How Dishwasher Air Gaps Work Why You Need One?
Dishwashers are great at cleaning dishes, but they also suck at drying them. The reason why is because dishwashers don’t circulate air around the entire inside of the machine. This means that the hot air from the dry cycle never makes its way into the rest of the kitchen.
You probably already know that dishwashers aren’t very good at drying dishes. They usually only heat water enough to get rid of food particles and bacteria. That’s fine for everyday cleanings, but it won’t remove stubborn stains or grease.
That’s where air gaps come in. Air gaps are simply holes in the walls of the dishwasher that allow warm air to flow through. This allows the heated air to circulate throughout the whole room, even though the dishwasher itself isn’t circulating air.
What Is a Dishwasher Air Gap?
Air gaps can be found on both sides of your dishwasher. On the top side, you have an access panel with four screws that need to be removed. Once those are out of the way, there will be two more screws holding down the back wall of the dishwasher. These screws should be loosened as well.
Once all these screws are removed, you’ll see what looks like a small gap between the bottom of the door and the back wall of the unit. This is the air gap. It’s not actually a hole, but rather a space created by the door when it closes.
Why Do I Need an Air Gap?
Dishwashers are pretty effective at getting rid of most of the dirt and grime on plates and bowls. However, this doesn’t mean that they’re perfect. If you want to really get rid of stubborn spots, you’ll need to use some extra tools.
One of the best ways to do this is to add an air gap. An air gap is essentially just a hole in the wall of the dishwasher that lets warm air pass through. This helps to dry dishes after each load and removes any lingering smells.
The problem with dishwashers is that they don’t always circulate air around the whole interior. This means that the dryer cycle heats up the area directly above the dishwasher. This means that the air inside the dishwasher gets too hot and starts to condense.
This causes moisture to build up on the surface of the dishes. This is especially true if you leave dirty dishes sitting in the dishwasher overnight. When you open the door the next morning, the dishes will look wet again.
If you want to avoid this, you’ll want to install an air gap. This will let the hot air escape while still keeping the rest of the room cool.
How To Install A Dishwasher Air Gap
Step 1: Remove Door Panel Screws
Step 2: Loosen Back Wall Screws
Step 3: Remove Bottom Plate Screws
Step 4: Remove Top Plate Screws
Step 5: Remove Access Panel Screws
Step 6: Open Door And Remove Door Seal
Step 7: Place Air Gap In Position
Step 8: Tighten Back Wall Screws
Tip For Installing Your New Air Gap:
When installing the air gap, make sure that you place it below the center line of the dishwasher. This will help keep the floor from being damaged.
In order to properly care for your new air gap, you’ll first need to seal off the gap. This is done by placing a piece of duct tape over the opening. Then, fill the gap with silicone caulk. Make sure to apply the caulk evenly so that it won’t leak.
Next, you’ll have to clean out the air gap. This is done using a vacuum cleaner or shop vac. The idea here is to suck up any dust or debris that may have gotten into the gap during installation.
After cleaning, you’ll then want to spray some water onto the spot where the air gap was installed. This will help prevent mold growth.
You’ll also want to remove any residue that has built up on the walls of the dishwasher. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess gunk.
Finally, you’ll simply close the door and run a full cycle. Afterward, you’ll notice how much better your dishes feel!
How Does Backflow Work?
Backflow is a term used to describe the flow of water coming from one part of a system to another. This can happen as a result of a number of different things.
For example, if there’s a hose connected to a faucet, backflow could occur when someone turns the water off. Or, if a sink faucet isn’t working correctly, it could cause backflow.
How Does an Air Gap Work?
An air gap works because it allows hot air to escape but keeps cold air inside. This prevents the heat from building up inside the dishwasher and causing damage.
Air gaps are typically made from plastic. They come in various sizes and shapes. Some are designed specifically for dishwashers, while others are meant for use in other appliances like clothes dryers.
The size of your air gap depends on the amount of space between the bottom plate and the top plate. As long as the plates aren’t touching each other, you should be able to get away with a small gap. However, if they are too close together, you might not be able to fit an air gap in the space.
Cleaning Dishwasher Air Gaps
If you find that your dishwasher doesn’t seem to be drying all of its dishes properly, it could be due to clogged air gaps.
To clean your air gap, follow these steps:
- Remove the access panel.
- Place a wet rag against the air gap.
- Vacuum the area until no more dirt comes out.
- Spray the area with water.
- Allow the water to sit for about 30 minutes before wiping it away again.
- Once this process is complete, you’ll see that your air gap is now fully cleaned.
Why Should I Install An Air Gap In My Dishwasher?
There are many reasons why you should install an air gap in your dishwasher. Here are just a few:
It helps protect your home from moisture damage. If you don’t have an air gap, the humidity level inside your home can build up. This causes wood floors and cabinets to warp and rot.
It protects your dishwasher from overheating. Overheated dishwashers can lead to damaged parts and poor performance.
It reduces noise levels. When your dishwasher runs, it creates a lot of noise. If you don‘t have an air gap in place, this noise can travel through your house and annoy neighbors. It improves drying time. A lack of airflow can slow down the drying process. This means that your dishes won’t dry as quickly as they should.
Conclusion
Installing an air gap in your kitchen or bathroom will help keep your home safe and healthy. It can prevent moisture buildup and reduce noise levels.
You’ll also enjoy improved drying times and lower energy bills. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
