Faucet aerators are one of the smallest devices you’ll encounter in both your kitchen and bathroom. But they are arguably one of the most important. Not much larger than nickel and weighing in at just a few ounces, a faucet, or tap aerator, packs a big punch when it comes to saving on water bills and saving the environment. After all, they are engineered to cut down on the flow of water while increasing water pressure.
According to the professionals at Aerator.com, maintaining or replacing your faucet aerators is an affordable and simple maintenance task that can significantly improve the longevity, efficiency, and overall performance of your kitchen and bathroom faucets. This translates into optimal water flow.
That said, what are some other important reasons why you need to invest in quality faucet aerators for your home? A recent report from The Spruce provides some crucial answers for people constructing a new home or looking to make some serious home improvements.
What is a Faucet or Tap Aerator?
The aerator attached to the end of your faucet looks like a “mesh screen disk.” It’s been designed to conserve your tap water while using the sink. Without it, the stream of water from the faucet would be far faster and free. Faucet aerators are said to be standard components on just about every kitchen and bathroom fixture. Like any other piece of equipment, they need to be maintained from time to time and, in some cases, replaced.
Professionals agree that faucet aerators require removal and cleaning every six months to prevent the buildup of small particles, hard water lead, and other bits of residue and sediment from spoiling your water. It’s possible you’ll need to replace your aerator if the water pressure becomes too low or if the stream if misdirected due to a stubborn clog.
What’s the Purpose of Faucet or Tap Aerators?
The faucet aerator is not a filter. While it does trap calcium deposits and dirt, that’s not its main job. Its primary purpose is to regulate your water pressure and to control the amount of water when the faucet is in use. If you happen to notice a mesh disk screwed onto the end of your faucet, it means you’ve been provided with a faucet aerator. On occasion you might come across a disk that contains a small hole in its center that’s said to act as a flow restrictor. This allows you to save water and therefore save money.
One interesting note is that faucet aerators first appeared in U.S. homes soon after World War Two. Back then, they were said to be considered “add-on devices” that reduced splashing and made tap water taste better by introducing oxygen into it. The genesis for the sink aerator is attributed to Elie Aghnides who is believed to have observed water bubbling from a waterfall and ruminated on why it felt and tasted so good. He found that the answer to his query was very simple: air.
So then, what are the specific benefits of faucet aerators? Wider stream of tap water. The reduction of splashing. Significant water savings. Soap is activated faster. Water tastes lighter and fresher because of added oxygen.
What Types of Faucet Aerators Can Your Find on the Market Today?
The Spruce states that you can choose from several varieties of faucet aerators. But before you go about replacing yours, you need to find out which type of faucet you have. Aerators are said to be available in three sizes: junior which is about the size of a nickel, regular which is as large as a quarter, and a mini, dime-sized screen known as the Tom Thumb.
Also, aerators are known to possess differed threads. If your faucet contains an interior thread, it’s considered a female. But if it contains an exterior thread, it’s called a male.
In the final analysis, what kind of faucet aerator do you want to invest in? You have your choice.
- The Aerated Stream: This aerator introduces air into the stream to create powerful flow that doesn’t splash. It’s the most common aerator on the market and it’s the perfect choice for your kitchen and bathroom sinks.
- The Lamniar Stream: This aerator provides a straight, powerful stream. You might find this model in hospitals and labs.
- The Multiple Laminar: You will use this variety of aerator if you need to create numerous spray patterns in your bathroom shower.
