The faucet aerator is a small cylindrical device that is presented in the form of a strainer. It is installed on the outlet of the mixer. This device evenly mixes air with water, thereby reducing fluid consumption. In addition, the aerator traps large inclusions and pollution.
What is a faucet aerator?
This is a compact device that can split a continuous jet of water into many smaller ones, while saturating them with air. When installing aerators, jet adjustment is not required - there is always enough pressure to perform primitive operations (for example, washing dishes).
Built-in meshes fill the water stream with microscopic air droplets. Thus, passing through the filter, the water becomes softer, acquires a white tint.
To check the effectiveness of the device, it is enough to draw a certain amount of water into the measuring containers with and without a nozzle andcompare results.
Types of aerators
Depending on the body material, aerators are divided into the following types:
- Metal. Such nozzles are the most common and affordable in the price category. The main disadvantage is rapid wear due to the susceptibility of the material to corrosion.
- Ceramic. This category has a high cost. Ceramic aerators have a longer service life.
- Polymer. Such devices are inexpensive, withstand heavy loads and are not affected by corrosion.
Depending on the type of construction and additional functions, the following types of mixer aerators are distinguished:
- Adjustable. With these devices, you can adjust the flow and set the mode of "jet" or "spray".
- Vacuum. Such devices are equipped not only with a filter mesh, but also with a special air valve, which, by creating pressure, regulates the aerated flow.
- Illuminated aerators. The latter are equipped with various colored lamps and thermal sensors. A certain temperature range is highlighted in an individual color (for example, water up to 29 ° C is highlighted in green, from 29 to 38 ° C - blue, etc.).
Working principle and purpose
To save water, many users install a mixer with an aerator on the spout. This device is able to reduce the flow of water supplied, without reducing the intensity of pressure. The nozzle is screwed ondirectly to the faucet outlet. By installing an aerator, you can not only reduce water consumption, but also get rid of harmful chlorine.
The main purpose is to normalize the flow, therefore, aerated water improves the quality of washing dishes, and the quality of water improves significantly due to its saturation with air.
Water consumption is reduced by almost 2 times, and the noise level by 30%.
How to choose the right aerator?
Aerator for the faucet to save water can be selected based on the following parameters:
- Cost and quality. The cheapest fixtures are made of steel or plastic. The service life of the latter does not exceed 2 years. The most reliable and durable are products made of non-ferrous metals. When choosing aerators depending on the material and cost, the frequency of use should be taken into account - if the device is installed in places of rare use (for example, in the country), you can choose the most budget model.
- When choosing, do not forget about the attachment to the crane. It can be internal or external. Selection according to this parameter is individual.
- There are devices with additional functions (for example, backlit). Such a function will not only decorate the interior, but also help you quickly navigate the temperature of the outflow.
Features in use
Installation and operation of the device does not cause difficulties for most users. A feature in use is only the care of the aerator formixer: the filter mesh is often clogged due to poor water quality (an old pipeline is also a cause of rapid clogging). Scale often accumulates on the mesh.
To extend the service life, it is enough to periodically clean the filter screens. In some cases, the O-ring should also be replaced.
Important! The instrument cannot be repaired if:
- filter mesh deformed;
- hull damaged;
- faulty fastening thread;
- The gasket is deformed.
Use and care of the appliance
The washbasin faucet with aerator is easy to use - just install it on the spout and periodically clean (or replace).
If during use the water flow has decreased, or it is supplied unevenly, the condition of the aerator should be checked. The main cause of failure is clogging. In this case, to bring the operation back to normal, it will be enough to clean the device. If defects appear on the surface of the device, or the filter is very clogged, the aerator must be replaced.
The order of cleaning comes down to the following steps:
- For starters, the aerator is being dismantled. Removal is carried out using a locksmith key or pliers. The device is unscrewed clockwise. To avoid damage to the surface, the product head is covered with insulating material.
- Next, remove the rubber gasket and evaluate its condition.
- After the filter mesh is dismantled and thoroughly washed with water. For cleaning, you can use a needle or a small awl. If the filter is very dirty, you can dry clean it (for example, with vinegar).
- At the last step, the faucet aerator is assembled and installed in place. After installation, check the correct installation (to do this, carefully examine the connections for leaks).
Important! If the above operations do not bring the desired result, the device should be replaced.
Is it possible to reduce water consumption by installing an aerator?
Manufacturers promise up to 50% water savings when installing these devices. Consumable water intake points in the house are: bathroom and toilet, kitchen. An important feature is that you can really save water only for washing dishes. This means that when cooking, washing clothes or taking a shower, it is impossible to save even 1%. This feature is due to the fact that when water is consumed (for food, for human needs), its volume does not decrease.
Savings on the toilet cistern will not exceed 10%.
From this we can conclude that it makes no sense to install aerators in the bathroom or for rare use (it is much more profitable to install them in catering places).
Advantages and disadvantages of fixtures
The water faucet aerator has the following features:
- thanks to its use, the chlorine content in water is significantly reduced(the latter “disappears” faster);
- also the aerator traps solid inclusions and other contaminants;
- device reduces the noise level of the water supply;
- aerator coordinates water flow and reduces splashing;
- device saturates water with oxygen;
- easy to install and operate;
- the cost of the aerator is available to almost all users.
Among the shortcomings is the need to replace the filter mesh on average once every 1-2 years.
Manufacturer Reviews
A modern water saver, according to user reviews, has the following positive characteristics:
- high quality composite materials;
- easy tilt adjustment (e.g. swivel faucet aerators);
- reducing water consumption when washing dishes and cleaning;
- cheap;
- practicality: it can be used at any water point;
- easy to install and operate;
- using the nozzle eliminates the possibility of formation of water stone and scale on work surfaces;
- average service life - 10 years (with a warranty - 2 years);
- using an aerator eliminates splashes on work surfaces;
- certified according to international standards.
The most popular appliances are:
- Custom aerator Terla FreeLime A10Т28. Water consumption in tandem with this device is up to 10 liters per minute, and the service life is up to 10 years. Production materials are: plastic, metal and high quality rubber. The main advantages are: low cost, the ability to install on non-standard cranes.
- HIHIPPO's aerator, HP2065, is also a water-saving nozzle. This model is slightly more expensive than the previous one. The design allows you to restrict the flow by pressing the start / stop button. Additional positive characteristics include the ability to install an adjustable water flow (from 3.8 to 8 liters per minute), the ability to install a touch switch.
- The sensory nozzle on the faucet with an infrared sensor Water Saver has earned positive reviews due to the convenience of contactless opening / closing of the faucet. It also prevents accidental flooding. The manufacturer provides the possibility of fixing the water temperature.
The main disadvantages among all devices are: low service life (even with the declared high), the high cost of some devices.
