Faucet Aerators

Imagine, you turn on the faucet and water gushes out like a waterfall! You certainly will not appreciate that. Here is where faucet aerators come into picture. These devices evenly distribute the water flow and water then comes out in the form of droplets. These are an efficient way of saving water and reduce splashing. The amount of water passing through them is controlled and measured using the unit, 'Galleons Per Minute (GPM).' Such devices are also an efficient way of reducing your utility bills.

Working of a Faucet Aerator
These devices can be easily installed in taps to regulate the water consumption. The aerator mixes air with the water and distributes it. Many devices distribute this water in a single stream through one hole. Nowadays, new and modified versions of these have many holes and water passes through these. If you have faucet installations which are more than a decade old, then you need a faucet aerator. These are ideally installed at the tip of faucets and reduce the flow of water considerably, almost to 2, 1.5 or even 1 galleon per minute, which is of course at normal pressure. The amount of water flowing per minute is the factor that determines the size or vice versa.

Sizes Available
Depending on the kind of water flow you expect, you could choose the respective device. The popular sizes available are 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2.2 GPM that save water. Aerators varying from 2.5 to 5 galleons per minute are also available. Depending on your need and the place you want to install these aerators, the choice of the size will vary. Kitchen faucet installations will require a higher flow, as dish washing and filling water in a pot or jug requires a higher flow or then it just might end up consuming a lot of your time. 2.2 GPM aerators are recommended for kitchen faucets.

Aerator Clogging
If you have water that is hard or has a lot of precipitates, clogging of the aerators would be common. Your concern then would be faucet repair to unclog these aerators. Unclogging them involves simple rinsing. However, you need to know how to remove them. The job is not as complicated as it is when you fix dripping faucets.

• You will require a pair of pliers and some tape.
• Wrap the tape around the jaws of the pliers. This will protect your faucet from being scratched.
• Unscrew the device that is present at the tip of the faucet, and is marked distinctly.
• The aerator consists of many parts that have to be removed and cleaned, for which you need to be familiar with them

The parts of an aerator consist of the following starting from the tip

• Aerator body
• Outer housing
• Screen
• Bushing
• Mixer
• Flow restrictor and
• washer

You don't need to be an expert at plumbing to clean up your aerator but knowing the basics is essential.

Points to Remember
Before you go to the hardware store to purchase this device there are just a few points to bear in mind.

• Though very small, shopping for faucet aerators can be quite taxing if you have not done it before. Always remember to carry a prototype with you.
• The size of your faucet must match that of your device, purpose behind this being that, manufacturers often make faucets which can only accommodate devices of that particular brand. Therefore, you must identify if this is the case with your faucet as well.
• You must see whether the screw into the male or female treads of the spout of your faucet.
• In the market you will find swivel aerators or double swivel aerators, stationary ones are also available among which you can choose ones with a bubble stream or straight flow.
• Certain devices are available with shut off valves and some are available with an extra attachment for water filters. You may even find aerators which do not get clogged due to sedimentation known as anti-clog aerators.

With so much choice available you are bound to get confused. So before you make a choice be sure you are choosing the correct one. Browse through the options you have available and also be sure of your requirement. If you don't have faucet aerators installed, it's probably the best idea to install them and save up on utility bills. Happy shopping!