Facilities, Cleaning & PestsQuestion 319 of 320

When installing an air gap to protect a food-prep sink drain, what minimum vertical distance is generally required?

a.At least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet, and never less than one inch
b.Exactly one-quarter inch is always enough
c.Any gap as long as the pipe does not touch the floor
d.The gap only needs to be visible, with no size rule

Explanation

An air gap must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply inlet, and in no case less than one inch, measured vertically between the outlet and the flood rim of the receiving fixture. Too small a gap can allow back-siphonage of contaminated water. This simple physical measurement is what makes the air gap the most reliable backflow protection.

Law Reference: FDA Food Code §5-202.13

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