No doubt you’ve heard the term “faucet aerator” countless times. In fact, if you’ve ever unscrewed the end of a kitchen or bathroom faucet, or felt the inside with your finger, you’ve likely discovered the aerator. This round device may be small but it sure is mighty. Would you like to know why?
Read on to learn about the aerator’s many valuable purposes and why you don’t want a faucet without one.
What Is a Faucet Aerator?
An aerator is a low-tech disc-like screen that screws onto the tip of a kitchen or bathroom faucet to create a more consistent, splash-free stream of water by adding air into the water. This limits the flow of the faucet by narrowing its width and greatly reducing water consumption, and thereby water waste. Unlike aerators of long ago, today’s models still deliver a steady flow of water so you won’t notice a difference in performance. All you’ll notice is a reduction in water usage an cost. In fact, a standard aerator can limit water flow to 1.8 to 2.2 GPM (gallons per minute) on average.
How to Choose a Faucet Aerator
Factor in aerator size and design. Because faucet tips vary in size and design, so must aerators. Also, aerators differ in how they screw onto a faucet as well as in their style of water output, such as traditional, columnar jet, diffused spray, and so on.
Consider flow rate. Different aerators are designed to generate different flow rates, and the ideal flow rate depends on how your household uses each faucet. For activities such as washing hands, look for a flow rate between .5 and 1 GPM. In the kitchen, you can go a bit higher, between 1 and 1.5 GPM. However, there are no hard and fast rules; it all depends on your preference and usage.
Aerator Maintenance
Like most items in your home, aerators aren’t made to last forever. However, proper maintenance will help ensure an uninterrupted flow of water for as long as possible. A typical aerator consists of three main parts: mounting runs, a screen, and a water flow restrictor. Over time, the last two can become clogged, resulting in reduced water pressure. In fact, if you notice reduced pressure from any faucet, check the aerator first as it could be clogged with gunk or simply past its prime. Wipe away any build-up and test the faucet. If that doesn’t do the trick, unscrew the aerator from the tip of the faucet and clean thoroughly with a soft bristle brush like an old tooth brush or replace it with a new one.
You don’t need Norhio Plumbing to install or replace a faucet aerator. But you might just need us for faucet repair, replacement, or any other kitchen or bathroom plumbing need. And that’s just what we’re here for. Call us today to learn more or to schedule service.
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