Clean, efficient dishes are the hallmark of any good kitchen. But it’s not just diligent scrubbing that makes dishes sparkle; having a properly-installed dishwasher also plays an important role in ensuring top-of-the-line cleanliness. If you’re looking to install a dishwasher, there’s another key element that needs to be part of the job: hiding an air gap.
An air gap is vital for preventing dirty water and other contaminants from being sucked back into the dishwasher (or even your home’s main water system).
The good news is this functional necessity doesn’t have to stand out as an eyesore! With some thought and ingenuity, your air gap can become virtually invisible – blending seamlessly with its surroundings while still getting its critical job done.
In this post, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to hide dishwasher air gap so you can enjoy all the advantages of sparkling clean dishes without sacrificing style or aesthetic appeal.
Why Do You Need to Hide Dishwasher Air Gap?
1. To Prevent Contamination
An air gap, also known as a dishwasher break or dishwasher air break, is a device used in plumbing systems to prevent dirty water and other contaminants from being sucked back into the dishwasher. It’s an essential part of any good kitchen set-up but can leave behind an unsightly addition that detracts from the overall look of your kitchen.
2. To Maintain Aesthetic Appeal
Hiding the air gap allows you to preserve the clean, streamlined look of your kitchen without sacrificing its functionality. In addition, if you choose a creative solution for hiding the air gap – such as installing it behind a cabinet or underneath the countertop – it can also add an interesting detail that enhances your overall kitchen design.
Required Items
Before you begin, there are a few things you will need to successfully hide the dishwasher air gap. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A drill with a screwdriver head and drill bits
- A jigsaw or utility knife
- Sandpaper
- Silicone sealant
- An air gap cover of your choice (available at most home improvement stores)
How to Hide Dishwasher Air Gap in 10 Easy Steps
Step 1: Install an Overlapping Door
One easy solution for hiding a dishwasher air gap is to mount it behind a door that covers the entire width of your countertop and extends slightly beyond its edge. This will conceal all pipes and components while still allowing you to access them in case of a leak or blockage.
Step 2: Add a Hinged Cover Panel
For an even more seamless look, you can install a hinged cover panel over the air gap. This will allow you to open and close the panel when necessary without affecting the overall design aesthetic of your kitchen.
Step 3: Build an Access Panel
If you need easy access to the air gap in case of a blockage, then building an access panel is the way to go. Start by measuring and cutting out a hole in your countertop using a jigsaw or utility knife. Then, sand down the edges to get rid of any burrs or sharp edges. Finally, use screws to attach an access panel to the countertop.
Step 4: Install a Countertop Corner Cover
If you have an air gap near a corner of your counter, you can install a corner cover to conceal it. This is especially effective if you have an angled countertop – the cover will blend in seamlessly with its surroundings and hide the air gap underneath.
Step 5: Use Decorative Covers
If you want to enhance the look of your kitchen without sacrificing functionality, using decorative covers is a great option. There are many decorative air gap covers available on the market that will hide the air gap while adding some style and personality to your kitchen.
Step 6: Place the Air Gap Cover
Once you’ve chosen an air gap cover that fits your style and design aesthetic, it’s time to place it on the dishwasher. Start by loosening the screws that hold the air gap cover in place. Then, slide the air gap cover over all of the pipes and components connected to your dishwasher before tightening down the screws again.
Step 7: Apply Sealant
Once the air gap cover is in place, use a silicone sealant to make sure that it’s securely fastened. This will help create a tight seal and prevent any water or other contaminants from seeping out.
Step 8: Install the Cover Plate
The final step in hiding your air gap is to install the cover plate. Start by removing two of the screws that hold the air gap cover in place and replacing them with longer screws. Then, slide the cover plate over the exposed screws and use a drill to secure it in place.
Step 9: Test for Leaks
Once all of your installation steps are complete, it’s time to test for leaks. Turn on the dishwasher and check for any signs of water seeping out before you finish your job.
Step 10: Enjoy!
You did it! You successfully installed a dishwasher air gap – and without sacrificing style or design appeal. Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You can now revel in the knowledge that all of your dishes will be sparkling clean – without any unsightly additions to detract from the look of your kitchen.
From hidden corner covers to decorative air gap covers, there are many creative solutions for hiding dishwasher air gaps that won’t sacrifice functionality or style. With a few simple steps, you can have a kitchen that looks as good as the food you serve in it – all without any extra effort. So go ahead and get started on your project today! You’ll be glad you did.
8 Maintenance Tips for Hiding Dishwasher Air Gap
- Check the location of your air gap periodically and make sure it is in a discreet spot that is not visible to guests or passersby. Checking the location also makes sure that no debris or dirt has gathered around it.
- For air gap installations on countertops, use a flat piece of wood to cover the gap and match your kitchen décor. You can paint it to make it blend in even better. Also make sure the piece of wood is cut to the correct size so that it covers the entire gap.
- For air gap installations on backsplashes, use a decorative tile or matching grout color to hide it. This will give your kitchen a more cohesive look and won’t draw any attention to the air gap.
- Install a faux drawer front over the air gap. Make sure the faux drawer is fitted correctly to cover up the gap completely.
- If your dishwasher has an open front or side panel, use a panel of stainless steel or plastic to cover it up. This is an easy fix that won’t draw any attention to the air gap.
- Use decorative trim pieces around the air gap to help it blend in more with the surrounding area. This will make sure that the air gap is not an eyesore and won’t stand out.
- If your dishwasher has a bottom rack, put a towel over the air gap so that it can’t be seen easily. This will also help to keep dust and dirt away from the gap.
- Install a cabinet door over the air gap to completely disguise it and make sure no one notices it’s there. Make sure that the cabinet door is properly fitted so that it completely covers up the air gap.
Keeping your dishwasher’s air gap hidden is an important part of maintaining its proper functioning and preventing debris or dirt from entering the dishwasher.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your air gap is not an eyesore and won’t detract from the overall look of your kitchen. Additionally, be sure to check out the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance and cleaning of the dishwasher air gap.
Conclusion
Hiding the air gap in your dishwasher doesn’t have to be hard. With these simple steps on how to hide dishwasher air gap you can ensure that your kitchen space is balanced and aesthetically pleasing.
Whether that means adding a new countertop, or building in a slightly concealed cabinet, there are lots of creative options available to make sure the air gap on your dishwasher disappears. Although tricky to install, using a recessed plinth or wood cover can prove to be extremely effective in creating an accurate overall look.
Becoming familiar with the tools and construction materials will help you tackle this project in no time and make sure no one even notices it’s there. After all, you want a clean, beautiful space and make sure no seemingly unattractive features take away from what should be immaculate surroundings.
That’s why hiding the air gap on your dishwasher is an important part of interior design and should definitely be addressed for any kitchen redo project.