Placement Guide for Kitchen Sink Accessories

This guide covers the optimal placement of key kitchen accessories: air gaps, faucet side sprayers, air switch buttons, soap dispensers, and water dispenser faucets. For each accessory, we provide detailed guidelines on the best locations for convenience, design, and proper integration into your kitchen.

When arranging kitchen sink accessories, you have the freedom to install them in any layout that suits your preferences. There is no strict industry standard dictating their placement, so you can customize your setup to match your specific needs and habits. Whether you prefer a certain arrangement for ease of access or to fit your kitchen's design, the choice is entirely yours. 

With that said, the following accessory layout suggestions are subjective and follow ease-of-use logic.

Kitchen Accessory Layout & Configuration

Balanced Left to Right

Water Filtration Faucet >> Air Gap >> Soap Dispenser >> Main Faucet >> Side Sprayer >> Air Switch Button

Balanced to One Side

Main Faucet >> Side Sprayer >> Air Switch Button, Soap Dispenser >> Air Gap

Air Gaps

Air gaps prevent contaminated water from siphoning back into the clean water supply. It acts as a physical barrier between the sink or dishwasher drain and the main sewer line, ensuring that wastewater flows in the correct direction and does not contaminate your potable water. 

Recommended Placement Relative to the Sink and Dishwasher

Far Left or Right of Main Faucet / Proximity to Dishwasher

The air gap should be installed as close as possible to the dishwasher. Typically, it is mounted on the countertop or sink ledge to the far left of the main faucet. This placement maximizes water efficiency and minimizes the length of the discharge hose, reducing the risk of clogs and leaks.

Height Requirements

To function correctly, the air gap must be positioned higher than the dishwasher’s flood level. This elevation creates the necessary separation to prevent backflow.

Faucet Side Sprayer

A faucet side sprayer is designed to extend the functionality of your kitchen faucet. It provides a flexible, handheld spray nozzle that can be used for various tasks, such as rinsing dishes, cleaning the sink, and filling pots that are too large to fit under the faucet. 

Recommended Placement

Directly Next to the Main Faucet

The side sprayer should be installed directly next to the main faucet, preferably to the right, for smooth transitions between the two water sources. Ensure the hose length is sufficient to reach all corners of your sink.

Air Switch Buttons

An air switch button is a convenient and safe device used primarily to operate garbage disposals. Unlike traditional electric switches found on a wall, an air switch uses air pressure to activate the disposal unit, reducing the risk of electrical hazards. 

Recommended Placement

Far Left or Right of the Main Faucet / Outer Edge of the Sink

The air switch button is typically installed on the countertop near the sink, or directly on the sink if a sufficient hole is cut out, similar to the other sink accessories. The best placement for air switch buttons is at the outer edge, typically at the far right or far left of the main faucet and other installed accessories. While air switches are designed to be water-resistant, it's best to install them in a location where they are less likely to get splashed directly.

Soap Dispensers

Built-in soap dispensers are a practical and low-profile addition to any kitchen. They provide a convenient way to dispense soap without cluttering the countertop with bottles. Learn more about the pros and cons of a built in kitchen soap dispenser.

Recommended Placement

Next to the Main Faucet

Soap dispensers are best placed to the left or right of the main faucet. For example, if your side sprayer or another accessory is directly to the right of the main faucet, place your soap dispenser on the other side of the main faucet, directly to the left, and vice versa. 

Ensure there is enough space between the soap dispenser and other accessories like the faucet and sprayer to avoid crowding and to maintain easy access to each component.

Water Filtration Dispenser Faucets

A water dispenser faucet can provide fresh, filtered water right at your sink, eliminating the need for a separate water filtration pitcher or bottled water. It’s common to see newly built homes, condos, and apartments include a water dispenser or filtration faucet in the sink configuration. 

How to Fix a Leaking Water Filter Faucet

Recommended Placement

Install the water dispenser faucet near the main sink, in line with the other installed accessories. This placement near the sink makes filling pots, pitchers, and glasses convenient. 

Typically the air switch button or air gap is on the outer edge of the sink, to the far left or far right of the main faucet. However, the inclusion of a water dispenser overwrites these standards. The best placement for a water dispenser is at the far left or right of the main faucet. These outer edge spots are good for filling pots, pitches, and glasses at a convenient angle. This placement also avoids a cramped and overcrowded sink setup.