One common question we're asked is, "do I need an air gap or a non-air gap faucet for my RO system?"
Both Air Gap and Non-Air Gap RO faucets have their advantages and disadvantages. First let's define what "air gap" means.
The air-gap reverse osmosis faucet design came about so that in the event of a sink drain being clogged and backed up, the air gap installed in the RO discharge line would pull a small amount of air rather than the dirty water back into the RO unit.
Similar to how a dishwasher air gap ensures dirty water never re-enters the clean water supply of a dishwasher, an RO air gap faucet prevents dirty water from backflowing into the reverse osmosis filtration system.
Generally, reverse osmosis drinking water systems come standard with an air gap faucet, but many RO system manufacturers will also offer the non-air gap option.
What is a Non-Air Gap Faucet?
Non-Air Gap RO faucets sends the drain line water from the RO membrane directly into the sink drain. A non-air gap faucet only has the drinking water line connected to it.
The main difference between an air-gap and non-air gap faucet is that a non-air gap faucet does not have a physical siphon break from the Reverse Osmosis (RO) system itself and the sink drain.
Keep in mind that an air gap faucet uses 1/4" tubing from the reverse osmosis system to the faucet and 3/8" tubing from the faucet to the drain. A non-air gap typically uses 1/4" tubing from the RO system directly to the drain. To convert, simply take the 1/4" tubing from the system directly to the drain, but may need to find a fitting to reduce the connection from 3/8" to 1/4" to fit the drain line tube now coming directly from the system.
The Pros and Cons of an Air Gap Faucet for RO
Air Gap Faucet Advantages
Air Gap Faucet Disadvantages
System protection: In the event of a stopped up sink drain, the physical line break in an air-gap system ensures that water is not siphoned back into the RO system (which could damage the unit and contaminate the membrane).
Clogging: Small tubing and trough on the air-gap system can cause sediment clogging resulting in water backing up into sink or counter tops
Plumbing Codes: In many areas the local plumbing code requires the use of an Air Gap faucet with an RO system (and air gap faucets only work with air gap RO systems).
Noisy: There's a physical air barrier of water dropping into the trough, Air Gap faucets can make a gurgling sound while the storage tank is being filled.
Difficult installation: Extra tubing and connections makes the installation cumbersome.
The Pros and Cons of an Non-Air Gap Regular Faucet
Non-Air Gap Faucet Advantages
Non-Air Gap RO Faucet Disadvantages
Lower Cost: Non-air gap systems are generally less expensive than air gap systems.
Potential Damage: Chance that if the drain backs up, the RO system could be damaged, or the membrane contaminated.
Less tubing/hoses: A non-air gap unit simply has one water line that goes up to the faucet.
Plumbing Codes: Considered non-compliant for some city/county plumbing codes.
Noise: No gurgling sound since the drain line from the RO membrane flows directly into the sink drain line.
Ease of Installation: Fewer connections and tubing allows for easier installation.
What to Know Before Installing an Air Gap Faucet
The air gap system routes the unit's drain water upward through a 1/4" flexible tube to a small trough built into the base of the faucet. The water then flows in the non-pressurized trough to the other side of the faucet stem where it falls into a hole and drops by force of gravity into a 3/8" flexible tube which drops it into the under sink drainpipe.
This process requires that the air gap faucet have three tubes rather than one (one for the upward drain water, a second for the downward drain water, and the third for the unit's product water, which you drink). Thus, an air gap faucet must have a wider base and will require a larger hole in the sink or countertop.
Air-Gap Faucet Installation Tips
Why are Air Gap Faucets Noisy?
Generally, Reverse Osmosis systems are very quiet -- though you may hear a "gurgling" sound as the "concentrate" or wastewater flows from the membrane to the drain. Reverse Osmosis is designed so that "crossflow" water flushes the contaminated concentrate away from the system. This flushing keeps the unit from fouling.
You might hear additional sounds if you have an air gap faucet as these systems tend to make a gurgling sound as the storage tank is being refilled. Also, as the tank is slowly filling with water, water is also slowly flowing to the drain line under the faucet. This water falls into the "air gap" trough and then flows down to the sink drain. The slow trickle of water often causes a gurgling sound.
Note that if you hear "hissing" noises, you should immediately call your local water treatment professional as there may be a problem with water pressure, the air gap, or a leak.
Shop Faucets Now: When it comes to RO faucets, there are a variety of styles and finishes to choose from whether you select an air gap or a non-air gap faucet.
What to Know Before Installing a Non-Air Gap Faucet
1. Understand Local Plumbing Codes
Non-air gap faucets may not comply with plumbing codes in some regions. Check your local regulations to ensure you can install one legally.
2. Simpler Installation
Non-air gap faucets have only two lines (inlet and outlet) and are easier to install than air gap faucets, which require a third line for wastewater.
3. Risk of Backflow
Without an air gap, there’s a slight risk of wastewater backflow into the RO system if your sink drain gets clogged. Regular maintenance of your drain can mitigate this risk.
4. Placement and Hole Size
Confirm that your sink has a hole for the faucet, typically 1 ¼ inches in diameter. If not, you’ll need to drill one.
5. Use a High-Quality Drain Saddle
Ensure the RO system's drain line is securely connected to the sink's drain pipe using a sturdy and leak-proof drain saddle to prevent issues.
6. Check Faucet Compatibility
Verify that the faucet is compatible with your RO system's tubing size, usually ¼ inch or ⅜ inch, and that fittings match.
7. Choose the Right Finish
Non-air gap faucets come in various finishes. Select one that complements your kitchen décor for a seamless look.
8. Water Pressure Requirements
Ensure your RO system produces sufficient pressure for smooth operation through the faucet. Non-air gap faucets generally have less flow restriction.
9. Keep the Installation Manual Handy
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid leaks or improper connections during installation.
10. Maintenance Considerations
Non-air gap faucets are easier to maintain since they lack extra tubing or connections. Periodically check for wear or leaks.
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FAQs
Will an Air Gap Protect my Dishwasher?
An air gap is a device used in plumbing to prevent wastewater from the sink from flowing back into the dishwasher. In some regions it is required as a safety measure to prevent contamination of the dishwasher with dirty water.
The air gap creates a physical break in the plumbing that prevents contaminated water from being siphoned back into the dishwasher.
If you're experiencing issues with your dishwasher, it's important to check the air gap to make sure it is installed correctly and is not clogged. Proper maintenance and cleaning of the air gap can help prevent potential problems. If you have concerns about the impact of the air gap on your dishwasher, it may be helpful to consult with a plumber or appliance technician for a more personalized assessment.
What's the Difference Between a Sink Air Gap and Air Gap Faucet
Sink Air Gap
Purpose: Acts as a physical barrier to prevent wastewater from flowing back into the reverse osmosis (RO) system.
Design: Usually a small device installed on the sink or countertop with visible holes or slots.
Connection: It separates the RO system's drain line from the plumbing, creating a gap of air to stop contamination from back pressure or clogs.
Use Case: Required in certain regions to meet plumbing codes.
Air Gap Faucet
Purpose: Combines the function of a regular faucet with an integrated air gap for backflow prevention.
Design: Features three tubes under the faucet—one for incoming filtered water, one for wastewater from the RO system, and one to connect to the drain.
Connection: The air gap is built into the faucet itself, eliminating the need for a separate sink air gap device.
Use Case: Commonly used with RO systems as way to protect backflow to the RO system.
Key Difference
Sink Air Gap is a standalone device for backflow prevention, while an Air Gap Faucet integrates the air gap into the faucet.
