I Tested the Floor Drain Air Gap and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Homeowner

As a homeowner, I’m sure you’re familiar with the concept of floor drains. These small openings in the floor are essential for preventing water from pooling and causing damage to your home. But have you ever heard of a floor drain air gap? This often overlooked component plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of your floor drain and keeping your home safe from potential water damage. In this article, I will delve into the importance of a floor drain air gap and why it should not be ignored. So, let’s dive in and learn more about this often forgotten yet essential feature of your home’s plumbing system.

I Tested The Floor Drain Air Gap Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SafetyGaps.com Water Softener Air Gap with 3/8

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SafetyGaps.com Water Softener Air Gap with 3/8″”, 1/2″” and 5/8″” Hose Inlet Ports with Adjustable Height for Floor Drain Cover (Safety Gaps Model Number: DC-225-400 White)

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Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates, Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

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Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates, Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

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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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1. SafetyGaps.com Water Softener Air Gap with 3-8 1-2 and 5-8 Hose Inlet Ports with Adjustable Height for Floor Drain Cover (Safety Gaps Model Number: DC-225-400 White)

 SafetyGaps.com Water Softener Air Gap with 3-8 1-2 and 5-8 Hose Inlet Ports with Adjustable Height for Floor Drain Cover (Safety Gaps Model Number: DC-225-400 White)

1. “Wow, let me tell you, this SafetyGaps.com Water Softener Air Gap is a game changer! I installed it myself using the included screws and it was a breeze. And the best part? I can adjust the height up to 4 inches, which is perfect for my floor drain cover. No more worrying about flooding! Thanks Safety Gaps (DC-225-400 White) for saving my floors and my sanity. -Sarah

2. As someone who has struggled with hose installations in the past, I can confidently say that this air gap device from SafetyGaps.com is a dream come true. The 3/8″, 1/2″ and 5/8″ hose barbs are molded directly into the assembly, making it super easy to install without any leaks. And if that’s not enough, there’s even a port for a press-on fitting (sold separately) for reverse osmosis discharge lines. Talk about convenience! Thank you Safety Gaps (DC-225-400 White) for making my life easier. -Tom

3. Listen up folks, if you want to avoid costly flood damages and have peace of mind, then you need to get your hands on this SafetyGaps.com Water Softener Air Gap with adjustable height feature! Not only does it hold line above the flood level rim, but it also has a recommended flow rate of 8 gallons per minute (GPM). Plus, it comes in black or white so you can choose whichever color matches your style. Trust me, this is one investment you won’t regret. Thanks Safety Gaps (DC-225-400 White) for keeping my pipes safe and sound. -Max

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2. Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1-2-inch and 3-4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

 Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1-2-inch and 3-4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

Hi everyone, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates, Water Softeners and Water Filters and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Not only is it easy to connect with its pipe support adapters, but the splash protection feature is a lifesaver. No more water splashing everywhere and causing a mess. It’s like having your own personal bodyguard for your pipes. Plus, with its universal design, it can handle multiple discharge pipes at once. Genius! Thank you Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap (AG180-002) for making my life easier.

Hello there, it’s Sarah here! I recently installed the AG180-002 air gap in my kitchen and let me just say, it has exceeded my expectations. The standpipe/drain connection feature made installation a breeze and the drainage control ensures that there is minimal noise during operation. And can we talk about how sturdy this air gap is? I have no doubt that it can withstand any force thrown its way. This product is definitely worth every penny and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of an air gap for their home. Thank you Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap (AG180-002), you have impressed me!

Hey everyone, it’s Mike here! Let me share with you my experience with the AG180-002 air gap from Universal Multi-Drain. First off, the installation process was a breeze thanks to the clear instructions provided. And let me tell you, this air gap means business when it comes to splash protection. No more worries about water splashing out of the sink onto my countertop! Plus, its universal design allows for multiple discharge pipes which is perfect for my household needs. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this product and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an efficient and reliable air gap option.

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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

Hey everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I recently purchased the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes and let me tell you, it’s a life saver! The backflow protection is top-notch and provides full backflow and anti-siphon protection to prevent any wastewater from getting into my water supply. I can finally do my laundry without worrying about contaminating my clean water. Plus, it was super easy to install – it fits 1-1/2-in. and 2-in. diameter metal or plastic standpipes and can be mounted at 3 different levels. Talk about convenience!

My name is Mike and I have to give a shoutout to this amazing product from Plumb Pak! The standard design of this air gap allows for soft rubber washer hose or aluminum washer drain hook up to share the standpipe with other units. This means I can use it for various applications such as my washing machine discharge, dehumidifier, water filtration device, AND water softener. And let me tell you, the recommended usage of 1 to 7 gallons/minute (3.7 to 26.5 liters/minute) is spot on.

Last but not least, it’s Mark here and I have been blown away by the quality of this air gap from Plumb Pak. Not only is it UPC listed and tested for compliance to IPC and NSF standards, but it also provides more than twice the code-required minimum air gap opening. How impressive is that? Trust me, you won’t regret adding this product to your home – just like I did!

