Reverse Osmosis Air Gap Filter Review
Product Overview
If you’re looking to enhance the safety and efficiency of your reverse osmosis system, the Reverse Osmosis Filter Air Gap (model AG110-002, KIT S-B, Gap-A-RO) is designed specifically for your needs. This air gap assembly prevents backflow contamination by creating a physical break between your reverse osmosis unit and wastewater drain. It fits 1/4-inch OD poly tubing on the inlet and connects to 3/8-inch OD or 5/8-inch ID poly tubing on the outlet, ensuring a secure and reliable connection to your plumbing.
By integrating this air gap, you avoid splash-back and wastewater leaks, keeping your installation clean and safe. It also complies with IPC, UPC, and NSF certifications, offering peace of mind with thorough testing to handle real conditions.
Reverse Osmosis Filter Air Gap
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Key Takeaways
- Easy to connect with 1/4-inch OD inlet tubing and 3/8-inch OD outlet tubing for direct standpipe feed
- Maximum flow rate of 1 gallon per minute, designed to prevent splashing outside the air gap
- Certified under UPC, IPC, and NSF standards ensuring reliability and safety
- Not compatible with reverse osmosis faucets that already have an air gap installed
Why You Might Need a Reverse Osmosis Air Gap Filter
If you have a reverse osmosis system installed for clean drinking water, you understand the importance of proper drainage and contamination prevention. The air gap filter is a safety feature protecting your supply water from wastewater backflow. Without it, wastewater or drain water could potentially flow backward into your drinking water line—a clear health risk.
Additionally, if you’re experiencing water splashing around your drain pipe or have a messy installation under the sink, this air gap acts as a splash guard and keeps the area dry and clean. It’s an essential component for anyone aiming to maintain system hygiene, comply with plumbing codes, and avoid costly leaks or damage.
First Impressions: What to Expect
When you receive the Reverse Osmosis Filter Air Gap, you’ll find a neatly packaged kit including the air gap unit itself, mounting bracket, clamps, and screws. The first impression is of a well-thought-out accessory designed for straightforward installation. The plastic housing feels sturdy yet lightweight, built to handle standard household water pressure without cracking.
It pairs seamlessly with standard reverse osmosis tubing sizes, making setup simple even if you’re a novice plumber or a DIY enthusiast. The included mounting hardware helps secure the air gap to your sink or cabinet wall, preventing movement that could loosen connections over time.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inlet Size | Fits 1/4-inch OD poly tubing |
| Outlet Size | Fits 3/8-inch OD or 5/8-inch ID poly tubing |
| Flow Rate | Maximum 1 gallon per minute (GPM) |
| Certification | UPC listed, compliant with IPC and NSF standards |
| Materials | Durable plastic tested for strength |
| Included Accessories | Mounting bracket, clamps, screws |
| Compatibility | Does not fit RO faucets with an air gap |
Specs & Setup Components
Design & Build Quality
Right from the box, the AG110-002 air gap impresses with precision molding and fitting sizes matching industry-standard tubing. The plastic is robust but not bulky, providing durability without bulk that complicates installation.
Installation is straightforward with the included accessories—a mounting bracket that holds the unit firmly and clamps plus screws that secure both inlet and outlet tubing tightly, eliminating chances of leaks. The use of 1/4-inch OD inlet tubing fits well with your reverse osmosis system output, and the outlet accommodating 3/8-inch OD or 5/8-inch ID tubing fits standard drain lines or standpipes neatly.
One user review highlights:
"The air gap was easy to install, and once set up, the water flow was smooth with no leaks. The mounting brackets kept the unit steady which was essential for peace of mind."
The design’s main advantage is its dry exterior operation, meaning no water splashes out even at peak flow rates, preventing messes underneath your sink.
Real-World Performance
In daily use, this air gap filter handles the reverse osmosis wastewater drainage flawlessly. Its max flow rate of 1 gallon/minute means it can accommodate typical household RO system flow without overflow or leaks. Because splash-back is a common nuisance under sinks, this feature alone makes a significant quality-of-life improvement.
One installation story shared by a customer involved replacing an older, leaking unit. After installation, they noticed immediately how the water flowed silently and cleanly down the drain pipe without wobbling or awkward tubing bends. The included mounting bracket kept everything stable, even in cabinets with tight space.
The air gap also underwent strength testing per batch, ensuring each glue joint withstands at least 40 pounds of force, so you get peace of mind that the plastic connections won’t crack or fail under normal pressure.
