Why Does a Dishwasher Need a High Loop (KNOW The TRUTH!)

Originally Created on: September 13, 2022 @ 5:52 pm

High loops are valuable additions to dishwashers for relatively good reasons. But why does a dishwasher need a high loop, or how workable is it?

The dishwasher cleans virtually every utensil that can fit in, but have you ever wondered where all this dirt goes? The drain pipe usually directs waste food material and other grime out of the dishwasher. However, there’s a chance it’d be impossible if your drain loop is way lower than it should. That makes high loops in dishwashers more essential, and having one is a no-brainer. 

In this article, we will be diving deeper into this particular topic to help you better understand why a dishwasher needs a high loop and whether it’s a necessity or not.

Let’s get straight into it!

Why Does a Dishwasher Need a High Loop?

Dishwashers need a high loop to prevent clogging the drain line and stop wastewater from accumulating in the dish-cleaning appliance. Dirt can cause foul odors and create a haven for bacteria, predisposing you to infections. High drain line loops are much-needed barriers to prevent siphoning and backflow, keeping your dishwasher spiffed on end.

But how high does a high loop has to be?

Dishwasher high loops should have a 32-inch clearance between the floor and the loop’s peak. That’s standard in most dishwashers and helps cut wastewater backflow. Most high loops need a zip tie to stay intact and in perfect position. However, driving in a screw on the sink’s bottom makes it quite a breeze to hang it, but always ensure it remains in place. 

A proper substitute for a dishwasher’s high loop is an air gap. However, air gaps are relatively time-consuming and costly to install, making high loops the better option.

Here’s how you can install a dishwasher high loop.

• Ensure that you have plenty of room. Besides, remember to switch off the dishwasher before creating the high loop.
• Slide the compression clamp over the drain hose towards the end.
• Run the drain hose to the inlet without tying it.
• Create the high loop by stretching the drain hose, forming an inverted U-shape. Using a zip tie, you can hang the loop as high as possible on a screw pinned to the walls.
• Slide another compression clamp over the drain horse’s free end. You may trim the drain horse to the correct length you need. 
• Slide the other far end of the drain hose into the sink drain inlet. Use the compression clamp to tighten the grip by tightening the screw, and you’re all done with creating a high loop.

There you go, you now have a clear understanding of how to install a high loop. In case, you find yourself struggling with implementing it on your own, make sure to reach out to professionals to help with the installations.

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What Is a Dishwasher High Loop?

As previously explained, a dishwasher loop is an inverted U-shape formation on dishwasher drain pipes formed right before the tube connects to the sink to suppress wastewater backflows. Usually, the loop’s pole end patches about 32 inches from the floor and prevents siphoning. 

While you can customize your dishwasher loop by creating DIY U-shape on drain lines, you can still purchase and install a separate, specially designed high loop. Some modern dishwashers can also have a built-in high loop, which works perfectly. However, as the Code states, installing a high loop under the sink is usually ideal. 

Dishwasher high loops offer numerous advantages besides draining wastewater and preventing backflows. They act as standard air gaps but are more traditional and crafty. Wastewater backflow can accumulate dirt in the dishwasher and compromise your dish cleaning. Besides, putrefied grime and slime are a bacteria haven, potentially inviting diseases and infections. 

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Is a High Loop Necessary?

Wastewater backflows can be detrimental and more compromising when cleaning your dishes. That makes barriers more useful, but why is a high loop necessary?

Most people overlook dishwasher loops, assuming drainage will occur with or without them. However, you’re pretty wrong thinking so, and doing otherwise can be more prudent. High loops are necessary and are handy in preventing wastewater backflows and sink water from getting inside dishwashers. 

Most modern dishwashers come with built-in high loops. However, having one under the sink makes them two and improves wastewater drainage efficiency. The International Residential Code requires you to install a second high loop, not because built-in ones aren’t efficient. Besides, creating a DIY high loop is quite a breeze, so making one shouldn’t bother you.

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Will Dishwasher Drain Without High Loop

With all the fuss about having an efficient drainage system, it’s typical to wonder: will the dishwasher drain without a high loop? Quite succinctly, it’s possible. However, it’s not worth it not having a high loop.

Dishwasher high loops are only precautionary but essential drain line formations if you want your dishwasher to remain consistently clean. However, your dishwashing appliance will still drain water without a high loop. These appliances usually pump wastewater using pressure, so maybe assuming they won’t need any high loop barriers is typical. 

However, the drain pipe connects to the kitchen sink drain pipe, and dirty sink water can creep into your dishwasher, disposing of dirt inside. You run the risk of damaging your dishwasher without a high hoop, even though it’ll still drain the wastewater. 

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Conclusion

Dishwashers need proper drainage, but that should happen more proficiently. Therefore, that makes high hoops essential additions. But why does a dishwasher need a hoop? Or, are these drain line formations even necessary in the first place?

Dishwashers need a hoop to prevent backflows and wastewater from the sink from getting inside the appliance. That helps cut down the risk of bacteria and germs proliferating in the slime and contaminating your dish-cleaning machine. While having a high hoop on your dishwasher is a code requirement, having one should be intuitive and a no-brainer.