Do you have to have one of those overflow thingys on the sink if you have a dishwasher but no garbage disposal

Question

I was watching House Detectives on HGTV over the weekend and the home inspector recommended one of those overflow valves (don't know what it's called) to prevent contamination from back-flow, from the disposal back into the dishwasher. They said the cost to install it was $275!

I also have a septic system and I was told not to use my garbage disposal anyway, by the inspector that checked out my house when we bought it.

I was thinking about removing the disposal anyway, but I'm wondering if I still need the overflow valve if the dishwasher isn't connected to a garbage disposal.

Answer 1

The thingy you are talking about is called a siphon break. It prevents water from draining from your sink or garbage disposal down to the dish washer.

Many building codes require these. It is possible to do without it though, as long as the hose from your dishwasher drain loops up very high under the sink then drops back down to garbage disposal or sink drain. The hose would need to be secured up high to prevent it from saggins.

Answer 2

That over "flow thingy" is actually just an air vent, same as you have through out the house ( for all drains) . T vent allows for proper flow when draining. I too, have a septic system and a disposal. Your dishwasher has a type of disposal grinder too. Just be picky about what you put into the disposal, like no egg shells, onions, citrus rinds etc. Make sure that you keep to a routine schedule on adding enzymes to your main tank and watch what you put down the drain, ( no grease, always a fast dissolving toilet tissue, etc. ) you'll be fine. Better to talk to some of your neighbors as to their routine.

Answer 3

I'm not a plumber so I can't quote code.......especially for you area. Codes vary. I do not have an overflow and I do have a dishwasher....and I do not have a garbage disposal.......and I was on septic until recently. Do I miss a garbage disposal.....no, not at all. Do I use my dishwasher......no. Only two of us and we can zip through dishes in no time.

Answer 4

The "thingy" is called a vacuum breaker! It's purpose is to prevent yucky nasty crud from the sinks drain line from backing up into your dishwasher. You don't want e-coli or salmonella on your dishes,do you? :-)=