An air gap is a physical barrier between two sources of water. In order to create an air gap for your water softener, you will need to install a T-fitting on the cold water line coming into your home. Attach one end of a length of tubing to the T-fitting, and run the other end of the tubing up to and above the level of the overflow drain on your water softener unit.
Make sure that there is at least 1 inch of space between the end of the tubing and the overflow drain, in order to allow air to enter the system and prevent backflow.
Water softener must have – backwash air gap
- Turn off the power to your water softener unit and shut off the main water supply to your home
- Remove the brine tank from your water softener unit
- unscrewing the bolts that hold it in place
- Cut a small hole in the bottom of the brine tank using a utility knife
- This will be your air gap drain line
- Place the brine tank upside down on a table or work surface, with the hole you just cut facing up
- Insert one end of a length of PVC pipe into the hole in the bottom of the brine tank, and secure it in place with PVC cement
- Run the PVC pipe to where you want to install your air gap faucet , and cut it to size
- Install your air gap faucet according to manufacturer’s instructions, then turn on the main water supply to your home and restore power to your water softener unit
Water Softener Air Gap Kit
Water Softener Air Gap Kit
The water softener air gap kit is designed to protect your home’s plumbing from backflow contamination. It is installed between the water softener and the main water supply line.
The kit includes an airgap faucet, two brass adapters, a plastic check valve, and a rubber washer.
The airgap faucet allows air into the system to prevent a vacuum from forming and pulling contaminated water back into your home’s drinking water supply. The check valve prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the system, and the rubber washer provides a seal between the faucet and the adapter.
Installing a water softener air gap kit is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, shut off the main water supply to your home. Next, remove the aerator from the kitchen sink faucet (this is where you will install the kit).
Thread one of the brass adapters onto the faucet, then hand-tighten it before using pliers to give it an extra quarter turn.
Now take the other brass adapter and attach it to the check valve. Finally, screw onthe airgap faucet until it is tight againstthe first adapter.
Once everything is secure, you can turn onthe main water supply and test for leaks at each connection point. If there are no leaks, congratulations – you have successfully installed your new Water Softener Air Gap Kit!
Water Softener Air Gap
An air gap is a small space between two objects that allows air to circulate. In the context of water softeners, an air gap is a device that prevents sewage backflow into the softener unit. Backflow can occur when there is a sudden drop in water pressure, such as during a power outage.
An air gap prevents backflow by creating a physical barrier between the softener unit and the sewer line.
Air gaps are required by most local building codes for new construction and major renovations. If you have an older home without an air gap, you may want to consider installing one.
An air gap is relatively easy to install and can give you peace of mind knowing that your water softener unit is protected from backflow.
Water Softener Backflow Preventer
If you have a water softener in your home, you may also have a backflow preventer. This device is installed on the main water line and helps to keep contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s fresh water supply.
A backflow preventer consists of a check valve and an air gap.
The check valve allows water to flow in one direction only, while the air gap provides a physical barrier between the two sources of water. If the pressure in the fresh water supply drops, the check valve will close and prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the system.
The most common type of backflow preventer is the double-check valve assembly.
This device has two independent check valves that provide redundant protection against backflow. Double-check valve assemblies are required by many state and local codes for use in homes with private well systems.
If you’re not sure whether or not your home has a backflow preventer, ask your plumber or Water Treatment Specialist.
They can help you determine if one is needed and, if so, what type would be best for your home.
Water Softener Air Gap Installation
Water softener air gap installation is a process that is used to ensure that your water softener is properly installed. This process involves the use of an air gap, which is a space between the water supply and the drainage system that allows air to enter and exit the system without coming into contact with the water. The purpose of this installation is to prevent contamination of your drinking water by preventing backflow from occurring.
Why Does a Water Softener Drain Need an Air Gap
A water softener is a device that is installed in homes or businesses to remove minerals from water. These minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can cause hard water. Hard water can lead to a number of problems, such as soap scum build-up, mineral deposits on fixtures and appliances, and dry skin.
A water softener works by exchanging the minerals in hard water for sodium ions.
One of the most important parts of a water softener is the drain. The drain allows for wastewater to be removed from the unit so that it does not build up and cause problems.
The drain also needs an air gap in order to function properly. An air gap is a space between the end of the Drain line and the beginning of the sewer or septic system. This space allows for air to enter the system and prevents sewage backup into your home or business.
Credit: www.uswatersystems.com
Does Water Softener Drain Need an Air Gap?
Water softeners are devices that are installed in homes to remove minerals from hard water. The most common type of water softener is the ion-exchange water softener. This type of water softener works by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water for sodium or potassium ions.
Ion-exchange water softeners require a drain line to discharge the brine solution that is used to clean the resin beads. The drain line must be installed so that it has an air gap to prevent backflow of contaminated water into the home’s drinking water supply.
How Do You Make an Air Gap Drain?
An air gap drain is a type of drainage system that uses a physical barrier to prevent contaminated water from entering the home. The most common type of air gap drain is the one that is installed under the kitchen sink. This type of air gap drain has a small hole in the bottom of the sink that leads to a trap.
The trap is then connected to a pipe that goes to the outside of the house.
There are two main types of air gaps, horizontal and vertical. Horizontal air gaps are typically used in residential applications, while vertical air gaps are more commonly seen in commercial settings.
There are several benefits to using an air gap drain over other types of drains, such as:
-They prevent cross contamination: Air gaps provide a physical barrier between clean and dirty water, preventing contaminants from coming back into your home through the drainage system.
-They’re easier to clean: Since there’s no direct connection between dirty and clean water, it’s less likely for clogs or buildups to occur in an air gap drain.
And if they do happen, they’ll be much easier to clear out than in a traditional drainage system.
-They’re required by code in some areas: In some jurisdictions, having an air gap drain is actually required by law – so if you’re planning on selling your home or business, it’s something you’ll need to take into consideration.
How Do You Purge Air from a Water Softener?
If your water softener isn’t working properly, one possible reason is that there is air in the system. Air can enter the system through a leak in the brine tank or by too much water flowing into the unit. Either way, purging air from your water softener is a relatively simple process.
To purge air from a water softener, start by turning off the power to the unit and then opening the drain line. Next, use a garden hose to siphon out any water that’s left in the brine tank. Once the tank is empty, remove the lid and check for any cracks or leaks.
If you find any, repair them with plumber’s putty or epoxy resin.
Once you’ve repaired any leaks, rinse out the inside of the brine tank with clean water. Then, reassemble everything and turn on the power to the unit.
Finally, run some water through it to make sure everything is working properly.
What is the Proper Air Gap?
A proper air gap is an open space between two physical objects that allows air to circulate freely. The purpose of an air gap is to prevent contamination of one object by another. Air gaps are commonly found in plumbing systems, between the sink and the dishwasher, or between the toilet and the sewer line.
Conclusion
If you have hard water, then you know the importance of a water softener. But did you know that you can make your own air gap for a water softener?
All you need is a drill, some PVC pipe, and a few other supplies.
Follow these steps and you’ll have an air gap for your water softener in no time.