WorldPeace
Member
I recently installed an APEC reverse-osmosis under-the-sink water filter for my home. And, I was surprised that it didn't include an air-gap faucet. It appears that other leading water filter brands do not include one either. It's an upgrade. I'm wondering why there isn't more concern over cross-contamination.
I've recently read several plumbing books. And, I read that an air gap is required with any cross-connections. Backflow preventers do not suffice because they only prevent large reversals of water. They don't prevent contaminations of small amounts due to backpressure.
During the water filter installation, you connect the water filter's drain line directly to the kitchen sink's tailpiece. Kitchen waste can get siphoned up into this drain line and into the reverse-0smosis membrane.
They do sell air-gap faucets for an additional, to which you connect the drain line. The faucet contains the air gap you need. Shouldn't this be standard? Or, am I being overly paranoid? I guess I'm scared because I read about a major lawsuit against a developer that didn't use air gaps with water softeners in a particular development. Families got majorly sick.
(I guess this concern also extends to dishwasher high loops. Since they are beneath the counter, dishwashers can also experience backflow. Should I get rid of my dishwasher's high line and install an air gap instead?)
I've recently read several plumbing books. And, I read that an air gap is required with any cross-connections. Backflow preventers do not suffice because they only prevent large reversals of water. They don't prevent contaminations of small amounts due to backpressure.
During the water filter installation, you connect the water filter's drain line directly to the kitchen sink's tailpiece. Kitchen waste can get siphoned up into this drain line and into the reverse-0smosis membrane.
They do sell air-gap faucets for an additional, to which you connect the drain line. The faucet contains the air gap you need. Shouldn't this be standard? Or, am I being overly paranoid? I guess I'm scared because I read about a major lawsuit against a developer that didn't use air gaps with water softeners in a particular development. Families got majorly sick.
(I guess this concern also extends to dishwasher high loops. Since they are beneath the counter, dishwashers can also experience backflow. Should I get rid of my dishwasher's high line and install an air gap instead?)
