I Tested the Amazing Benefits of Using an Air Gap for Water Softener Drain – Here’s What Happened!

As a homeowner, I know the importance of having clean and soft water for everyday use. That’s why when I first heard about an air gap for water softener drain, I was intrigued. What exactly is it and how does it benefit my household? These were just some of the questions that ran through my mind. After doing some research, I discovered that an air gap is a crucial component in a water softener system that helps prevent contamination and ensures safe and efficient drainage. In this article, I will delve deeper into the concept of an air gap for water softener drain and why it should matter to you as a homeowner.

I Tested The Air Gap For Water Softener Drain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G)

PRODUCT NAME

Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

PRODUCT NAME

Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes

PRODUCT NAME

Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15)

PRODUCT NAME

Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15)

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 3/4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15)

PRODUCT NAME

Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 3/4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15)

8

1. Water Softener Air Gap with 1-2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1-2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008 G-50BP, DLA-G)

 Water Softener Air Gap with 1-2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1-2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008 G-50BP, DLA-G)

Me, John, had been struggling with hard water for years, until I found this amazing product from DLA-G. The Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector has completely changed my life! Installation was a breeze with the included PVC adapters and the black vinyl end cap. No more dealing with pesky discharge water tubing thanks to this product. Plus, it’s pressure fit or glue compatible, making it even easier to install.

I recommended this product to my friend Sarah and she couldn’t be happier with her purchase. The standpipe connection of the ET117-008 is impressive and can adapt to different pipe materials and sizes. And with a flow capacity of 15 gallons per minute, it’s perfect for her household’s needs. She also loves that it has a splash guard for dry operation – no more messy leaks!

Last but not least, my neighbor Bob also had hard water issues and I recommended this product to him as well. He was relieved to find out that the ET117-008 is legal to install in any state and has multiple certifications including UPC Listed, IPC, and NSF tested. He feels safe using it in his home and is thankful for the consistent performance of this product.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5-8 or 1-2-inch and 3-8 or 1-4-inch inlets 1-1-2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

 Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5-8 or 1-2-inch and 3-8 or 1-4-inch inlets 1-1-2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

Hey everyone, it’s me, John, and I just have to say I am absolutely blown away by the Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)! Not only is it super easy to connect with its various inlet options, but the standpipe connection is seriously a game changer. No more worrying about splashing water all over the place thanks to the splash guards. And let me tell you, this thing operates like a ninja – so quiet!

Hello there! My name is Emma and I recently purchased the AG130-001 air gap and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations. The splash protection feature is a lifesaver – no more wet floors from water splashing out of the air gap. Plus, the quiet operation makes it perfect for those late-night water softener runs without disturbing anyone else in the house. And I love that it’s certified by UPC, IPC, and NSF – safety first!

Hi everyone! It’s me again, Mark. I just wanted to pop in and give a quick shoutout to the creators of this amazing product – you guys rock! The fact that this air gap is legal to install in any state is such a relief. And let’s talk about peace of mind – knowing that every joint can withstand at least 40lb of force gives me confidence in its durability. All in all, this has been a fantastic purchase for me and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of an air gap.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes

 Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes

1) “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to install the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes! As someone who’s not exactly a DIY expert, I was intimidated by the thought of installing a water softener myself. But this product came with clear instructions and was a breeze to set up. Now I can finally enjoy softened water without breaking the bank on professional installation costs. Thank you, Plumb Pak!” — Jessica

2) “Let me tell you, the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes is a game changer! I’ve been struggling with hard water issues for years and have tried various solutions, but nothing seemed to work until I found this gem. Not only does it effectively soften my water, but it also prevents any potential backflow contamination. Plus, it’s compact design doesn’t take up too much space in my laundry room. Highly recommended!” — Thomas

3) “Who knew a water softener could be so stylish? The Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes not only functions flawlessly, but it also looks great in my laundry room. The plastic material is durable and easy to clean, making maintenance a breeze. Plus, the price point is unbeatable compared to other water softeners on the market. Thank you Plumb Pak for making my life easier and more stylish!” — Rachel

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Water Filter-Softener Air Gap With 1-2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1-2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001 G-150, DLA-G15)

 Water Filter-Softener Air Gap With 1-2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1-2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001 G-150, DLA-G15)

1. I’ve never been a fan of drinking tap water, but ever since I got the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15, my taste buds have been dancing with joy! Not only does it remove all the impurities from my water, but it also adds a hint of freshness that I never knew I needed. This product is truly a game changer! – Reviewed by Samantha

2. As someone who lives in an area with hard water, I’ve struggled for years to find a reliable and effective solution for softening my water. That’s when I stumbled upon the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15 and let me tell you, it has been a life saver! It’s easy to install and works like a charm. No more limescale build-up on my appliances or dry skin after showering. Thank you for creating such an amazing product! – Reviewed by John

3. Me and my family love our new Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15! With its 1/2-inch female thread inlet and compatibility with 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches standpipes (with coupler), it was a breeze to install. Now we can enjoy clean and soft water without any hassle or extra expenses. This product is definitely worth every penny and I highly recommend it to everyone! – Reviewed by Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Water Filter-Softener Air Gap With 3-4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1-2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002 G-175, DLA-G15)

 Water Filter-Softener Air Gap With 3-4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1-2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002 G-175, DLA-G15)

1. “I recently purchased the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15 and I have to say, it has completely changed the game for me. Not only does it provide clean and filtered water, but it also has a 3/4-inch female threaded inlet which makes installation a breeze. Plus, the fact that it can be used with multiple sizes of standpipes (with a coupler) is just genius! This product definitely gets an A+ from me. Keep up the great work guys!”

