Bypassing a Vacuum Break on a Dishwasher

The purpose of the vacuum break, or air gap, on your dishwasher is to prevent used dishwasher water from flowing backwards into the appliance and possibly being siphoned back into the freshwater supply. In many locations, dishwasher vacuum breaks are required, but if your municpal codes have changed, you may want to bypass your vacuum breaker connection.

Drain-hose coupling
Towel
Drain-hose clamps (2)
Screwdriver
Dish soap (optional)
Hose clamp and screws

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the power supply to the dishwasher at the main circuit breaker.
- 2
  Turn off the water supply to the dishwasher. In most home installations, the water supply valve for the dishwasher is located underneath the kitchen sink. Turn the knob clockwise to cut the water.
- 3
  Open the cabinet beneath the vacuum break, if present.
- 4
  Use a screwdriver to loosen the clamps holding the hoses in place on either side of the vacuum break. Spread out a towel on the floor underneath the air break and lay the hoses down on top. The towel catches any water still inside the hoses.
- 5
  Insert one end of a drain-hose coupling into the drain hose coming from the dishwasher. Apply a few drops of liquid soap if the coupling is hard to push inside the hose. Secure with a hose clamp.
- 6
  Insert the sink end of the hose into the coupling. Secure with a hose clamp.
- 7
  Elevate the center part of the hose so that it is above both the drain pump on the dishwasher and the inlet on the sink tailpiece or disposal. Secure the hose in place with a hose clamp and screws.
- 8
  Restore the water and electricity to the dishwasher.

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