Call Us: 407.437.5805 info@homeshapeinspections.com
HOMESHAPE Inspections
  • Home
  • Your Home Inspection
  • Your Report
  • Resources
  • About
  • For Agents
  • Services & Fees
    • New Build Complete Inspection
    • Pre-Drywall Inspection
    • Buyers Home Inspection
    • Pre-listing Home Inspection
    • Final Home Inspection
    • 11 Month Warranty Inspection
    • Hurricane Damage Inspection
  • Contact
  • Schedule Your Inspection
  • Menu Menu

Dishwasher High Loop and Why You Need One

Inspection Services
What Is a Dishwasher High Loop and Why Do You Need One
Table of Contents hide
1 What is a Dishwasher High Loop?
2 What Is the Purpose of a High Loop?
3 Do I Need To Install an Air Gap?
4 How Much Does It Cost To Install an Air Gap?
5 How Do I Install a High Loop?
6 How Much Does It Cost To Install a High Loop?
7 Home Inspection Services in Orlando, FL

In my experience, a missing dishwasher high loop is one of the most common defects noted in a home inspection report. If you’re unsure what your dishwasher drain looks like see the picture below. Fortunately, this is an issue that can be resolved easily by homeowners, but before we get started, we should learn what dishwasher high loop is and why dishwashers should have one.

What is a Dishwasher High Loop?

A high loop is when the dishwasher drain is elevated right before it’s connection to the kitchen sink’s drain. It’s important to remember the following about your connection from the dishwasher drain pipe to your plumbing:

  • The high loop should be installed as close as possible to the underside of the cabinet for maximum effectiveness.

  • The connection should be before (upstream of) the P-trap on your sinks plumbing.

  • A connection should never be at the P-trap or after (downstream of) the trap this leads to backflow and sewer gases coming from the drain lines.

  • Avoid connections to garbage disposals.  Disposers could potentially send dirty water back into your dishwasher when they are turned on.

What Is the Purpose of a High Loop?

If you notice standing water at the bottom of your dishwasher between washing cycles, chances are the drain hose is not elevated enough. There are two reasons why dishwashers must have a high loop. First, it’s paramount to ensure that wastewater drains properly during the drain cycle and to prevent siphoning. The second reason is to prevent contaminated water from back flowing into the dishwasher from the garbage disposal or sink drain.

Pro Tip: While there are new dishwashers that have a high loop built in, the installation instructions from various manufacturers all say to install the high loop underneath the sink. 

Do I Need To Install an Air Gap?

Installing an air gap in a drain line is the only surefire way to prevent back siphoning. However, it requires a bit more work and will be more expensive. Often these devices range from $10 to $45 and will require cutting into your countertop. Air gap devices are used to form siphon breaks in the same way as the high loops. Many municipalities find high loops to be acceptable on their own, but some require air gaps. The majority of sinks work perfectly fine with just a high loop installed nowadays. However, if you experience back siphoning, you may wish to contact a licensed plumber about having an air gap installed.

AirGap

How Much Does It Cost To Install an Air Gap?

An air gap device for dishwashers can be bought for $10-$30 and installed by a qualified plumber, appliance installation service, or a handy homeowner. It’s important to remember that when purchasing installation services that each contractor’s pricing will vary. It’s best to compare installation costs from various service providers. Often you can negotiate that the air gap be included with the purchase and delivery of a new dishwasher from your retailer if they provide installation services. Installing an air gap should take no more than an hour unless your drain pipes need to be rearranged.

How Do I Install a High Loop?

High+Loop

There are many methods of installing a high loop, but the easiest is using a screw and zip tie. Often new dishwashers will include a clip for the drain line in their packaging. It’s often just a matter of finding a good spot to connect the drain line. Five minutes should be enough to install a high loop and voila, you’re done. Here is a simple installation video provided by GE Appliances that is 3 minutes long and shows how to install a high loop.

How Much Does It Cost To Install a High Loop?

As seen in the above video, It can be installed for free. The real cost for this type of install is 5 minutes of your time and less than $2 for the screw and a clip or zip tie.

Home Inspection Services in Orlando, FL

Do you have any questions about high loops or air gaps? Your home inspector is always an excellent resource for information about your home. At HOMESHAPE Inspections our homeowner resources are always being updated to help homeowners well beyond their home inspection. If you have a question about your home don’t hesitate to Contact Us. HOMESHAPE Inspections can answer your questions when we come out for a home inspection in Seminole, Orange, and Volusia Counties, FL.

Schedule a home inspection today on our website!

