Water softener waste air gap

[Charlotte Norris]

Hi all. I recently fitted a water softener that a customer had bought. It came with a fitting that pushed into the top of a 40mm waste upstand to create an air gap. I'm now fitting another softener that does not come with a fitting but also requires an air gap in the waste. Any ideas where I can get a fitting similar to this for a 1/2" or so hose, or how I can create an acceptable air gap. Water Softener Airgap 3/8"

 

[Aire]

Use a washing machine trap.

 

[Sharp Point]

Use a washing machine trap.

Isn’t the air gap a cat 5 requirement, to prevent contamination of the water supply in case the waste blocks up Craig?
If so, wouldn’t a tun dish he more suitable?

 

[Aire]

Isn’t the air gap a cat 5 requirement, to prevent contamination of the water supply in case the waste blocks up Craig?
If so, wouldn’t a tun dish he more suitable?

Can't see it been cat 5 requirement. If there was a risk of it we wouldn't be able to install them with only a single check valve on the incoming main. Its only for the waste which is pumped so risk of backflow during regen cycles will be next to impossible. Same as a washing machine or dishwasher really and all the softeners I've installed have recommended the use of a washing machine waste with upstand.

 

[Aire]

I stand corrected, the softened water is cat 2 but the waste is cat 5, but I guess that depends on the termination. If if goes straight into a stack then an air gap would be required. If the waste is independent and terminates over a gully then can the air gap be made there?

 

[Sharp Point]

Have you seen a waste pipe air gap/ tun dish thingmabob on your travels anywhere Craig?
This cat 5 business on the waste pipe seems quite new to me and I’ve got another to install, so could do with one.

Thanks

 

[Aire]

Have you seen a waste pipe air gap/ tun dish thingmabob on your travels anywhere Craig?
This cat 5 business on the waste pipe seems quite new to me and I’ve got another to install, so could do with one.

Thanks

I'll be honest I've never used one as wasn't aware they were required. Tried finding one online today and the only thing I can find is this.

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Softener-Air-Gap-standpipes/dp/B00W2A9RCS

I will be asking at my merchants tomorrow though for future installs.

 

[Sharp Point]

My god, look at the size of that. How on earth are you suppose to find the space for that behemoth

 

[Aire]

This kit comes with the air gap fitting but the same company don't seem to sell it separately

https://www.fountainsofteners.co.uk...w-water-softener-installation-kit-c2x13496793

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Could be as simple as fitting a tundish wtc

 

[Welder]

Hi all. I recently fitted a water softener that a customer had bought. It came with a fitting that pushed into the top of a 40mm waste upstand to create an air gap. I'm now fitting another softener that does not come with a fitting but also requires an air gap in the waste. Any ideas where I can get a fitting similar to this for a 1/2" or so hose, or how I can create an acceptable air gap. Water Softener Airgap 3/8"

Its a tundish. However, as going into open waste then it needs to be a closed version like a hotun otherwise airborne can get through.

 

[Welder]

I'll be honest I've never used one as wasn't aware they were required. Tried finding one online today and the only thing I can find is this.

https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Softener-Air-Gap-standpipes/dp/B00W2A9RCS

I will be asking at my merchants tomorrow though for future installs.

That's USA not UK

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Its a tundish. However, as going into open waste then it needs to be a closed version like a hotun otherwise airborne can get through.

Or trapped after connection / pipe to main drain