Faucet aerator, what is it?

The constant rise in prices for utility services forces consumers to save on consumed resources. Plumbing manufacturers and marketers take this desire into account and offer to purchase various miracle devices. For example, an aerator.

According to manufacturers, this device can save up to 50% of water consumption. But is this really so or is this just another marketing ploy by manufacturers?

What is an aerator

An aerator is a special device in the form of a miniature filter with a mesh that is installed on the faucet spout. It is necessary in order to saturate the water with microparticles of air - to aerate it. It is also often called a “diffuser”, since it divides one stream entering the mixer into several thinner ones.

The device consists of the following elements:

1. Frame. It is usually made of thin metal, brass, bronze or durable plastic. Metal products are not durable, because during operation, limescale accumulates on their surface. They are also susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing devices made of brass, bronze or polymers. They are not afraid of moisture, so they will serve you for many years.
2. Filter. It is necessary for additional cleaning from small particles of dirt and dust.
3. Mixer. Along the perimeter of the element there are small holes through which air particles enter the aerator. After which the device mixes air bubbles with water.
4. External mesh. The device “splits” one stream into several thin streams.
5. Bushings, seals. They ensure the tightness of all connections.

Reference. The highest quality aerators are made of brass and bronze. However, the cost of such products is higher than that of plastic and metal devices.

Using a mixer, the aerator is capable of creating various types of jets:

1. Aerated. The supplied jet is soft and voluminous. There is no splashing.
2. Laminar. The flow is dense and intense.
3. Spray. The flow forms a large number of thin streams.

Why is it needed?

People familiar with foreign languages ​​may notice the similarity between the name of the device and the Greek term “aeration,” which means “air.” This is no coincidence, because the design of the device allows you to mix air bubbles and water flows.

This is necessary to reduce water consumption without changing the flow rate. In simple terms, a nozzle with a mesh, which is mounted on the faucet spout, is necessary to save money.

Reference. According to manufacturers, savings in water consumption can be more than 50%.

On average, approximately 15 liters of water flows through the mixer within one minute. An aerator allows you to reduce this value by 2.5 times. This is achieved due to the fact that when passing through the device, the water flow is saturated with air bubbles. Because of this, the jet becomes more voluminous, so the decrease in pressure goes unnoticed.

Reducing consumption is not the only function of the device. The product also prevents splashing. Water mixed with air bubbles becomes like foam. Thanks to this, it “envelops” the item you are washing. At the same time, you will not feel a lack of water volume or air flow when using a faucet equipped with an aerator.

The advantages also include a reduction in the chlorine content in water. This is explained by the fact that when the jet passes through the device, air molecules bind to chlorine particles and remove residual molecules.

Oxygen bubbles contribute to better removal of dirt and grease: detergents and cleaning agents become more active in a gas environment. In addition, large particles of debris, dirt, and limescale deposits settle on the filter without entering the liquid stream.

Reference. A mixer with an aerator not only saves water, but also improves its quality.

The plumbing device has a number of undeniable advantages:

• allows you to reduce water consumption;
• improves its quality;
• reduces the noise level when the stream exits the mixer;
• has a low cost;
• easy to install and maintain.

Reference. Experts recommend changing the aerator once a year. If the water pipes are old, the device should be replaced with a new one every six months.

What are there

Plumbing aerators come in several varieties. They are classified according to installation method and operating principle.

Depending on the type of installation

The installation method is determined by the design features of the mixer: install the device where the threaded connection is located. This must be taken into account when purchasing a product.

So, there are the following types of aerators:

1. With external connection. This model is fixed to the inside of the mixer using an applied thread. More often this installation method is chosen because of its inconspicuousness. No one will see that an additional device is installed on the faucet.
2. With internal connection. It is also installed on the surface of the “spout” of the mixer. It makes sense to install such a model in two cases: if you are a fan of massive plumbing fixtures that are matched to the design of the room. Or to a pre-purchased faucet whose aerator has failed. Such a device cannot be disguised; it is very conspicuous. However, it has an undeniable advantage - it copes with the assigned task better than its “brother”. In addition, it is relevant if there is a high pressure in the pipes - it will last longer without repair or complete replacement.

Depending on design features

There are two options:

1. Disk. They create thin streams of water using a disk, the surface of which is dotted with many miniature holes. On some models it has the shape of a mesh. The disk can be installed on the inside or outside of the product.
2. Slotted. There is a special membrane in the device body. Under the pressure of incoming water, it bends, as a result of which cracks form along its diameter. Water flows through them. A gas space appears in the center of the jet, saturating it with air bubbles.

Modern technologies offer many things designed to make our lives easier and more comfortable. One such device is a faucet aerator. The mixture of water and air removes contaminants more effectively, while reducing water consumption. The original model can become a stylish addition to the kitchen or bath.