers and charged los of$$$ for folks that don't like the ugly air gap.
- It is a vent. What you hear is air being sucked into it so it won't siphon the water out of the trap for the sink and allow sewer gas to come up through the drain. So yes you need it, but a good plumber should be able to install one under the sink and the highest point so it will be hidden.
- It is an air-gap separator. Its permanent location under your sink is required unless you install a 2" vent through the wall, and attic and out through the roof. The purpose is to be able to suck air so it can drain your waste water. Without it you will have a mess in your new kitchen. Besides its under the sink where no one is going to see it.
