Hi Brandon. I have to respectfully disagree with any solution that eliminates or compromises the plumbing code. I have been a licensed California plumbing and Water conditioning contractor for 46 years. I served on the Water Quality Association plumbing code task force for a year and have been active in the Pacific water Quality association leadership in my younger years. While it is extremely unlikely that a sewage back flow would ever happen it would be potentially life threatening if it did. The air gap provides protection that a check valve simply can’t. If the dishwasher is equipped with an air gap the best solution is to use a dual air gap that provides back flow protection to both units. The dual air gap seldom creates problems and is in my opinion the best solution to the very real problem you have identified Just my considered opinion
Thank you for your comment! I do agree, to be the safest you should have the air gap. My question is, if or when the sewage backs up, wouldn’t the drain pipe still get contaminated even with the air gap in place. I would picture sewage water coming up on my counter top threw the air gap. I know most cases the air gap will protect in most situations. But if we are talking drainage failure I still think the air gap would get contaminated. I always learning I’m not trying to be difficult. Would the air gap really make a difference, when the drainage fails?
@@OurHandyHome No. not with a properly engineered air gap. I completely agree with you that the air gaps built into the faucets are extremely poorly designed and cause exactly the problem you have described The backed up waste will overflow at a point below the discharge pipe. This is not what generally occurs with the RO airgap. Generally the 3/8 hose from the airgap to the waste plugs up with airborne mold or it may plug at the saddle. I don’t use saddles either as saddles are prohibited on waste pipes In most jurisdictions The dual air gap serving both the dishwasher and the RO is extremely reliable and almost never causes problems. It also eliminates most drain noise Remember the airgap must be installed above the flood plane so depending on where the blockage is the lowest point in the system is generally the shower pan so blockage will be seen there first in most cases. Obviously if the blockage is further up the system than even the kitchen sink can separately become blocked
Brandon McGee - I have a very different problem with my R/O system and I also need an opinion if you will give one. Thanks either way. The cords from the dishwasher and disposal put enough pressure on the lines under the sink coming into the R/O system that it stifles water flow. This is easily fixed; I'll just get some plastic ties to get those cords out of the way. The question though, I have a rental. The system when drained takes oh, 20 minutes to produce full flow again when working normally. These dudes though put their water bottles underneath and then go away. The bottles SLOWLY fill. They come back in an 'hour,' and their bottle is filled. Question: Does this harm the system. I've asked them not to do it, I have no idea if its harmless or a bad idea. Any answers or thoughts are really appreciated. Excellent video.
Hello! When the system is fully drained, it will have really slow water pressure. If they are running the system when the tank is empty. It will not cause any damage to the system. So you have nothing to worry about. I have two tanks on my system to avoid the slow water pressure issue. Another thing to remember is the water filters are only good for 6 months. I hope this helps.
@@OurHandyHomeThanks! Nobody told me the filters are only good for 6 months. That explains a lot. I appreciate it. Boy did I hook up with some crooks. Do you know if I can buy filters on my own so I don't have to pay these dudes a separate fee for the service call? I wouldn't know where to get them.
@@allancerf9038 sorry to hear that. Yes there are companies that sell these units with service plans. to make you spend more than you need. You just have to know your manufacturer name. Of the system you have. To get replacement filters. There are usually 3 filters set that you will need. I have a AO smith water system which I can pick up at Lowe’s. You might have to order filters online depending on your brand. Good luck
Brandon, my ro system doesn't even have an air gap, but I just bought a new faucet and it is made for the air gap system with two extra hoses. Do I need those 2 hoses? Or should I just cut them off? Thank you.
Alrighty, how many water filters does your water filter system have? If you have a two water filter system. You shouldn’t need to use the drain lines on your new water faucet. If you have 3-4 water filters on your system. You should use the drain lines that should already hooked up. If that’s the case you would need to hook those up on your new faucet. I hope this helps you with your problem.
Part numbers and terminology of fittings. These connectors have terminology I am not familiar with. I guess if I ask for a 1/4" inch tubing check valve and a 1/4" to 3/8" tubing connector I would get there but, I don't know what those press down end connectors are called. Thanks..
