How to Open a Dishwasher Vent on a Sink
A dishwasher vent, also known as an air gap, is a device that prevents the dirty water in your dishwasher from being siphoned back into your municipality's water supply. After your dishwasher finishes rinsing the dishes, the water is pumped out through a drain hose. The drain hose is routed through the dishwasher vent, which is positioned higher than the drain exit on your dishwasher. This prevents the water from running back into the dishwasher once it exits. When installing a new dishwasher, some municipalities will require that you open a dishwasher vent on a sink where the dishwasher is located. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Drill
- Spade bit
- Jigsaw
- File
- Screwdriver
- Hose clamps (2)
Instructions
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1
Determine where on your counter next to your sink you will be placing the air gap vent. Some air gap kits come with a template that you can use to aid in the vent placement. Follow your manufacturer's recommended placement and mark the location on your counter with a pencil.
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2
Use the drill to make a hole of the appropriate size for your air vent. Attach the spade bit to the end of your drill to make a circular hole. Widen, if necessary, with the jigsaw. Sand down any sharp edges with the file.
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3
Insert the air vent body into the hole from beneath. Secure in place on the counter with the body nut. Tighten until the nut is flush with the counter.
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4
Attach one end of the air gap to the drain hose on your dishwasher. Secure in place with a hose clamp.
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5
Attach the other air gap hose to the sewer inlet on the sink. In some installations, this might be on the tailpiece beneath the sink, in others, it might be a garbage disposal. Secure in place with a hose clamp.
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6
Run an empty load in your dishwasher on quickwash. Check the hoses for leaks. Tighten any clamps if necessary.
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7
Screw the cap on top of the air vent.
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Tips & Warnings
The above steps are just a guideline. Always follow instructions from your manufacturer.
Different municipalities will have different regulations for air vent installations. Be sure to check your local codes.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dishes image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com
