All I'm saying Rugged is that in all the hundreds of GE dishwashers my company has installed over the years that not one, (count em!) ONE!! complaint has ever reached our service desk.
So if this doesn't happen in your back yard then it doesn't exist, right? Please educate yourself on cross-connection programs in your area. It's worth the time and knowledge. I understand that code authorities look at worst case scenario
<the very reason codes exist, case history dictates code and code revisions. A case in point is backflow preventers.
<Would be a whole lot of dead people without them. The idea was to protect the potable water supply from contamination if you had a open hose laying in a puddle od crud and the city pressure went down causing a vacuum in the main that would just suck the crud out into the city system. Well, it hasn't happened in all the years since they mandated backflow preventers.
Case histories created this standard Are we beginning to see a similar set- up here? I can understand the need for air gaps in commercial institutions but like backflow preventers it addresses a "worst case" scenario.
<Air Gaps protect human life, have no moving parts, are not that difficult to install. What is your problem with not grasping this reality? If installing an Air Gap is that difficult, you don't need to be putting your hands in this profession of plumbing. Sitting behind a screen answering questions might be more your forte.
You say, " Been frequenting/modding forums for years and I can count numerous threads with "Sink Backs up in Dishwasher" or "Raw Sewage in Dishwasher".
<Goooooooogle about 10 different word phrases in regards to the subject matter. I'm on no proving grounds and definitely you are since you seem to have more questions than answers.
I have been on the plumbing page in another Q&A site for over two years and if you wish I'll give you a link so you can go back over the complaints I've recieved. I don't recall even one complaint about sewerage backing up in a dishwasher. Smelly dishwashers, faulty pump dishwashers, noisey dishwashers but no sewer dishwashers.
<You shouldn't be in denial of something that happens more than you know. Wastewater and Sewage are the same exact thing. Just because it doesn't have fecal matter in it doesn't mean it isn't sewage. Any fluid/liquid that comes in contact with the drainage system is considered contaminated. No exceptions. Read the above and do the homework. It happens. This is not to say that it couldn't happen the way that you describe It just hasn't happened either on the site I hang out at or in all my years installing dishwashers in projects and condos.
As I repeat, just because it doesn't happen to you personally or in your neighborhood doesn't mean it hasn't happened.
You also said,"There's a case history of a woman who didn't know when she went upstairs to use her toilet, shower and and sink before she left on a plane trip that her wastewater went straight to the dishwasher because it followed the path of least resistance."
<It is a case history in California that was told to us at the beginning of a meeting for credit hours for one of my many licenses I hold. I wasn't there, it's a "reported" incident that made to public record. I've posted that case history on many forums that became the subject matter. If I was to sit here behind my screen and guess why it happened without affecting other fixtures on the same level???? Separate branches in the system. More than one DWV stack due to the floor layout. Bathroom directly above the kitchen, 1/2 bath distanced 24 feet away against a exterior wall. Plumber used common sense and turned up a another stack to catch that bathroom a half a mile away. Especially if it wouldn't be prudent to bore joists or hang a soffit. PERIOD.
Now that's interesting. The kitchen sink at 3 feet from floor to flood rim is the lowest point in the system? No first floor bath? 1/2 bath or a floor drain? You're correct Rugged, air gaps would take away any chance of backflow contamination
<That's my whole point, what do you have against a device that saves any potential chance for problems? but abstinence from sex would prevent, STD's, Aids, unwanted pregnancies and probably put the abortion clinics out of business since recreational sex would be out of the question. And look at how much traction abstinence has with the general public.
< I swear you got to be posting under two names on this site. Now we have pacemakers and abstinence in the same subject matter. Indirect statements like these reinforce the very reason why they have created cross-connection programs in the United States to protect people and animals from incorrect plumbing systems. A great deal of those doubt the true knowledge and background of the "what ifs" in plumbing when things go wrong.
just one question before I leave. Just what in hell is a "Licensed Backflow Tester"?
"I have the distinct feeling that I'm the only licensed backflow tester that frequents these forums on the www. I wish there were more as I'm tired of being a lone voice in the crowd of many."
It's a certification that can be obtained in almost every state that most times is an elective qualification that deals solely with the testing of backflow devices from as intricate as a 12" RPBA or something as remedial as a simple vaccum breaker on a outside hose bibb. All in all, those who obtain this certification have the permission within their state to install/move/inspect annually any backflow device whether it is at the bottom of the ladder on the residential level up to high-rise 50 story buildings.
Once a year along with fees for the license we are required to have recurring study/meetings to hold onto that license. I prefer to do it all in one day instead of 2 or 3 hour meetings a few times a year. During this day-long event we are brought into the classroom part of knowledge instead of on-the-job practice.
A room full of people just like me talking/listening to some of the most unbelievable cross-connections and horror stories. If you think some things can't happen, you're mistaken. Along with the case histories come
numerous speakers that give knowledge on advancements of the profession and how things have changed to better address certain problems associated with backflow-backsiphonage.
I can rattle tons of knowledge off on this but it's pointless and I've made my point enough times. I really don't care if you personally don't agree with me. I know that hundreds if not thousands of eyes see these words and I really want those who nothing about plumbing to grasp the reality of my words. Those are the ones that are most susceptible to harm when they don't know what is wrong with plumbing can hurt them or their children. People like you might have an entirely different motive to challenge my thinking and it doesn't bother me. I love rattling this stuff off. I find it odd that you are a resident expert of another site wandering what a backflow tester is. Every time there is a clogged drain, that is backflow.
I encourage you to seriously gain knowledge on this important field of knowledge so you can better help those that rely on you in other forums across the web. It will be beneficial to both you and those you imply knowledge to.
KY B.L. Tester #97 if you need clarification of my credentials. Obtained October 11, 1998 and current active member in the program.
You have yourself a great weekend.
Words of encouragement not needed but I'll take the kind gesture without the sarcastic connotation implied.