Do I need an air gap at the washing machine drain if an AAV valve is installed nearby

[Drewski83]

Sorry in advance. I searched before I posted this and couldn't find anything in case it has been asked before. This washing machine drain has no air gap, but it does have an AAV directly above it. Would this negate the need for an air gap where the drain hose enters the standpipe, or do I still need an air gap? Thanks for any help with this.

 

[Tuttles Revenge]

The AAV was placed there to create the idea of an Air Break ( NOT Air Gap ). The hose should have an Air Break so that if the drain were to back up with sewage, the effluent wouldn't have a chance to also back up into the clothes washer. The AAV in your photo was likely put there to try to prevent that. Its also likely that the reason the hose is sealed and they used the AAV is to prevent water from gushing out of the stand pipe because the downstream drain is either undersized or clogged.

So to answer, yes the hose should have a proper Air Break.

PS and Air Gap is a physical separation between the two pipes where the discharge pipe is physically Above the flood level of the receptacle.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Drewski83]

The AAV was placed there to create the idea of an Air Break ( NOT Air Gap ). The hose should have an Air Break so that if the drain were to back up with sewage, the effluent wouldn't have a chance to also back up into the clothes washer. The AAV in your photo was likely put there to try to prevent that. Its also likely that the reason the hose is sealed and they used the AAV is to prevent water from gushing out of the stand pipe because the downstream drain is either undersized or clogged.

So to answer, yes the hose should have a proper Air Break.

PS and Air Gap is a physical separation between the two pipes where the discharge pipe is physically Above the flood level of the receptacle.

Thank you very much

 

[Reach4]

Washing machines are different than a lot of stuff. You can stick the washer drain hose into the standpipe.

 

[Jeff H Young]

Stick the hose in the pipe yes but putting a solid connection like no hub couplings and force feeding the standpipe is improper. People do it all the time Why the AAV is there Who knows but the legitament reason would be to provide a substitute to a vent through the roof thgere is no legit reason for adding a aav if its built properly and already legaly vented