 

Schedule Your Inspection
December 13, 2021/0 Comments
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
https://homeshapeinspections.hosting4.spectora.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2022/09/What-Is-a-Dishwasher-High-Loop-and-Why-Do-You-Need-One.jpeg 1000 1500 Spectora https://d2mejsoa8tvo2o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/80/2022/09/27224920/HOMESHAPE-Inspections-new-logo-e1662777555884.png Spectora2021-12-13 19:03:302023-10-05 16:37:37Dishwasher High Loop and Why You Need One
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

  • unnamed 2
    How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in Florida?August 16, 2023 - 2:00 pm
  • GFCI Outlet
    What is a GFCI and Why is it Required?February 2, 2023 - 6:02 am
  • Man installing gutter system
    All Around the House: Gutter System Right For You?January 27, 2023 - 6:43 am
  • building permit search
    Florida Building Permit SearchJanuary 1, 2023 - 11:59 am
Scroll to next section Scroll to next section

You’re not just buying an inspection.

You’re buying peace of mind.

Schedule Today

Scheduling Your Inspection Has Never Been Easier

Military, Veterans & First Responders Offer – $100 Off for Comprehensive Home Inspections

Thank you for choosing HOMESHAPE Inspections! Call 407.437.5805 for a quote, or schedule completely online below!

When you schedule your home inspection online, you will receive a confirmation email.

Proudly Providing Home Inspection Services for Orlando

HOMESHAPE Inspections provides inspections, including Pre-Drywall Inspection, New Construction Inspection, 11-Month Warranty Inspections, Mold Inspections, Mold Testing, Buyers’ Comprehensive Home Inspections, Pre-Listing Inspections, Investor Inspections, Walkthrough Consultations, Four-Point Inspections, Wind Mitigation Inspections, and more. We proudly serve: Orlando • Sanford • Lake Mary • Heathrow • Winter Park • Casselberry • Oviedo • Winter Springs • Altamonte Springs • Apopka • Lake Hart • Bay Hill • Winter Garden • Wedgefield • Belle Isle • Kissimmee • Lake Nona • Montverde • Oakland • Windermere • Surrounding Areas

Contact Us

We love hearing from you anytime!
Call, text or email us if you have any questions or use the online scheduler to set up a home inspection.

407.437.5805

info@homeshapeinspections.com

Trusted & Licensed

ashi badge edited fabi e1660790959134 certified master inspector badge

  • Licensed & Experienced

    Certified Professional Inspector: NACHI21102505
    Florida State License Number: HI14463
    American Society of Home Inspectors MEMBER ID: 268997
    FABI MEMBER Florida Association of Building Inspectors
    InterNACHI Orlando Chapter Founder

Military, Veterans & First Responders Offer – $100 Off for comprehensive home inspections

© Copyright HOMESHAPE Inspections | Website by Spectora | Privacy Policy
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Facebook
Link to: How Much Is Home Maintenance? Link to: How Much Is Home Maintenance? How Much Is Home Maintenance?How Much Is Home Maintenance Link to: 5 Most Asked Questions About a Home Inspection Link to: 5 Most Asked Questions About a Home Inspection 5 Most Asked Questions About a Home Inspection5 Most Asked Questions About a Home Inspection
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top
custom logoHOMESHAPE InspectionsHOMESHAPE Inspections
5.0 Stars - Based on 100+ User Reviews
×
Ana Carchia9/11/2025
I had an excellent experience with this inspector. He was extremely kind, professional, and very detailed. When I called him after the inspection, he patiently gave me advice and guidance for my new home purchase. His report was thorough and easy to follow. I’m very happy with his work and I will definitely use his services again before my home warranty expires in two years. Outstanding service — highly recommended!
read moreread less
Google Logo
Amanda W9/09/2025
Howard was on time, professional and thorough. My sister recommended him from her home inspection and it’s clear why!
read moreread less
Google Logo
Calvin Slater8/09/2025
Great service and attention to detail. Thank you!
read moreread less
Google Logo
David Taylor7/28/2025
HOMESHAPE Inspections provided a thorough inspection of my home. The inspector, Howard Burch, gave me a lot of easy to understand information about my home and tips on how to maintain and repair various systems. I highly recommend HOMESHAPE Inspections.
read moreread less
Google Logo
James Raulerson7/25/2025
Howard was professional & a wealth of information about mold & mold growth. Was also prompt & thorough. Would definately recommend Howard for home inspection services!
read moreread less
Google Logo
Elizabeth Boyce7/13/2025
I have been using Howard for years. His extensive knowledge in building homes is my favorite part. Howard knows what is right and right is wrong. I highly recommend using him for all of your inspection needs especially new home construction.
read moreread less
Google Logo
Tony Tagliareni5/17/2025
Howard is very professional and made the whole process very easy. Highly recommend!
read moreread less
Google Logo
April Engel5/09/2025
Mr Burch was very professional throughout the inspection process. He took the time before and after the inspection to explain the inspection process and report details.He made some great safety upgrades recommendations and offered his help with any question(s) we may have in the future.I definitely recommend Howard as a home inspector.
read moreread less
Google Logo
Jacob Hacker4/26/2025
Howard is a great home inspector his attention to detail is very good and his knowledge on most subject manners is really good. Additionally all the questions I had he was able to answer even if they didn’t necessarily directly relate to the inspection.
read moreread less
Google Logo