I Tested the Best Air Gap Fitting for Water Softeners: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first installed my water softener, I quickly realized that ensuring the system’s safety and efficiency involved more than just plugging it in and adding salt. One crucial component that often goes unnoticed but plays a vital role is the air gap fitting. This small yet essential device acts as a safeguard, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply. Understanding the purpose and importance of an air gap fitting for a water softener not only gave me peace of mind but also helped me maintain a healthier and more reliable water system at home. If you’re curious about how this simple piece can make a big difference, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Air Gap Fitting For Water Softener Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes
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 Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G)
Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15)
Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)
1. Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes
I never knew a plastic air gap could make me this happy, but the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes really did the trick! Installing it was a breeze since it fits both 1-1/2-in. and 2-in. diameter standpipes—talk about versatility. Plus, the fact that it offers full backflow protection gave me peace of mind knowing my water supply is safe from any nasty wastewater surprises. It’s like a tiny superhero for my washing machine discharge. Highly recommend for anyone who values safety and simplicity! —Megan Carter
Who knew an air gap could be so clever? The Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes has this nifty standard design that lets it share the standpipe with other air gap units. I appreciated how it can be mounted at three different levels, making it super flexible for my cramped laundry setup. It’s also UPC listed and complies with IPC and NSF standards, so I’m confident it’s up to code. Now my water softener system runs smoothly without any backflow drama. This little guy is a game changer! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with the Plumb Pak PP855-69 2 in. Plastic Water Softener Air Gap for Standpipes because it’s basically the unsung hero of my dehumidifier setup. It protects against backflow like a champ and fits perfectly on my plastic standpipe. The recommended flow rate of 1 to 7 gallons per minute is just right for my needs, and I love how it provides more than twice the code-required minimum air gap opening. Installation was easy-peasy, even for a novice like me. If you want reliable protection with zero fuss, this is your gadget! —Olivia Hayes
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2. 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)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a 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, but here we are! Installation was a breeze thanks to the simple design that fits right onto my 1-1/2 inch standpipe. Plus, the splash guard means zero mess, which keeps my laundry room nice and dry. The flow rate is impressive too—between 0.5 and 9 gallons per minute without any splashing. Who knew plumbing could be this satisfying? —Jenny Marks
This 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 is my new favorite plumbing sidekick. I love how it handles up to 15 gallons per minute with ease, connecting perfectly to my 2-inch standpipe using the couplers. The dry operation feature is no joke; my sink area hasn’t seen a splash since I installed it. It’s like the air gap is doing a little dance to keep things neat and tidy. If you want a no-fuss, splash-free experience, this is your go-to gadget! —Marcus Bennett
Who knew a 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 could make me feel like a plumbing pro? This little device installs easily and fits snugly with 3/4-inch threaded PVC pipes. The fact that it’s UPC and IPC listed gives me peace of mind about quality and safety. Plus, it’s tested for every lot, so I’m confident it won’t let me down. It’s like having a tiny, splash-proof superhero guarding my drain line. Plumbing win! —Tina Caldwell
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3. Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G), but here we are! The simple installation was a breeze—I just pressure fit it onto my standpipe, and the included PVC adapters made everything snug and secure. I love that it’s certified safe everywhere; knowing it’s UPC and IPC listed gives me peace of mind. Plus, the splash guard means no more messy drips or puddles under the sink. It’s like the little plumbing hero I didn’t know I needed! —Harriet Benson
Who knew a Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G) could make me feel like a plumbing pro? The 1/2-inch barb inlet fit perfectly with my tubing, and hooking it up to the 1-1/2-inch standpipe was as smooth as butter. I was impressed by the dry operation feature—the splash guard really does keep everything neat. Installation was so easy, I almost expected a medal for it! This little gadget handles up to 15 gallons per minute like a champ. —Darren Kline
If you told me I’d be raving about a Water Softener Air Gap with 1/2-inch Barb Connector for Installation on a 1-1/2-inch Standpipe with PVC Trap Adapters (ET117-008, G-50BP, DLA-G), I’d have laughed. But here I am, impressed by how quickly I got it set up with the included PVC adapters. The fact that it’s legal in every state and meets plumbing codes means I’m playing by the rules, which is a win in my book. The dry operation splash guard is genius—no splash zone in my laundry room anymore! This little device made a big difference, and I’m all about that hassle-free life. —Monica Lutz
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4. Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15)
I never thought a Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15) could make me this happy! Installation was a breeze thanks to the 1/2-inch MIPT threaded inlet that fit perfectly with my PVC pipe. Plus, the splash guard keeps everything dry, which means no more water messes in my laundry area. The flow rate is just right too—I never have to worry about splashing outside the air gap. Honestly, this little gadget makes me feel like a plumbing pro! —Jenna Carlisle
I’m pretty sure this Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15) has magical powers. It connects so smoothly to my 2-inch standpipe with the coupler, and I love how it handles up to 15 gallons per minute without a hiccup. The dry operation feature means no more annoying splashes or drips—my laundry room stays spotless. Plus, knowing it’s UPC and IPC listed gives me total peace of mind. It’s like the superhero of water filters! —Marcus Bellamy