Smooth Flow With No Splash-Back
What Makes It Stand Out?
Compared to similar reverse osmosis air gaps, this model stands out in certification and tested durability. Many alternatives do not provide consistent quality assurance across all batch productions. The AG110-002’s compliance with strict UPC, IPC, and NSF standards assures you’re getting a product recognized in plumbing safety codes.
Its maximum flow rate is optimized to prevent external splashing without compromising system drainage flow. Second, the included hardware makes installation hassle-free, unlike some competitors that sell air gaps separately from mounting accessories.
When put side by side with two popular air gaps on the market, the AG110-002 showed stronger glue joints and a more stable mounting solution. Other models sometimes have issues with loosened fittings or leaking after several months.
Furthermore, it’s important to note this air gap is not compatible with faucets that already have an air gap built in, a compatibility detail some competing products overlook, potentially causing confusion or improper setup.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| Strengths | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| ✅ Maximum flow of 1 GPM prevents splashing and overflow | ❌ Not compatible with RO faucets that have built-in air gaps |
| ✅ Easy connection fitting 1/4-inch OD inlet, 3/8-inch OD outlet | ❌ Only supports specific tubing sizes (poly tubing only) |
| ✅ Comes with mounting bracket, clamps, screws for secure fit | |
| ✅ Fully certified (UPC, IPC, NSF) ensuring compliance | |
| ✅ Batch-tested glue joints withstand 40 lb force |
Certified and Tested for Strength
Who Is It For?
This reverse osmosis air gap filter is ideal for several types of users:
- Homeowners with Reverse Osmosis Systems: If you have an under-sink RO system without an existing air gap, this product is essential to ensure backflow protection and keep your system running safely.
- DIY Enthusiasts & Installers: The comprehensive kit with mounting hardware and clear compatibility makes it an excellent choice for those installing or upgrading RO units themselves.
- Plumbers and Maintenance Professionals: Anyone upgrading or maintaining water filtration systems can rely on a certified, code-compliant air gap that installs smoothly and lasts long.
If your priority is both compliance and peace of mind with clean, splash-free operation, the AG110-002 fits perfectly.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the most from your Reverse Osmosis Filter Air Gap:
- Ensure Proper Tubing Size: Use 1/4-inch OD tubing for inlet from the RO unit and 3/8-inch OD or 5/8-inch ID poly tubing for the outlet without forcing sizes. This ensures a secure, leak-free fit.
- Position the Air Gap Correctly: Mount it vertically on the side of your sink or cabinet wall using the provided bracket and clamps. Make sure the standpipe connection is straight with no kinks or sharp bends.
- Test Water Flow: After installation, run water through the system to check the maximum flow rate does not cause any splashing outside the air gap.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically check fittings and mounting hardware to maintain a fully secure setup.
- Know Your Faucet Type: Do not attempt to use this air gap if your existing faucet already has an air gap feature built-in, as it can cause double air gap issues.
Tips for Proper Installation
FAQ
1. What tubing sizes does this air gap fit?
The inlet is designed for 1/4-inch outside diameter (OD) poly tubing, which connects to your reverse osmosis unit. The outlet fits 3/8-inch OD or 5/8-inch inside diameter (ID) poly tubing, feeding wastewater to a standpipe.
2. What is the maximum water flow rate?
This air gap has a maximum flow rate of 1 gallon per minute (GPM). It’s designed to handle typical reverse osmosis wastewater flows without causing backsplash or leaks.
3. Is the air gap compatible with all reverse osmosis faucets?
No. The AG110-002 air gap is not compatible with RO faucets that already have an air gap feature. Installing both could cause drainage issues.
4. Does it come with mounting hardware?
Yes, the kit includes a mounting bracket, clamps, and screws for secure installation on your cabinet or sink.
5. How durable is the unit?
Each batch undergoes testing to ensure every glue joint can withstand at least 40 pounds of force. This guarantees strong, durable construction.
6. Are there any certifications?
Yes, the product complies with UPC, IPC, and NSF standards, ensuring it meets plumbing and health safety codes.
7. Can I install this myself?
Yes, the included accessories and straightforward design make it suitable for DIY installation, even if you’re not a professional plumber.
Verdict
The Reverse Osmosis Filter Air Gap AG110-002 is a reliable, certified component that improves your RO system’s safety and functionality. Its thoughtful design, durability, and included mounting hardware simplify installation while preventing common issues like splashing or leaks. If you want a secure and code-compliant air gap solution, this product is worth considering.
