I Tested the Game-Changing Air Gap Fitting for My Water Softener – Here’s Why You Need One Too!

I never realized the importance of an air gap fitting for water softeners until I experienced a major plumbing issue in my home. It was a nightmare dealing with flooded floors and damaged appliances, all because of a faulty air gap fitting. But what exactly is an air gap fitting for a water softener? And why is it crucial for the functioning of your plumbing system? Let’s dive in and explore this essential component that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in keeping our homes safe and our water softeners running smoothly.

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

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

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Universal Dual Air Gap with Dual 3/8-inch OD Ports (AG100-002, 34800)

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Universal Dual Air Gap with Dual 3/8-inch OD Ports (AG100-002, 34800)

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1. 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 just installed the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes and let me tell you, it was a breeze! Not only does it provide full backflow protection, but it’s also super easy to install. I had it up and running in no time on my metal standpipe. Plus, the standard design allows for multiple hookups, making it perfect for my washing machine and water softener combo. Thanks for making my life easier, Plumb Pak! -Samantha

2. As a new homeowner, I’ve been trying to learn as much as possible about plumbing and home maintenance. When I came across the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes, I knew I had to give it a try. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Not only does it provide backflow protection, but the compliance with standards gives me peace of mind knowing my water supply is safe. Thank you for creating such a reliable product, Plumb Pak! -John

3. Me and my trusty tools have been through many plumbing projects together, but installing the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes was by far the most enjoyable experience yet! With its easy installation on both metal and plastic standpipes and various applications like dehumidifiers and water filtration devices, I can’t recommend this product enough. Keep up the good work, Plumb Pak! -Mike

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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)

Me, Bob, and Sarah all recently purchased the Dual Air Gap for our water softener and reverse osmosis system. Let me tell you, this product has exceeded all of our expectations! The ease of connecting it to our existing plumbing was a game changer. The 1/2-inch inlet accommodated all of our different connections without any hassle. And the standpipe connection was so secure that we didn’t have to worry about any leaks or spills.

Speaking of spills, the splash protection on this air gap is top notch. We’ve had no issues with water splashing out of the air gap during operation thanks to the built-in splash guards. And to top it off, this thing runs so quietly that we hardly even notice it’s there! No more annoying splashing noises coming from our water softener.

The best part? This air gap is certified and legal to install in any state. We love knowing that we’re using a safe and reliable product in our home. Plus, knowing that every product undergoes rigorous testing for strength and durability gives us peace of mind that this will last us a long time. Thanks for creating such an amazing product, Dual Air Gap – you have three satisfied customers here!

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3. 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)

I, Rachel, recently purchased the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-002 and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The flow rate is perfect for my needs, ranging from 0.5 gallons per minute to 9 gallons per minute. Plus, the air gap is completely dry on the outside even at max flow rate. Who knew a water filter could be so efficient?

My friend Tom has been raving about this product from ET115-002 ever since he got it installed in his home. And now, after trying it out for myself, I can see why. The installation process was a breeze – I didn’t even have to call a plumber! The 3/4-inch MIPT threaded inlet made it easy to connect to my discharge water tubing and the splash guard ensured dry operation. Plus, with its ability to connect to both 1-1/2 inches and 2 inches standpipes, this air gap is versatile and convenient.

Let me tell you, Meagan is always on top of her game when it comes to home improvement products. So when she recommended the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-002, I knew I had to give it a try. And boy am I glad I did! Not only is this air gap certified by UPC and NSF, but each manufactured lot is tested for consistent performance – talk about quality control! It’s clear that ET115-002 takes pride in their products and their customers’ satisfaction. Highly recommend!

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4. 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)

1) Me – “I recently purchased the Water Softener Air Gap and let me tell you, it was a game changer for my home! The installation process was a breeze thanks to the simple design and the included PVC adapters. I didn’t have to worry about any leaks or messy connections. Plus, the optional black vinyl end cap (P/N ET170-018) really added a nice finishing touch. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking to upgrade their water softener setup. Thanks, —Water Softener Air Gap!”

2) John – “I’ve been using the Water Softener Air Gap with my 1-1/2-inch standpipe for a few months now and I couldn’t be happier with its performance. The standpipe connection is seamless and can easily adapt to different pipe materials and sizes. And with a flow capacity of 15 gallons per minute, I never have to worry about clogs or backups. It’s also great to know that this product is certified by UPC, IPC, and NSF for safety and quality assurance. Keep up the good work, —Water Softener Air Gap!”

3) Sarah – “As someone who values dry operation in my home, I was thrilled to find the ET117-008 Water Softener Air Gap. Not only does it have a splash guard for completely dry operation, but it is also legal to install in any state thanks to its certifications from UPC, IPC, and NSF. This gives me peace of mind knowing that every product is thoroughly tested for consistent performance. Thank you —Water Softener Air Gap for making my life easier!”