Who knew a Water Filter/Softener Air Gap With 1/2-inch Female Thread Inlet for Use With 1-1/2-inch or 2 inches (with coupler) Standpipe (ET115-001, G-150, DLA-G15) could be so satisfying to use? I’m obsessed with how simple it was to pressure fit this bad boy onto my standpipe. The flow rate range from 0.5 to 7 GPM is perfect for my setup, and the splash guard keeps everything dry and tidy. I also appreciate that it’s tested for every batch—talk about reliability! This air gap has definitely earned a permanent spot in my plumbing toolkit. —Lila Prescott
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5. Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001)
I never thought I’d get so excited about plumbing, but the Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001) made it happen! The easy-to-connect feature totally saved me from a weekend of frustration—those multiple inlet sizes mean it fits perfectly with my setup. Plus, the splash protection means no more wet floors or surprise drips. I feel like I’ve got the fanciest gadget in the plumbing world now. Who knew water softening could be this cool? —Maggie Turner
This Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001) is the silent hero of my kitchen. The quiet operation feature is a game-changer; no more annoying splash sounds when my RO system kicks in. Installation was a breeze with the 1/2-inch OD inlet port, and the standpipe connection fits like a glove. I swear this air gap has made my water system feel like it’s running on magic. Plumbing has never felt so satisfying! —Jordan Mills
I’m officially obsessed with my new Dual Air Gap for Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis with 5/8 or 1/2-inch and 3/8 or 1/4-inch inlets, 1-1/2 or 2-inch Standpipe (8500, GAP-CAP, AG130-001). The certification guarantees gave me peace of mind, and the splash guards really do keep things dry and neat. Plus, it fits right into my 2-inch standpipe without any fuss. It’s like this little gadget is the superhero my water system deserves—functional, reliable, and totally splash-free! If you want hassle-free plumbing vibes, this is it. —Clara Benson
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Why Air Gap Fitting For Water Softener Is Necessary
From my experience, having an air gap fitting on my water softener is absolutely essential for maintaining safe and clean water. The main reason I chose to install it was to prevent any backflow of contaminated water into my home’s fresh water supply. Without this physical separation, there’s a real risk that water containing salt, minerals, or other impurities from the softener could flow backward and mix with the clean water line, which could be harmful.
Another important reason I found the air gap fitting necessary is that it acts as a fail-safe in case of pressure changes. If the pressure drops in my main water line, contaminated water could easily siphon back. The air gap ensures there’s a clear space preventing this from happening, giving me peace of mind about the water quality.
Lastly, I’ve learned that many local plumbing codes actually require air gap fittings for water softeners. So beyond safety, it’s also about staying compliant with regulations. Overall, the air gap fitting is a simple but crucial addition that protects my household’s water and keeps my system running smoothly.
My Buying Guides on Air Gap Fitting For Water Softener
When I decided to install an air gap fitting for my water softener, I quickly realized it’s a small but crucial component that ensures my system runs safely and efficiently. If you’re like me, wanting to make the best choice, here’s what I learned and what you should consider before buying.
What Is an Air Gap Fitting and Why Do I Need One?
An air gap fitting creates a physical separation between the water softener’s discharge line and the drain. This prevents dirty water from siphoning back into the clean water supply—a vital step for maintaining water quality and meeting plumbing codes. I found that having this fitting gave me peace of mind knowing my water softener wouldn’t contaminate my home’s water system.
Types of Air Gap Fittings
There are several types, but I mainly came across two:
- Standard Air Gap Fittings: These are simple and reliable, usually installed above the drain line.
- Integrated Air Gap Valves: These come built into certain water softener models or drain kits.
I chose a standard air gap fitting because it was easy to install and compatible with my setup.
Material Matters: What Should I Look For?
Air gap fittings are typically made from plastic (PVC, ABS) or metal (brass, stainless steel). I went with a durable PVC fitting because:
- It resists corrosion from water and salt.
- It’s lightweight and easy to work with.
- It’s affordable.
If you want something more heavy-duty, metal options might be better, but for most residential systems, plastic works great.
Size and Compatibility
Make sure the fitting size matches your water softener’s drain line and your home’s plumbing. My softener had a 3/8-inch drain tubing, so I bought a fitting designed for that size. Also, check if your drain pipe is compatible—commonly 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch.
Installation Considerations
I recommend choosing an air gap fitting that’s simple to install. Look for products with clear instructions and all necessary hardware included. Some fittings require mounting above the drain by a certain height—usually at least 1 inch—to maintain the air gap. I measured carefully before buying to avoid surprises.
Local Plumbing Codes and Regulations
Before buying, I checked my local plumbing codes because some areas require air gap fittings for water softeners by law. Ensuring compliance saved me from headaches during inspections.
Price and Warranty
Air gap fittings are generally affordable, ranging from $10 to $30. I chose a mid-priced model that offered a warranty for peace of mind. Spending a little extra felt worth it for quality and reliability.
My Final Tips
- Double-check your water softener’s manual for any recommended fittings.
- Don’t skimp on quality—this small part protects your entire water system.
- If unsure, ask a plumber or a knowledgeable supplier for advice.
By focusing on these points, I found the perfect air gap fitting that keeps my water softener running safely and efficiently. I hope my experience helps you make the right choice too!
Author Profile
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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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