plumber rochester mn

Plumbing Company in Rochester MN | What is an Air Gap?

As a homeowner, you usually don’t need to know much about the plumbing that serves your home. It will typically work properly day after day, and if something does go wrong, you can always call a plumbing company in Rochester, MN to deal with the issue. With that said, it is helpful to know some of the basics, so you can avoid problems and solve basic troubles on your own. One such basic is the dishwasher air gap, which is that little fixture that is likely sitting just behind your kitchen sink. What does it do? Read on. 

Keeping the Dishwasher Clean

The primary function of the air gap is to prevent any dirty water from the sink from making its way into the dishwasher. All of the plumbing in this area of your kitchen is connected, so without an air gap serving as a barricade, it would be possible for dirty water to be pulled into the dishwasher as it runs. The water in your pipes can’t make it through the air gap without pressure, however, so dirty water stays where it belongs. A plumbing company in Rochester, MN would be able to install such a feature if you don’t happen to have one in your kitchen. 

Why Is Water Coming Out?

While the air gap will typically just sit there and do its job, sometimes water will come out of this fitting and drop back into the sink while the dishwasher is on. When that happens, it’s likely that there is a clog in the line that runs down from the air gap and into the garbage disposal. You might be able to clean this clog yourself with some basic tools, or a plumbing company in Rochester, MN can do the work for you. Keeping this line clear will allow your dishwasher to keep working properly moving forward without any drainage problems. 

At B&C, we are proud of the professional work and friendly customer service that we offer to customers throughout Rochester and SE Minnesota. For residential and commercial projects in plumbing, heating & cooling, and fireplaces, B&C is the right choice. Contact us today to learn more.