What is the code for air gaps in plumbing?

Author: Mr. Murl Crist V  |  Last update: Saturday, July 11, 2026

A standard widely use in the United States is: A112. 1.2 Air Gaps in Plumbing Systems (For Plumbing Fixtures and Water-Connected Receptors)

What are the rules for air gaps?

* An air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture, equipment, or nonfood equipment shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 mm (1 inch).

What is the code for air gap?

801.2 Air Gap or Air Break Required.

What is the minimum requirement for an air gap?

The minimum air gap distance must be twice the diameter of the effective opening [see Commentary Figure P2902. 3.1(1)].

What is the minimum air gap for a faucet?

Typically, plumbing codes require an air gap of two pipe diameters, or one inch (25.4 mm), whichever is larger. An air gap of this size will no doubt be effective regardless of vacuum conditions.

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What is the backflow air gap requirement?

An “approved air gap” shall be at least twice the diameter of the supply pipe measured vertically above the overflow rim of the receiving vessel; in no case less than 1 inch (2.54 cm).

What is the air gap policy?

An air gap involves physically isolating a computer or network from other networks to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. This method creates a literal "air gap" between the secured network and any other unsecured networks.

What are the two requirements for the air gap?

How Measured: Air gaps shall be measured vertically from the lowest opening of the water supply outlet to either (1) the flood level rim of the fixture or receptor served, or (2) the maximum elevation of the source of contamination.

What is the standard air gap?

The required air gap shall be not less than twice the diameter of the effective opening of the outlet and not less than the values specified in Table P2902. 3. 1. For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

What is the recommended air gap?

The recommended distance for an air gap is determined by plumbing code requirements, ensuring enough vertical space between the potable water supply and the potential entry point of dirty water. Typically, however, an air gap should provide an unobstructed space at least twice the diameter of the water outlet pipe.

What is the air code?

The Air Code establishes policies and standards and sets forth regulations for enforcing air pollution control in New York City.

What states require an air gap?

If you reside in California, Washington, Minnesota, or Hawaii, installing a dishwasher air gap is mandatory per the plumbing code in these regions.

What is the absolute minimum air gap?

What is an air gap? An air gap is a vertical, physical separation between the end of a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel. This separation must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet and never less than one inch.

What is air gap violation?

An air gap is a security measure that involves isolating a computer or network and preventing it from establishing an external connection. An air-gapped computer is physically segregated and incapable of connecting wirelessly or physically with other computers or network devices.

What is the air gap for pipes?

What is an Air Gap and Why is it Important? In plumbing, an air gap is a vertical space (usually one inch or more) between the end of a pipe or faucet and the top of a nearby basin or sink. It creates a separation between the water supply and potentially contaminated water in a sink or other plumbing fixture.

What is the air gap rule?

An air gap between the water supply inlet and the flood level rim of the plumbing fixture, equipment, or nonfood equipment shall be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet and may not be less than 25 millimeters (1 inch).

What are the standard installation requirement for an air gap?

The minimum airgap required for any installation is contained in the first row of the table. For effective openings not greater than one-half inch, a minimum airgap of one inch is required. Therefore, all airgaps must be at least one inch in vertical distance above the flood level rim.

What is the air gap procedure?

Segregated in the same environment—An air gap can be achieved by simply disconnecting a device from a network. One could have two servers on the same rack, for instance, but still air-gapped away from each other because one is not plugged into the network.

What is the minimum size air gap?

Where a drainage air gap is required by this code, the minimum vertical distance as measured from the lowest point of the indirect waste pipe or the fixture outlet to the flood-level rim of the receptor shall be not less than 1 inch (25.4 mm).

What is the definition of air gap in NIST?

Definitions: An interface between two systems at which (a) they are not connected physically and (b) any logical connection is not automated (i.e., data is transferred through the interface only manually, under human control).

Does air gap have to be above sink?

A dishwasher air gap must extend above the countertop and drain into the sink. An air gap installed under the counter could flood your under-sink area. If the drain were to become clogged, water would overflow out of the air gap and into the cabinet, damaging the floorboards.

Do you always need an air gap?

A drain hose that is connected to house plumbing lower than 20 inches above the floor will need an air gap. Check your local codes and requirements. Unless mandated, dishwasher air gaps are not always recommended by professionals.

Where do I need a backflow preventer?

Plumbing codes require all water outlets to be equipped with a backflow prevention device to prevent contamination or pollution of the drinking water. Therefore, all sinks have a space between the end of the faucet and the flood level of the sink called an air gap.

What is the minimum air gap between the indirect waste pipe and the flood level rim of the waste receptor?

802.3.

The air gap between the indirect waste pipe and the flood level rim of the waste receptor shall be not less than twice the effective opening of the indirect waste pipe.

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