Matt in PA
New Member
Hi all,
First off, this Forum is a tremendous resource. I've spent more hours than I'd care to admit over the last couple of months learning everything a DIYer can about water softeners and their installation and maintenance. I recently purchased a Fleck 5600SXT and, thanks to the wisdom found here, I was able to install the new equipment entirely on my own. I was most concerned with finding an appropriate place to install the drain tubing. I initially used my basement's sump pit but for various reasons never considered that a long-term solution.
So, against my better judgment (and wife's wishes), I cut into my 4" PVC sewer line and installed a Wye and P-Trap topped off by a standpipe. Last night I picked up a plastic Air Gap adapter manufactured by Keeney. I ran my drain line (1/2" ID clear vinyl tubing) into the top of the Air Gap Adapter and manually regenerated the water softener. This tubing fits relatively snugly into the Air Gap Adapter -- meaning that it doesn't come loose on its own but it isn't difficult to move it either. I don't trust that it will remain in position for many years without some more permanent way to join the two.
But here's the real question: Water sprays out of the "open" sides of the Air Gap Adapter unless the tubing is perfectly oriented (pushed all the way in and not at an angle). I found 1 review of the fitting online (below in italics) that seems to describe my problem and offer a solution. Is a barbed fitting that will go from 1/2" to 3/8" the answer?
TL;DR ...
The plastic air gap device I'm using to "connect" my softener's drain tubing and the sewer line is spraying water everywhere. My drain line is 1/2" ID and I think the air gap's insert is 3/8" ID. Is a barbed connector (1/2" ID to 3'8" ID) the answer here? See this pic for my current setup (minus any barbed connector).
Thanks for any insight you folks can offer.
First off, this Forum is a tremendous resource. I've spent more hours than I'd care to admit over the last couple of months learning everything a DIYer can about water softeners and their installation and maintenance. I recently purchased a Fleck 5600SXT and, thanks to the wisdom found here, I was able to install the new equipment entirely on my own. I was most concerned with finding an appropriate place to install the drain tubing. I initially used my basement's sump pit but for various reasons never considered that a long-term solution.
So, against my better judgment (and wife's wishes), I cut into my 4" PVC sewer line and installed a Wye and P-Trap topped off by a standpipe. Last night I picked up a plastic Air Gap adapter manufactured by Keeney. I ran my drain line (1/2" ID clear vinyl tubing) into the top of the Air Gap Adapter and manually regenerated the water softener. This tubing fits relatively snugly into the Air Gap Adapter -- meaning that it doesn't come loose on its own but it isn't difficult to move it either. I don't trust that it will remain in position for many years without some more permanent way to join the two.
But here's the real question: Water sprays out of the "open" sides of the Air Gap Adapter unless the tubing is perfectly oriented (pushed all the way in and not at an angle). I found 1 review of the fitting online (below in italics) that seems to describe my problem and offer a solution. Is a barbed fitting that will go from 1/2" to 3/8" the answer?
"The air gap did the job but I had to add a barbed fitting in order to connect my 1/2" ID hose. The product description makes it sound like a 1/2" hose will connect without any additional parts. This is not the case. Also the connector end of the airgap is not a 1/2" through hole. It is restricted to about 3/8". I assume this was done to reinforce the nipple. May be significant if your water softener requires 1/2" unrestricted hose path to drain."
TL;DR ...
The plastic air gap device I'm using to "connect" my softener's drain tubing and the sewer line is spraying water everywhere. My drain line is 1/2" ID and I think the air gap's insert is 3/8" ID. Is a barbed connector (1/2" ID to 3'8" ID) the answer here? See this pic for my current setup (minus any barbed connector).
Thanks for any insight you folks can offer.
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