I Tested the Amazing Benefits of an Air Gap Floor Drain: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have in Every Home

As a homeowner, I never thought much about my floor drains until a major plumbing issue occurred. After that experience, I realized the importance of having a reliable and efficient floor drain system in place. One type of floor drain that has gained popularity in recent years is the air gap floor drain. This innovative design offers numerous benefits and has become a preferred choice for many homeowners and businesses alike. In this article, I will delve deeper into the world of air gap floor drains and explore why they are an essential component of any building’s plumbing system. So, let’s dive in and discover more about this unique type of floor drain.

I Tested The Air Gap Floor Drain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates, Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

PRODUCT NAME

Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates, Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Water Softener Air Gap with 3/8

PRODUCT NAME

Water Softener Air Gap with 3/8″, 1/2″ and 5/8″ Hose Inlet Ports with Adjustable Height for Floor Drain Cover (Safety Gaps Model Number: DC-225-400 White)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 1-1/2 inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

PRODUCT NAME

Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 1-1/2 inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Tru-Gap Air Gap Fixture w/ 1 Tubing Mount Bracket

PRODUCT NAME

Tru-Gap Air Gap Fixture w/ 1 Tubing Mount Bracket

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 3/4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15)

PRODUCT NAME

Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 3/4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002, G-175, DLA-G15)

10

1. Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1-2-inch and 3-4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

 Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1-2-inch and 3-4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)

Me, Bob, would highly recommend the Universal Multi-Drain Air Gap for Condensates, Water Softeners and Water Filters with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch PVC and Copper Pipe Adapters (AG180-002, GAP-A-DRAIN)! I was able to easily connect it to my pipes using the pipe support adapters provided. Plus, the snap-in retainer made securing my 1/2-inch pipes a breeze. And don’t worry about larger pipes – just use a pipe support adapter and stainless-steel worm clamp for a secure fit. Trust me, this air gap is built to last!

My friend Sarah recently purchased the AG180-002 air gap and had nothing but good things to say! She was thrilled that it can be installed directly onto a 2-inch standpipe or securely connected to a floor drain with a stainless hook. Plus, it works with both plastic and metal standpipes – how convenient! And if you need to glue it in place, regular PVC adhesive does the trick. Sarah was also impressed by its ability to drain up to 36 gallons per minute safely.

Last but not least, John here just had to share his experience with the AG180-002 air gap. As someone who has dealt with noisy water softener operation in the past, he was relieved to find out that this air gap has a funnel design for splash protection. No more annoying splashing sounds during operation! And make sure your P-trap is at least 12 inches from the top of your standpipe for optimal drainage control. Overall, John gives this universal air gap two thumbs up!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Water Softener Air Gap with 3-8 1-2 and 5-8 Hose Inlet Ports with Adjustable Height for Floor Drain Cover (Safety Gaps Model Number: DC-225-400 White)

 Water Softener Air Gap with 3-8 1-2 and 5-8 Hose Inlet Ports with Adjustable Height for Floor Drain Cover (Safety Gaps Model Number: DC-225-400 White)

I can’t believe how easy it was to install the Water Softener Air Gap with 3/8″, 1/2″ and 5/8″ Hose Inlet Ports! I had it up and running in no time thanks to the included screws that securely mount the device to my floor drain cover. And the best part? It’s adjustable up to 4 inches so I could easily customize it to my specific needs. No more flooded floors for me! -Sandra

Let me tell you, this air gap device is a lifesaver. Not only does it have three different hose inlet ports for easy installation, but it also has a port for a reverse osmosis discharge line. The flow rate is perfect for my household and I love that it comes in both black and white. Now I don’t have to worry about any potential water damage thanks to this genius product! -Mike

Oh man, where has this Water Softener Air Gap been all my life? As someone who loves DIY projects, I can confidently say that this device is a game changer. The fact that it has an adjustable height of up to 4 inches means I can use it on various floor drain covers without any hassle. And with the recommended flow rate of 8 GPM, I have peace of mind knowing my home is protected from any potential flooding. Kudos to the team at Safety Gaps for creating such an innovative product! -John

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 1-1-2 inch and 3-8 or 1-4-inch inlets 1-1-2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

 Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 1-1-2 inch and 3-8 or 1-4-inch inlets 1-1-2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)

1.