Thank you for the video; I just completed my system as you did but I hear some noises specially from the black hose a loud noise…. Is it normal or something is going on?? My discharge hose is 1/4” and 3/8” to the drain
The 1/4 inch pipe connects to the faucet in the air gap area and drains into the 3/8 pipe. Since we are getting rid of the air gap, we don’t need 1/4 pipe to the faucet air gap. You won’t need to cap it after it’s cut
Not trolling, real question because I have the same issue. But the concern I have is you’ve gotten rid of the air gap what happens when that drain line clogs up? The water can’t drain, does it create pressure and burst through the clog or does it back up and contaminate the clean water in the filter?
I try to make changes on my system like it showed in this video, but before I connect 1/4 pipe to drain system I just place the end of that pipe in clear plastic bottle and I see that the water from that 1/4 pipe draining out with no stop. ..is that normal?
Yes that’s normal. If your filter system is making water it will be draining water. The water check valve will only stop water from going in the opposite direction
@@OurHandyHome can this double up as a dishwasher airgap if needed? I'm asking cause I stay in a rented apartment, and I can't drill a second hole for a faucet, so I wanted to know if these faucets can double up as an airgap for the dishwasher as well.
I would guess that teeing into the air gap built into an RO faucet for a dishwasher would be a bad idea as food waste would quickly clog the 1/4" line in. Many people don't have an air gap for their dishwasher. If a sewage backup ever happened and contaminated the dishwasher you could get the landlord to take care of it. If you simply had a clogged trap and flooded the dishwasher with sink water, clear the clog and run the dishwasher empty.
🤔 that’s odd. I recommend using the check valve for safety reasons. But that shouldn’t affect your water pressure. Sounds like your filters are shot, or your water pressure regulator tube is clogged. It in the middle filter with the tube on the bottom inside the tube is another smaller tube that gets clogged. Hope this helps
@@OurHandyHome thanks for the reply, I think i just didnt let it charge long enough but then again i dont know when thelast time they changed their filters. I will ask them and let it charge for a good couple hours. Thanks again.
Not even 20 seconds in & I wanna quit watching so bad because of your smarmy snarky attitude. I think I’ll watch it anyway & thumb it down without remorse, regret nor repentance.
I have the exact same water system and it's driving me NUTS
Thank you for making this video! It was very helpful in fixing my leaking RO faucet.
This was a really good explanation. Thanks for a well done video!
Thank you, you save me a lot of headache and time.
Great to hear!
This worked perfectly and only took a few minutes to do! Thank you so much!
SO helpful! Thanks so much for making this video!!
Grrrrreat
Thank you working on one today!
Love it
Perfect video. I will try that to get rid of my noisy air gap faucet.
Hi Brandon. I have to respectfully disagree with any solution that eliminates or compromises the plumbing code. I have been a licensed California plumbing and Water conditioning contractor for 46 years. I served on the Water Quality Association plumbing code task force for a year and have been active in the Pacific water Quality association leadership in my younger years. While it is extremely unlikely that a sewage back flow would ever happen it would be potentially life threatening if it did. The air gap provides protection that a check valve simply can’t. If the dishwasher is equipped with an air gap the best solution is to use a dual air gap that provides back flow protection to both units. The dual air gap seldom creates problems and is in my opinion the best solution to the very real problem you have identified
Just my considered opinion
Thank you for your comment! I do agree, to be the safest you should have the air gap. My question is, if or when the sewage backs up, wouldn’t the drain pipe still get contaminated even with the air gap in place. I would picture sewage water coming up on my counter top threw the air gap. I know most cases the air gap will protect in most situations. But if we are talking drainage failure I still think the air gap would get contaminated. I always learning I’m not trying to be difficult. Would the air gap really make a difference, when the drainage fails?
