Air Gap Water Distribution System

Water cannot flow from the sink to the tap in normal circumstances even if the water supply loses pressure.

Air gap water distribution system.

An air break provides a physical separation between the fixture indirect waste pipe and the receptor. An acceptable air gap must be twice the supply pipe diameter but never less than one inch measured vertically above the receiving vessel. The circulating system is common in the arctic. In simple terms an air gap is the simplest backflow prevention method.

If allowed by the code the fixture indirect waste pipe may terminate below the flood level rim of the receptor creating a low inlet into the receptor. A simple air gap has no moving parts other than flowing water. In the event of a drain back up or flood the contents of the drain line should never be able to make contact with the water supply the two plumbing systems for potable water and for waste should always remain separate. An air break simply requires that there be no direct physical connection between the fixture indirect waste pipe and the receptor see figure 801 2a.

The conventional system and the completely looped circulat ing system. In a plumbing system potable water and wastewater are intended to flow through different pipes to avoid contamination. Water distribution air gap. List the three primary functions of a water.

An air gap is the most simple and effective means of preventing contamination of a potable water supply. The simplest most reliable way to provide backflow prevention is to provide an air gap. Chapter 5 introduction to water distribution systems 149 the most traditional water distribution system is the piped system. Air gaps of appropriate design are required for water safety by legislation in many countries.

An air gap as it relates to the plumbing trade is the unobstructed vertical space between the water outlet and the flood level of a fixture. There are two types of piped systems. Even with this design there is always a risk of backflow after which wastewater cannot properly find the right pipe and enters the fresh water supply line. Air gaps may be fabricated from commercially available plumbing components.

An air gap is simply an open vertical space between any device that connects to a plumbing system like a valve or faucet and any place where contaminated water can collect or pool. Once potable water leaves the outlet of a fixture it s either used or sent down the drain. Air gap break tank systems provide several safeguards to ensure that the two water types can never cross contaminate. Air gaps are very effective whether backsiphonage or backpressure is the backflow condition being isolated.