Why is an air break used for discharging special wastes?

An air break is utilized for discharging special wastes primarily to avoid contamination of potable water. When special wastes are involved, there may be hazardous materials or substances that could potentially compromise the safety of the drinking water supply. Incorporating an air break creates a physical barrier that prevents any backflow of wastewater into the potable water system. This is crucial for protecting health and ensuring compliance with plumbing codes and standards that dictate safe practices for waste management.

By implementing an air break, plumbing systems can effectively prevent any unwanted ingress of contaminants, thereby maintaining the integrity of clean water sources. This preventive measure is vital in safeguarding public health and ensuring that users of the plumbing system can engage with safe, uncontaminated water.