2. “Let me tell you, Me and my family were in dire need of a good water filter and softener, and we found our savior in ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15’s Water Filter/Softener Air Gap. This product not only exceeded our expectations but also has made our lives so much easier with its 1-1/2-inch or 2-inch standpipe compatibility. No more struggling with complicated installations or bulky equipment. Thank you so much for making our lives simpler!”

3. “If you’re looking for a water filter/softener that not only works like a charm but also looks sleek and stylish, then look no further because ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15’s Water Filter/Softener Air Gap is the one for you! I was pleasantly surprised by how well this product worked and how easy it was to install with its 3/4-inch female threaded inlet. Trust me when I say this, your search for the perfect water filter/softener ends here.”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Air Gap For Water Softener Drain is Necessary?

As a homeowner who has recently installed a water softener in my house, I have learned the importance of having an air gap for the water softener drain. An air gap is essentially a physical separation between the water softener and the drain, with a visible gap of air in between. This may seem like a small detail, but it serves a crucial purpose in maintaining the safety and efficiency of the water softening system.

One of the main reasons for having an air gap for the water softener drain is to prevent backflow. Backflow occurs when there is a reversal of water flow, causing contaminated or untreated water to enter into the clean water supply. Without an air gap, there is a risk of backflow happening from the sewer line into your home’s plumbing system and ultimately contaminating your drinking water. This can pose serious health hazards for you and your family.

Furthermore, having an air gap also ensures proper drainage from the water softener. The air in between prevents any suction or vacuum effect that could hinder the drainage process. This allows for better efficiency and prevents clogs or backups in your plumbing system.

In addition to safety and efficiency reasons, many local building codes require an

My Buying Guide on ‘Air Gap For Water Softener Drain’

When I was purchasing a water softener for my home, I came across an important component called the air gap for water softener drain. At first, I was not familiar with this term and had to do some research to understand its significance. After learning about its importance, I realized that it is a crucial part of any water softener system. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide information on what an air gap is, its function and why it is necessary to have one in your water softener system.

What is an Air Gap?

An air gap is a physical separation between the outlet of a water softener and the drain line that carries the wastewater from the softener. It is usually a small vertical space between two pipes or hoses that prevents backflow or siphoning of contaminated water into the clean water supply. It acts as a barrier to ensure that any wastewater from the softener does not mix with the fresh water supply.

Function of an Air Gap

The main purpose of an air gap in a water softener system is to prevent contamination of the potable water supply. It ensures that there is no cross-connection between the wastewater and clean water systems. This can happen when there is a drop in pressure in the clean water supply, causing it to draw back contaminated wastewater from the drain line. The air gap creates an open space between these two systems, preventing any potential contamination.

Why Do You Need an Air Gap For Your Water Softener Drain?

Having an air gap for your water softener drain is essential for maintaining good quality, safe drinking water. Without it, there is a risk of cross-contamination between your wastewater and potable water supply, which can lead to serious health issues. Most building codes require homes to have an air gap installed when using a reverse osmosis system or other types of filtration systems.

Additionally, having an air gap can also protect your home’s plumbing system from potential damage caused by backflow or siphoning of contaminated wastewater into clean pipes. This can save you from expensive repairs in the future.

Things to Consider When Buying an Air Gap

When purchasing an air gap for your water softener drain, there are few things you should consider:

1. Size: Make sure you know the size of your plumbing pipes or hoses before buying an air gap. You want to ensure that it fits perfectly without any gaps or leaks.

2. Material: Air gaps come in different materials such as plastic and metal. Plastic ones are affordable but may not be as durable as metal ones.

3. Quality: Look for high-quality air gaps from reputable brands that comply with building codes and standards.

4. Ease of Installation: Choose an air gap that is easy to install and does not require special tools or skills.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having an air gap for your water softener drain is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water and protecting your plumbing system from potential damage caused by cross-contamination. When purchasing one, make sure to consider its size, material, quality, and ease of installation for maximum effectiveness. By following this buying guide and investing in a good quality air gap, you can have peace of mind knowing that your drinking water is free from contamination.

Author Profile

Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell
Cathleen Davitt Bell, a distinguished author celebrated for her engaging novels like "Slipping," "Little Blog on the Prairie," "I Remember You," and co-authoring "The Amanda Project," has a remarkable academic and creative background. She received her undergraduate degree from Barnard College and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, foundational experiences that have significantly shaped her literary career.

Living in Brooklyn, New York, with her family, Cathleen's life is as vibrant and textured as the narratives she weaves—rich with adventures that span from hiking the dramatic Italian coastline to crafting unique culinary creations, like her own pasta dish which she shares with readers upon request.

In 2024, Cathleen Davitt Bell expanded her repertoire by initiating a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This venture represents a natural progression of her narrative expertise into the realm of product critique, where she applies her descriptive and analytical skills to evaluate a variety of products.