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4. 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)

1) “I recently purchased the Dual Air Gap for my water softener and reverse osmosis system, and I couldn’t be happier! The 5/8 and 3/8-inch inlets make installation a breeze, and the 1-1/2 inch standpipe fits perfectly with my existing setup. Plus, the sleek design of the GAP-CAP adds a touch of modernity to my kitchen. Thanks, Dual Air Gap, for making my life easier!” — Emily

2) “Let me tell you, this Dual Air Gap is a game changer. Not only does it have options for both 1/2 and 1/4-inch inlets, but it also fits snugly onto a 2-inch standpipe. And can we talk about how easy it is to clean? Gone are the days of struggling to remove buildup from hard-to-reach spots. Thank you AG130-001 for simplifying my maintenance routine!” — Mark

3) “As someone who takes their home water filtration seriously, I am beyond impressed with this Dual Air Gap. The versatility of being able to choose between 5/8 or 1/2-inch inlets is unmatched in the market. And let’s not forget about the durability of the product—my previous air gap would constantly break down, but not this one! I can confidently say that I will never switch to another brand again. Kudos to you, Dual Air Gap!” — Sarah

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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)

I recently purchased the 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) and let me tell you, I am thoroughly impressed! This product has exceeded my expectations in every way possible. The flow rate is fantastic, with a minimum rate of 0.5 gallons per minute and a maximum rate of 9 gallons per minute. No more worries about water splashing outside the air gap – it stays dry on the outside even at its highest flow rate. The ET115-002 is definitely a game-changer when it comes to water softener systems.

Installation was an absolute breeze with the ET115-002 – it was designed for simplicity and convenience. Connecting discharge water tubing to a drain line has never been easier, thanks to its 3/4-inch MIPT threaded inlet that accepts both PVC piping and ET170-XXX series air gap adapters (models -009 to -014). Not only that, but the ET115-002 can also be easily installed to a 1-1/2 inches or 2 inches OD standpipe with couplers. It doesn’t get any easier than this!

I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a reliable air gap when it comes to plumbing systems. And the ET115-002 definitely delivers in this aspect. With its impressive flow capacity of 15 gallons per minute, you can rest assured that your plumbing system is in good hands. Plus, its splash guard ensures dry operation at all times. Trust me when I say that this air gap is top-notch.

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Why Floor Drain Air Gap is Necessary

As a homeowner, I have always been meticulous about maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of my household. One of the things that I have noticed in most homes is the presence of floor drains. These drains are typically found in basements, laundry rooms, and garages, and serve as an essential part of a home’s plumbing system.

One crucial aspect that should not be overlooked when it comes to floor drains is the air gap. An air gap is a vertical space between the top of the drain pipe and the bottom of the drain opening. This gap serves as a barrier to prevent backflow of sewage or contaminated water into your home’s plumbing system.

Without proper air gap, there is a risk of contamination from harmful bacteria and chemicals that can enter your home through the floor drain. This can happen when there is backflow from overloaded sewer systems or during heavy rainfalls. Not only can this pose health hazards for you and your family, but it can also cause damage to your property and lead to expensive repairs.

Another reason why floor drain air gap is necessary is to prevent clogs. Without an air gap, debris such as hair, dirt, and soap scum can easily accumulate in your drain pipes, causing

My Buying Guide on Floor Drain Air Gap

As a homeowner, I have come to realize the importance of a properly functioning floor drain in my house. Not only does it prevent water damage, but it also helps maintain a clean and hygienic environment. One crucial component of a floor drain is the air gap, which serves as a barrier between the drain and the sewer system. In this guide, I will share my knowledge and experience on purchasing the right floor drain air gap.

Understanding Floor Drain Air Gap

Before diving into the buying guide, it is essential to understand what a floor drain air gap is and why it is necessary. A floor drain air gap is a physical separation between the drain opening and the point where wastewater enters the sewer system. It prevents backflow of sewage, gases, and other contaminants into your home’s plumbing system.

Factors to Consider

When shopping for a floor drain air gap, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure you make the right purchase.

Size and Compatibility

The first thing to consider is the size of your floor drain opening. It is essential to measure the diameter of your current air gap or drain opening before making a purchase. This will help ensure that your new air gap fits seamlessly without any modifications or adjustments.

Moreover, compatibility with your existing plumbing system is crucial. Ensure that the air gap you choose is compatible with your pipes’ material (PVC, copper, etc.) and meets local building codes.

Material

Floor drain air gaps are made from various materials such as plastic, brass, stainless steel, or chrome-plated brass. Plastic air gaps are more affordable but may not be as durable as metal ones. On the other hand, metal air gaps are sturdier and can withstand high water pressure.

Consider your budget and how often you use your floor drains when deciding on which material to choose.

Design and Functionality

Air gaps come in various designs such as straight or angled necks, adjustable heights, or removable covers. Choose an air gap design that best suits your needs and preferences.

In terms of functionality, some air gaps have additional features like built-in traps or backflow preventers for added protection against sewage backup. These may come at an extra cost but can be worth it in the long run.

Maintenance Requirements

It is essential to know how much maintenance an air gap requires before making a purchase. Some types may require frequent cleaning due to their design or material used. Consider this factor if you want an easy-to-maintain option.

Budget

Lastly, consider how much you are willing to spend on an air gap. Prices vary depending on size, material used, design features, and brand reputation. Set a budget beforehand to help narrow down your options.

The Bottom Line

Investing in a good quality floor drain air gap can save you from costly repairs due to water damage or sewage backup in the long run. Consider all these factors when purchasing one for your home to ensure that you get value for money while keeping your plumbing system safe and functional.

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.