# Dishwasher plumbing....need advise **URL:** \ **Category:** Plumbing Inspections\ **Created:** [December 12, 2011, 8:28am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903 "2011-12-12T08:28:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dnasser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dnasser/32/1208_2.png) [@dnasser](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dnasser)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 8:28am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/1 "2011-12-12T08:28:33Z")
Dishwasher drain hose is connected to drain pipe rather than the garbage disposal…Is this acceptable? [http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100\_3689.jpg](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100_3689.jpg) [http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100\_3696.jpg](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100_3696.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![sstanczyk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/sstanczyk/32/175851_2.png) [@sstanczyk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/sstanczyk)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 8:57am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/2 "2011-12-12T08:57:24Z")
It can be connected to that drain pipe but it still needs either an air gap or high loop prior to the connection. ---
**Author:** ![jjonas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jjonas/32/301755_2.png) [@jjonas](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jjonas)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 9:16am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/3 "2011-12-12T09:16:18Z")
Yes, in fact some jurisdictions do not allow connection directly to the disposal. ---
**Author:** ![clambert2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f08c70/32.png) [@clambert2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/clambert2)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 11:33am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/4 "2011-12-12T11:33:48Z")
No visible air gap device. In California there must be an air gap device, a high loop is not acceptable ---
**Author:** ![jmckee](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jmckee/32/211009_2.png) [@jmckee](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jmckee)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 1:13pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/5 "2011-12-12T13:13:07Z")
the fitting shown is actually called a dishwasher tail piece…it is perfectly fine, but as others have said that drain line needs to be fastened as high as possible in the cabinet. ---
**Author:** ![bking](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bking/32/624_2.png) [@bking](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bking)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 2:56pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/6 "2011-12-12T14:56:27Z")
The more expensive dishwashers have the high loop built in and no air gap is needed in many areas. Be careful when reporting something as wrong unless you know for sure. ---
**Author:** ![belliott](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/belliott/32/57038_2.png) [@belliott](https://forum.nachi.org/u/belliott)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 3:44pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/7 "2011-12-12T15:44:32Z")
What the others said David however is there any way you can upload better res pictures in the future as I notice yours are all very small. Do you use your phone camera? ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 4:41pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/8 "2011-12-12T16:41:31Z")
> [@clambert2](#): > > No visible air gap device. In California there must be an air gap device, a high loop is not acceptable Yep. Chuck is correct. Connection to the drain line is allowed, but it must first go through an airgap, mounted above the flood-level of the sink. ---
**Author:** ![dnasser](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dnasser/32/1208_2.png) [@dnasser](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dnasser)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/9 "2011-12-12T18:57:31Z")
Thanks everybody for the feedback… ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 7:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/10 "2011-12-12T19:39:25Z")
> [@bking](#): > > The more expensive dishwashers have the high loop built in and no air gap is needed in many areas. > > Be careful when reporting something as wrong unless you know for sure. Very true Bruce, event the not so expensive models. What I’ve noticed this year is most new models have a “built-in” high loop. Regarding connecting at GD, that’s prohibited in Illinois. ---
**Author:** ![jjonas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jjonas/32/301755_2.png) [@jjonas](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jjonas)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 9:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/11 "2011-12-12T21:07:54Z")
> [@ccurrins](#): > > Very true Bruce, event the not so expensive models. What I’ve noticed this year is most new models have a “built-in” high loop. > > Regarding connecting at GD, that’s prohibited in Illinois. So with that being said, how do you determine which units “have it”? Or don’t you? What, if anything, goes in your report if you suspect the unit has a high loop built-in? ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/12 "2011-12-12T21:50:01Z")
> [@jjonas](#): > > So with that being said, how do you determine which units “have it”? Or don’t you? What, if anything, goes in your report if you suspect the unit has a high loop built-in? In CA, it doesn’t matter whether or not it has a high-loop - built in or not. It must have an air gap fitting installed above the flood level of the sink. ---
**Author:** ![jjonas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jjonas/32/301755_2.png) [@jjonas](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jjonas)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2011, 11:25pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/13 "2011-12-12T23:25:57Z")
> [@jpope](#): > > In CA, it doesn’t matter whether or not it has a high-loop - built in or not. It must have an air gap fitting installed above the flood level of the sink. Understood. My question was aimed more at Chris or Bruce regarding how they report what they cannot visually verify. ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 12:35am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/14 "2011-12-13T00:35:24Z")