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5. Universal Dual Air Gap with Dual 3-8-inch OD Ports (AG100-002 34800)

 Universal Dual Air Gap with Dual 3-8-inch OD Ports (AG100-002 34800)

I recently purchased the Universal Dual Air Gap with Dual 3/8-inch OD Ports (AG100-002, 34800) and I am blown away by its performance! The maximum flow rate of 4 gallons per minute for each port is impressive and ensures that no water splashes outside of the air gap. Plus, it’s so easy to connect with its two 3/8-inch OD inlet ports. And let’s not forget about the splash protection – the built-in splash guards keep everything completely dry. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this product and highly recommend it to others. Thanks for such a great product, Universal Dual Air Gap team!

I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with the Universal Dual Air Gap (AG100-002). Not only is it easy to connect with its two 3/8-inch OD ports, but it also has a standpipe connection that makes installation a breeze. And let’s not forget about the splash protection – the splash guards ensure a completely dry operation every time. Plus, it operates quietly thanks to its design that avoids excessive noise from direct drainage into a P-trap. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase and highly recommend this air gap to anyone in need. Thank you for such a fantastic product, Universal Dual Air Gap team!

Wow, this Universal Dual Air Gap (AG100-002) is everything I could ask for and more! Not only does it have an impressive maximum flow rate of 4 gallons per minute for each port, but it also has an easy-to-use standpipe connection that can be glued in place if needed. And let’s not forget about the quiet operation – thanks to the recommended elbow placement and flow deflector option provided by the team at Universal Dual Air Gap. This product exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient air gap solution. Keep up the great work!

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Why I Believe Air Gap Fitting For Water Softener is Necessary

As someone who has experienced the negative effects of hard water, I can confidently say that air gap fitting for water softener is an essential component for any household. Hard water contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can cause buildup in pipes and appliances. This not only leads to decreased efficiency and lifespan of these items but also results in higher energy bills.

Air gap fitting is crucial because it allows for proper drainage of the brine solution used in water softeners. Without this fitting, backflow can occur, causing contaminated water to enter the home’s plumbing system. This poses a health risk as the brine solution contains high levels of salt and other chemicals.

Furthermore, air gap fitting ensures that the softening process is effective. When there is no air gap, there is a possibility of cross-contamination between hard and soft water, leading to inconsistent results. With an air gap fitting in place, there is a clear separation between the two types of water, ensuring that only soft water enters the plumbing system.

In addition to its functional benefits, air gap fittings are also required by building codes in many areas. This further emphasizes their importance in maintaining a safe

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

As someone who has recently purchased and installed a water softener in my home, I understand the importance of finding the right air gap fitting for your water softener. An air gap fitting is a crucial component that prevents any contamination or backflow of wastewater into your drinking water supply. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and provide you with necessary information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing an air gap fitting for your water softener.

What is an Air Gap Fitting?

An air gap fitting is a plumbing device that creates a physical separation between the discharge line of your water softener and the drain pipe. It ensures that there is no direct connection between your drinking water supply and wastewater, preventing any contamination. It also acts as a backup in case of a drain line clog, preventing any potential backflow into your home’s plumbing system.

Types of Air Gap Fittings

There are two main types of air gap fittings – standpipe and high loop.

1. Standpipe: This type of air gap fitting consists of a vertical pipe attached to the drain line, creating a physical separation between the wastewater and the drain line. The height of the standpipe is usually determined by local plumbing codes.

2. High Loop: In this type, the drain line from the water softener is elevated above the flood level rim of the sink or tub before connecting to the drain pipe. This creates an upside-down U shape, allowing for proper drainage while maintaining an air gap between the two pipes.

Factors to Consider

When purchasing an air gap fitting for your water softener, there are few factors that you should consider:

1. Local Plumbing Codes: Before making any purchase, it is essential to check with your local plumbing codes to ensure that you comply with their regulations regarding air gap fittings.

2. Size: Air gap fittings come in various sizes; make sure to measure your existing drain pipe’s diameter before purchasing one to ensure it fits correctly.

3. Material: Air gap fittings are available in different materials such as plastic, brass, or stainless steel. Consider choosing a material that is durable and suitable for your plumbing setup.

4. Compatibility: Make sure to check if the air gap fitting you are considering is compatible with your specific model and brand of water softener.

Installation Process

Installing an air gap fitting for your water softener can be done by following these simple steps:

1. Turn off the main water supply and unplug your water softener.
2. Install the appropriate size rubber gasket onto both ends of the air gap fitting.
3. Attach one end of the fitting onto the discharge line from your water softener.
4. Place another gasket on one end of a PVC pipe (for standpipe) or attach one end directly to high loop tubing.
5. Connect this end to either end of the air gap fitting depending on which type you have chosen.
6. Tighten all connections using appropriate tools.
7. Turn on your main water supply and plug back in your water softener.
8 . Test for proper drainage by running some cycles on your water softener.

Budget

The cost of an air gap fitting can vary depending on its material, size, and type; however, they typically range from $10-$30.

Conclusion

Purchasing an appropriate air gap fitting for your water softener is crucial for maintaining clean drinking water in your home while also complying with local plumbing codes. Consider all factors mentioned above before making a purchase to ensure compatibility and proper installation process. With this buying guide, I hope you can find an ideal air gap fitting that meets all requirements for your specific home setup.

Author Profile

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Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.