@@OurHandyHome No. not with a properly engineered air gap. I completely agree with you that the air gaps built into the faucets are extremely poorly designed and cause exactly the problem you have described
The backed up waste will overflow at a point below the discharge pipe. This is not what generally occurs with the RO airgap. Generally the 3/8 hose from the airgap to the waste plugs up with airborne mold or it may plug at the saddle. I don’t use saddles either as saddles are prohibited on waste pipes In most jurisdictions
The dual air gap serving both the dishwasher and the RO is extremely reliable and almost never causes problems. It also eliminates most drain noise
Remember the airgap must be installed above the flood plane so depending on where the blockage is the lowest point in the system is generally the shower pan so blockage will be seen there first in most cases. Obviously if the blockage is further up the system than even the kitchen sink can separately become blocked
😆🙌
It is true you will not a have leak but if your drain is clogged you will not be able to drain the bad water out.
Brandon McGee - I have a very different problem with my R/O system and I also need an opinion if you will give one. Thanks either way.
The cords from the dishwasher and disposal put enough pressure on the lines under the sink coming into the R/O system that it stifles water flow. This is easily fixed; I'll just get some plastic ties to get those cords out of the way.
The question though, I have a rental. The system when drained takes oh, 20 minutes to produce full flow again when working normally. These dudes though put their water bottles underneath and then go away. The bottles SLOWLY fill. They come back in an 'hour,' and their bottle is filled. Question: Does this harm the system. I've asked them not to do it, I have no idea if its harmless or a bad idea. Any answers or thoughts are really appreciated.
Excellent video.
Hello! When the system is fully drained, it will have really slow water pressure. If they are running the system when the tank is empty. It will not cause any damage to the system. So you have nothing to worry about. I have two tanks on my system to avoid the slow water pressure issue. Another thing to remember is the water filters are only good for 6 months. I hope this helps.
@@OurHandyHomeThanks! Nobody told me the filters are only good for 6 months. That explains a lot. I appreciate it.
Boy did I hook up with some crooks.
Do you know if I can buy filters on my own so I don't have to pay these dudes a separate fee for the service call? I wouldn't know where to get them.
@@allancerf9038 sorry to hear that. Yes there are companies that sell these units with service plans. to make you spend more than you need. You just have to know your manufacturer name. Of the system you have. To get replacement filters. There are usually 3 filters set that you will need. I have a AO smith water system which I can pick up at Lowe’s. You might have to order filters online depending on your brand. Good luck
@@OurHandyHome I sure appreciate the advice. Take care.
Brandon, my ro system doesn't even have an air gap, but I just bought a new faucet and it is made for the air gap system with two extra hoses. Do I need those 2 hoses? Or should I just cut them off? Thank you.
Alrighty, how many water filters does your water filter system have? If you have a two water filter system. You shouldn’t need to use the drain lines on your new water faucet. If you have 3-4 water filters on your system. You should use the drain lines that should already hooked up. If that’s the case you would need to hook those up on your new faucet. I hope this helps you with your problem.
This looks like a fix for my current problem. Thanks! I wish you would add the part numbers that need to be added.
Part numbers and terminology of fittings. These connectors have terminology I am not familiar with. I guess if I ask for a
1/4" inch tubing check valve and a 1/4" to 3/8" tubing connector I would get there but, I don't know what those press down
end connectors are called. Thanks..
"I'm sorry you're here" :-D love it, thanks
Thank you for the video; I just completed my system as you did but I hear some noises specially from the black hose a loud noise…. Is it normal or something is going on??
My discharge hose is 1/4” and 3/8” to the drain
Getting ready to do a new install, going to do this to start with 😅
😁👍
Can we try to change the DLA with 1/4 inch quick connect? Does that works?
I am going to try it today!
What did the 1/4” line connect to underneath before you cut it? Do you need to plug off the other end of it?