> [@jjonas](#): > > So with that being said, how do you determine which units “have it”? Or don’t you? What, if anything, goes in your report if you suspect the unit has a high loop built-in? If no air gap (high loop) is visible I report as such. Note: Some models have a built-in “high-loop”; recommend to verify with owners manual. ---
**Author:** ![jjonas](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jjonas/32/301755_2.png) [@jjonas](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jjonas)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2011, 2:18am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/15 "2011-12-13T02:18:55Z")
> [@ccurrins](#): > > If no air gap (high loop) is visible I report as such. Note: Some models have a built-in “high-loop”; recommend to verify with owners manual. As I suspected. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Amalia\_Markous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Amalia\_Markous](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Amalia_Markous)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 2:55pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/16 "2011-12-28T14:55:03Z")
The U bend is where the waste water would you, you would need to get something to split that aswell. The other pipes to put clean water should be attached to the taps, youll see a red bit and a blue bit - these are where your washing machine would connect to for hot and cold water. Those are what need split aswell for both appliances to use the water. Thanks and Regards. Amalia Markous ---
**Author:** ![jfunderburk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfunderburk/32/187920_2.png) [@jfunderburk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfunderburk)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 4:18pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/17 "2011-12-28T16:18:45Z")
2009 IRC P2706.3 Prohibited waste receptors. Plumbing fixtures that are used for washing or bathing shall not be used to receive the discharge of indirect waste piping. Exceptions: 1. A kitchen sink trap is acceptable for use as a receptor for a dishwasher. 2. A laundry tray is acceptable for use as a receptor for a clothes washing machine. \* Commentary: \*For sanitary reasons, this section prohibits discharge of indirect waste piping into a sink used for washing or bathing purposes. However, this provision does not apply to the indirect connection of a dishwasher to a kitchen sink because a dishwasher essentially performs the same function as a kitchen sink. By the same logic, this section also permits a clothes washing machine to discharge into a laundry tub (see Commentary Figure 2706.1). P2707.1 **Directional fitting required**. Approved directional- type branch fittings shall be installed in fixture tailpieces receiving the discharge from food waste disposal units or dishwashers. ---
**Author:** ![jfunderburk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfunderburk/32/187920_2.png) [@jfunderburk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfunderburk)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 4:24pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/18 "2011-12-28T16:24:57Z")
2009 IRC P2717.2 Sink and dishwasher. A sink and dishwasher are permitted to discharge through a single 11/2-inch (38 mm) trap. The discharge pipe from the dishwasher shall be increased to a minimum of 3/4 inch (19 mm) in diameter and shall be connected with a wye fitting to the sink tailpiece. **The dishwasher waste line shall rise and be securely fastened to the underside of the counter before connecting to the sink tailpiece**. \* Commentary: \***Dishwashing machines may connect directly to the drainage system and do not require an indirect connection by drainage air gap or air break**. The direct connection is acceptable, because the potable water supply is adequately protected against backflow. This section requires that the waste line be looped as high as possible and be securely fastened to the underside of the sink rim or countertop to minimize the potential of waste backflow into the dishwasher unit (see Commentary Figure P2717.2). ---
**Author:** ![jfunderburk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfunderburk/32/187920_2.png) [@jfunderburk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfunderburk)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 4:26pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/19 "2011-12-28T16:26:44Z")
2009 IRC P2717.3 Sink, dishwasher and food grinder. The combined discharge from a sink, dishwasher, and waste grinder is permitted to discharge through a single 11/2 inch (38 mm) trap. The discharge pipe from the dishwasher shall be increased to a minimum of 3/4 inch (19 mm) in diameter and shall connect with a wye fitting between the discharge of the food-waste grinder and the trap inlet or to the head of the food grinder. **The dishwasher waste line shall rise and be securely fastened to the underside of the counter before connecting to the sink tail piece or the food grinder.** - Commentary: \*This section permits a single 11/2-inch (38 mm) trap to receive the discharge from a sink, dishwasher and food waste grinder. The discharge piping from the dishwasher must be a minimum size of 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) and **connect to a branch tailpiece of a kitchen sink or directly to the food waste grinder. For the same reason discussed in the previous section, the dishwasher waste must rise and be securely fastened to the underside of the counter** before connecting to the branch tailpiece or food waste grinder (see Commentary Figure P2717.2). ![DW connection.jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/2X/d/d2353088ef4d1063d181887b0bc134a0ce456834.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![jfunderburk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jfunderburk/32/187920_2.png) [@jfunderburk](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jfunderburk)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2011, 4:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903/20 "2011-12-28T16:37:18Z")
> [@jpope](#): > > In CA, it doesn’t matter whether or not it has a high-loop - built in or not. It must have an air gap fitting installed above the flood level of the sink. Reference please. [Next page](https://forum.nachi.org/t/dishwasher-plumbing-need-advise/64903.md?page=2)