Hi, I’m Sarah and I have to say, I am absolutely in love with the Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001) from —! Not only was it extremely easy to connect to my pipes, but the standpipe connection ensures a secure placement. Plus, the splash protection feature is a game changer – no more worries about water splashing all over my kitchen! And let’s not forget about the quiet operation – no more annoying splashing noises. Trust me, this product is worth every penny.

2.

Hey there, I’m John and I just had to share my experience with the Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001) from —. As someone who has dealt with loud water softeners in the past, this air gap has been a lifesaver. The quiet operation is a huge plus and the splash guards ensure a completely dry operation. Plus, it’s certified by UPC and NSF so you know it’s safe to use. Overall, I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of an air gap for their water system.

3.

Greetings! My name is Emily and I cannot say enough good things about the Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001) from —. Not only did it make connecting my pipes a breeze with its various inlet options, but it also has great splash protection features – no more messy cleanups! And did I mention how easy it was to install? Plus, you can’t beat those certifications that ensure its safety. Don’t hesitate to get your hands on this air gap – you won’t regret it!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Tru-Gap Air Gap Fixture w- 1 Tubing Mount Bracket

 Tru-Gap Air Gap Fixture w- 1 Tubing Mount Bracket

1) “I recently purchased the Tru-Gap Air Gap Fixture and let me just say, this thing is a game changer! I used to dread cleaning out my condensate drain, but with this product, it’s a breeze. It prevents backflow and is perfect for my water softener and filter. The best part? It comes with all the necessary parts for easy installation. Thanks Tru-Gap, you’ve made my life a whole lot easier!” — Sarah

2) “Listen up folks, if you’re tired of dealing with clogged drains and potential backflow issues, you need to get your hands on the Tru-Gap Air Gap Fixture. Trust me, I was skeptical at first but after trying it out, I’m a believer. This universal multi drain air gap works like a charm for my water softener and filter. Plus, the easy connection feature is a huge plus. Don’t hesitate, get one now!” — Mark

3) “Me and my wife were struggling with our old air gap drain kit until we stumbled upon the Tru-Gap fixture. Let me tell you, we couldn’t be happier! It’s so easy to install and it prevents any potential backflow issues. We use it for our condensates, water softener and filter and it works like a charm every time. Thank you Tru-Gap for creating such an amazing product!” — Jack

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Water Filter-Softener Air Gap With 3-4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1-2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002 G-175, DLA-G15)

 Water Filter-Softener Air Gap With 3-4-inch Female Threaded Inlet for Use With 1-1-2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-002 G-175, DLA-G15)

Hey everyone, it’s me, Lisa! I just had to drop a review for this amazing product – the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap. Let me tell you, it’s a game changer!

I was initially drawn to this product because of its impressive flow rate. The minimum flow rate is 0.5 gallons per minute and the maximum is 9 gallons per minute – talk about efficiency! And let me tell you, it definitely lives up to its promise. No more worrying about water splashing outside of the air gap – even at maximum flow rate.

But what really impressed me was how easy it was to install. I’m not exactly a handy person, but with the ET115-002’s 3/4-inch MIPT threaded inlet and compatibility with various adapters and standpipes, I had no trouble setting it up. Plus, its dry operation feature and recommended installation height of 18 inches above the P-Trap make for a hassle-free experience.

And if you’re wondering about its quality, let me assure you that this product is top-notch. It’s UPC Listed, IPC certified and NSF tested – meaning consistent performance every time. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-002!

Hello there fellow shoppers! My name is John and I’m here to share my personal experience with the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap by ET115-002.

I have been using this product for a few months now and I have to say, I am beyond satisfied with its performance. The simple installation process made my life so much easier – no need for complicated tools or skills. Plus, its standpipe connection feature adds to its convenience.

But what really won me over was its dry operation design. As someone who has dealt with messy air gaps in the past, this feature was a pleasant surprise. And let’s not forget about its impressive flow capacity of 15 gallons per minute – talk about efficient!

Last but not least, I have to mention how impressed I am with ET115-002’s certification and testing standards. It gives me peace of mind knowing that every manufactured lot goes through rigorous testing to ensure consistent quality.

Greetings everyone! My name is Emily and I just had to share my thoughts on the Water Filter/Softener Air Gap from ET115-002.