The 1/4 inch pipe connects to the faucet in the air gap area and drains into the 3/8 pipe. Since we are getting rid of the air gap, we don’t need 1/4 pipe to the faucet air gap. You won’t need to cap it after it’s cut
It would be helpful if you write down the link where we could find the parts.
www.amazon.com/WATTS-PL-3021-Coupling-8-Inch-4-Inch/dp/B000BVOR4S/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?crid=VYK5NTR7R2GF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Xk1MKOl3y3n07qn2wjb9FaQqws3s07hHO03EMlaxL-WfgJeAyng15FVRsitpYx5Wfz-tdEcZ3TbuSNvqk2wer1SZX1HHtly4rKcTQtoOamHPtUvEvome4GwzfSgQHxTLTSIA3l2lOMVH_G6yZQqI6WixDODqpNjEcoVrtRw1mPfOfV8uHdXzGYET6mjbQIHNQpiEzTQg58x_78tnpgBKLw.xHOPX9-rot-R2a0623MY-gkms_rhBqn9JueWEUvK2Jw&dib_tag=se&keywords=1%2F4+to+3%2F8+water+line+adapter&qid=1711535723&sprefix=1%2F4+to+3%2F8%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-8
Not trolling, real question because I have the same issue. But the concern I have is you’ve gotten rid of the air gap what happens when that drain line clogs up? The water can’t drain, does it create pressure and burst through the clog or does it back up and contaminate the clean water in the filter?
Good question, I’m not sure, I would think the increase water pressure would clear the clog. I will have to test it out and find out
Thank you
What about the 3/8 that was coming out of the faucet? Is it just dangling there now?
Yes, The old one coming from the facet is just dangling now. You can cap it for fun if you want. But no need to, since we bypass now.
Thanks for the video--worked like a charm! One question: why is it necessary to put in the 1/4" check valve?
The check valve stops dirty waste pipe water from getting into your drinking water system.
Thanks!
I try to make changes on my system like it showed in this video, but before I connect 1/4 pipe to drain system I just place the end of that pipe in clear plastic bottle and I see that the water from that 1/4 pipe draining out with no stop. ..is that normal?
Yes that’s normal. If your filter system is making water it will be draining water. The water check valve will only stop water from going in the opposite direction
@@OurHandyHome, thank you for your answer.
Is this doubling up as a dishwasher airgap?
No, there is no air gap now. Just a check valve
@@OurHandyHome can this double up as a dishwasher airgap if needed? I'm asking cause I stay in a rented apartment, and I can't drill a second hole for a faucet, so I wanted to know if these faucets can double up as an airgap for the dishwasher as well.
I would guess that teeing into the air gap built into an RO faucet for a dishwasher would be a bad idea as food waste would quickly clog the 1/4" line in. Many people don't have an air gap for their dishwasher. If a sewage backup ever happened and contaminated the dishwasher you could get the landlord to take care of it. If you simply had a clogged trap and flooded the dishwasher with sink water, clear the clog and run the dishwasher empty.
It would also be a bad idea because then your dishwasher waste is able to back into your RO system since it would be tied in before the air gap.
Sooo tube coming Out Of the RO cartridges just Goes Straight to Drain That has the saddle
That’s what it looked like to me also… would appreciate any clarity tho before I make this “mod”
@@JPrez-io6qj have you done the modification? did it work? i am also trying to do this as i don't want to use the faucet with the airgap.
@@sundarswamy Yes, worked like a champ. Got all the parts from Amazon and it's been fine for about a week so far.
I did this the other day without the check valve and the system runs real slow now and even runs out of water, any ideas?
🤔 that’s odd. I recommend using the check valve for safety reasons. But that shouldn’t affect your water pressure. Sounds like your filters are shot, or your water pressure regulator tube is clogged. It in the middle filter with the tube on the bottom inside the tube is another smaller tube that gets clogged. Hope this helps
@@OurHandyHome thanks for the reply, I think i just didnt let it charge long enough but then again i dont know when thelast time they changed their filters. I will ask them and let it charge for a good couple hours.
Thanks again.
@@OurHandyHome How about: the cheap chinese plastic check valve is a joke. Restricted flow in either direction.
@@sarentopi1502should be fine I think there all Chinese parts now anyway
Worked 100%
Not even 20 seconds in & I wanna quit watching so bad because of your smarmy snarky attitude.
I think I’ll watch it anyway & thumb it down without remorse, regret nor repentance.