Many municipalities require the presence of a vacuum breaker with a dishwasher. Vacuum breakers, also called air gaps, prevent dishwasher water from being accidentally siphoned back into the municipal water supply. If your area requires a dishwasher vacuum breaker installation, you can perform the task yourself relatively quickly.
Diswasher Operation
In order to operate, dishwashers need three separate utility connections in your home: water, electricity and sewage. The dishwasher pulls in fresh water through the water connection and mixes it with soap inside the washer cabinet. The soapy water is then pumped through a sprayer, which showers the dishes with the soap, powering away food debris. The dirty soap water is then pumped out of the washing machine and into the sewer. The wash cycle is then repeated, only this time with clean water with no soap. Once this water is pumped out, a heating element inside the cabinet dries the dishes.
Vacuum Breakers
The purpose of a vacuum breaker is to prevent dirty dishwater passed out through the dishwasher drain line from being siphoned back into the municipal water supply. This can happen if there is a clog in the drain line and a sudden drop in water pressure in the water supply line. A vacuum breaker introduces an air gap into the dishwasher drain line that prevents water from being sucked backward.
Preperation
Turn off the electricity for the dishwasher. In most installations, this will be at the main circuit breaker. Disconnect the dishwasher drain hose from the sink tailpiece or garbage disposal connection. Loosen any clamps holding the drain hose in place against walls or the inside of cabinets.
Vacuum Breaker Installation
Mark out a spot on your kitchen countertop for the vacuum breaker tower. Many breaker kits will come with a paper template that you can use to place on top of the counter to help in positioning the tower. Drill a hole in the counter with a power drill and spade bit for the tower. Insert the tower into the opening in the counter and secure from beneath with the retaining nut. Connect the drain line from the dishwasher to one side of the vacuum breaker. Connect another drain hose from the other side of the vacuum breaker to the disposal or tailpiece inlet. Screw the cap on top of the vacuum breaker.
Testing
Turn the power back on for the dishwasher. Run a load on the shortest cycle. Watch the drain hose segments for any leaks. Tighten the hose clamps, if needed.
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