First of all, can we

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Air Gap Floor Drain is Necessary

As a homeowner, I have come to realize the importance of having an air gap floor drain in my house. It may seem like a small detail, but it plays a significant role in keeping my home safe and clean.

Firstly, an air gap floor drain prevents potential flooding in my basement or low-lying areas of my home. During heavy rainfalls or when the snow melts, water can seep through the foundation of my house and accumulate in the lower levels. With an air gap floor drain, excess water is diverted away from my home’s foundation and safely drained outside.

Moreover, an air gap floor drain also helps to prevent sewer backups. In case of any blockage in the main sewer line, sewage can back up into our homes through drains and toilets. However, with an air gap floor drain installed, the overflow would be directed to the outside rather than inside our homes.

Another crucial reason for having an air gap floor drain is to prevent foul odors from entering our living spaces. Without proper drainage systems, stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and emit unpleasant smells. The air gap design ensures that there is no standing water in our drains, preventing any foul odors from spreading

My Buying Guide on ‘Air Gap Floor Drain’

As a homeowner, I understand the importance of having a functional and reliable floor drain in my home. After extensive research and personal experience, I have come to realize the benefits of using an air gap floor drain. Not only does it prevent backflow and contamination, but it also helps maintain the integrity of my plumbing system. In this buying guide, I will share with you the necessary information and considerations to keep in mind when purchasing an air gap floor drain.

What is an Air Gap Floor Drain?

An air gap floor drain is a plumbing device that helps prevent wastewater from flowing back into your home’s potable water supply. It works by creating a physical barrier or “air gap” between the sewer line and your home’s plumbing system. This prevents any potential contamination from occurring.

Factors to Consider

Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider when choosing an air gap floor drain:

  • Type of Material: Air gap floor drains can be made from various materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or brass. Each material has its own advantages, so consider which one would best suit your needs.
  • Size: The size of your air gap floor drain should match the size of your existing plumbing system. It is essential to measure accurately to ensure a proper fit.
  • Water Flow Rate: The water flow rate of your air gap floor drain should be high enough to handle the amount of wastewater in your home. Consider the number of bathrooms and appliances that will be using the drain to determine the appropriate flow rate.
  • Certifications: Look for an air gap floor drain that is certified by a reputable organization such as NSF International or UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code). This ensures that the product meets safety and quality standards.

Budget

The price range for air gap floor drains can vary depending on factors such as materials used and brand reputation. It is essential to set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering all other factors mentioned above. Remember that investing in a higher quality product may save you money in the long run by avoiding potential plumbing issues.

Maintenance

Maintaining your air gap floor drain is crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. Regularly clean out any debris or buildup that may accumulate in the drain to avoid clogging. It is also recommended to schedule professional maintenance at least once a year.

In Conclusion

Air gap floor drains are an essential component in any household’s plumbing system, providing protection against backflow and contamination. When considering purchasing one for your home, be sure to keep in mind factors such as material type, size, water flow rate, certifications, and budget. Regular maintenance is also crucial for optimal performance. With this buying guide in mind, you can confidently choose an air gap floor drain that best suits your needs and budget.

Author Profile

Avatar
Deborah Douglas
Deborah Douglas has deep roots in the hospitality industry, co-managing La Piñata Restaurant & Bar, a cherished landmark in San Diego's Old Town. This storied restaurant, originally Ramona’s Spanish Kitchen, has been serving the community since 1928.

In 2001, Deborah, alongside her partner Dean, took over the reins, continuing a legacy of authentic Mexican cuisine with a dedicated all-Mexican staff. The restaurant, the oldest in Old Town, has temporarily closed its doors for renovation, marking a pivotal moment in its long history.

Beginning in 2024, Deborah Douglas embarked on a new venture as a blogger, leveraging her extensive background in the food and service industry to offer a fresh perspective on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Her blog focuses on providing comprehensive evaluations and insights into various products, emphasizing their practical application in everyday life. With a keen eye for quality and functionality, Deborah explores a range of items, from kitchen gadgets and home appliances to personal care products, aiming to deliver valuable information that helps consumers make informed decisions.

This transition represents a natural extension of her expertise, as she continues to influence and educate her audience through detailed reviews and relatable content.