A faucet aerator is a simple and legal way to save water. A small nozzle in the form of a mesh filter allows you to significantly reduce the intensity of the jet, thereby eliminating excessive water consumption. The device mixes water with air, making the jet softer and more even.
On what principle does a faucet aerator work and how to install it on your own? Let's consider in more detail.
The device got its name from the process that it creates. "Aeration" in Greek means "air", and the process itself is a natural saturation of water flows with air.
It is carried out by passing bubbles through the liquid.
Due to the fact that in the process of aeration, air is in close contact with water, the jet is more uniform and at the same time soft
The main purpose of the aerator nozzle on the faucet is to reduce water consumption. According to some reports, using this simple device, you can reduce water consumption by up to 50%. Without an aerator, water flows from the tap in a continuous stream.
And acting through the nozzle, saturated with air bubbles, the jet loses its elasticity, acquiring a seething appearance. The soft atomized stream of water does not splash, hitting the walls of the sink or dishes, but gently washes them.
This technology is not new. But over the decades, it has undergone a number of changes. The first models of aerators were devices in the form of metal discs equipped with holes. But despite the presence of a protective screen, such devices quickly clogged and failed.
Modern models of nozzles are equipped with perforated discs, the holes of which are much larger, and multi-stage filtration systems.
Despite the fact that modern nozzles have larger holes, they also become clogged with lime deposits that are present in tap water over time.
Modern models are designs that include three main elements:
- The case, made of plastic or metal, protects the structure from mechanical damage.
- A modular system in the form of a slotted cartridge or a disc reflector with small holes is responsible for mixing water with air and in parallel acts as a water restrictor.
- The sealing ring, made of dense rubber, ensures the sealing of the connection between the nozzle and the faucet.
The filter of the device is a set of fine-mesh nets laid in a cylindrical glass sequentially one after the other. The first two layers carry out rough water purification and at the same time set the direction of the jet, the next ones mix the water with air.
The designs of aerators from different manufacturers may vary slightly. In the simplest models, the nozzle looks like a plastic insert, in more expensive modernized devices - a multi-stage mesh filter.
The flow of water, passing through thin slots, crashes into the disk and breaks into tiny drops, which, in turn, mix with air.
The nozzle is fixed to the mixer by means of a threaded connection. On sale you can find nozzles with both an internal thread with a diameter of 22 mm, and with an external section of 24 mm. They are designed to be installed on bathtubs, washbasins and kitchen sinks.
When installing an aerator on a faucet, the consumer's task is only to determine, when buying a nozzle, which thread is provided on the mixer.
If the tap spout is not equipped with a thread, it will be possible to install the aerator only after replacing the mixer.
The main types and versions of aerators
Classic models
Faucet aerators are of two types:
- with adjustable flow - they are good because they allow you to set the required jet size;
- with unregulated flow.
The popularity rating among classic models is headed by rotary aerators. Thanks to the swivel connection, they allow you to change the angle of the outgoing stream, making the process of taking water procedures or washing dishes more comfortable.
The NRG swivel aerator is based on the WaterSense technology, thanks to which it can work in two spray / jet modes
The material for the manufacture of the aerator body can be:
- brass is the best option, which will serve properly for more than one year;
- pressed metal - a more budgetary, but durable option;
- plastic - the most affordable models, the quality of which is inferior to metal products.
A significant disadvantage of metal nozzles is their short service life. This is due to the fact that the metal is quickly destroyed under the influence of impurities contained in tap water.
Looking for an aerator that provides low water consumption? Stop your choice on the vacuum device.
Water compressed under pressure in the vacuum valve of the device forms a powerful jet at the outlet, the water flow rate of which is only 1.1 l / minute
Due to the constant mixing of air in the nozzle, there is an effect in which it seems that the pressure in the mixer remains constant. In fact, water consumption is decreasing.
Upgraded options
When arranging modern kitchens and bathrooms, many owners give key importance not only to the functionality of the elements, but also to their decorative design.
Illuminated aerators for the faucet will certainly appeal to connoisseurs of pleasant trifles: just open the tap and the water will acquire an unexpected shade
The illumination of the jet occurs automatically, you just need to open the tap. Inside the body of such a device is a microturbine equipped with an electric generator and a temperature sensor. The model is designed in such a way that the color of the backlight depends on the temperature of the water flowing from the tap:
- cool water up to 31 ° C turns green;
- warm water within 43 ° C acquires a blue tint;
- hot water over 45 °C is red.
In addition to the aesthetic function, the backlight reports the temperature of the water coming from the tap. The operating temperature of this type of device is limited to 60 degrees.
In homes where there are small children, nozzles in the form of animal figurines are especially popular.
The tip in the form of a bright animal figurine will not allow the child to get hurt on the protruding spout of the tap and turn bathing into an exciting game
Nozzles in the form of figurines of fairy-tale characters have a universal size, so they can be attached to faucets with any type of spout.
The model, created by design student Simin Ju, once again proves the assertion that a person can look at three things for an infinitely long time, one of which is a bewitching pattern of streams of flowing water.
The spiral effect occurs due to the fact that water passes between two turbines, under the action of which it is split into numerous jets
The faucet turns the flow of water into an elegant intricately twisted spiral. Numerous jets emanating from the tap twist into spirals, which, intertwining with each other, create a beautiful water lattice at the exit.
Advantages and disadvantages of an innovative device
The main advantages of the aerator include:
- Saving water consumption. In normal mode, up to 15 liters of water can flow through the tap in one minute. If you equip it with a nozzle, the flow rate can be reduced by half to 6-7 liters per minute.
- Reducing the noise level of plumbing equipment. It is noticed that the water supplied with air is less noisy.
- Improvement of water quality. During aeration, the water is saturated with oxygen. Due to this, the percentage of chlorine, which is hazardous to human health, is reduced. Water passed through the aerator washes away detergents used when bathing or washing dishes better.
The cost of a bath aerator, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from $ 2 to $ 10, so the purchase of such a device will not significantly affect the family budget.
The installation of the device can be done by hand, without involving specialists for this purpose.
If we talk about the shortcomings of the device, then it is worth noting the following points:
- The need for frequent repairs or even complete replacement of the device, subject to poor water quality in a centralized system. If the pipes in the house are old, then the aerator will have to be changed every year.
- A decrease in the volume of incoming water can affect the filling speed of containers (sinks, tubs, large pots).
Otherwise, this device has no shortcomings.
Cleaning and installation technology
The bath aerator works like a filter. If it is clogged, water simply will not pass through it. The reason for this may be the settling of rust on the pipes and the accumulation of sand present in the water.
If cleaning is necessary or if a failed device is replaced with a new one, the first step is to dismantle the aerator. On the body of the nozzle there are two faces located diametrically opposite to each other. Holding these edges between the fingers, the device must be rotated clockwise.
If rotation is difficult, use pliers or a wrench.
To prevent damage to the coating when unscrewing with pliers, wrap the outside of the aerator or the pliers themselves with a cotton napkin or electrical tape
Work should be done as carefully as possible so as not to strip the thread and not damage the surface of the product.
Structural disassembly
It is not difficult to disassemble the structure. It is only necessary to gradually remove the plastic meshes with small cells sequentially laid in a cylindrical glass.
After removing the nozzle, carefully remove the rubber gasket and assess its condition. To remove the filter cylinder, gently press on the mesh from the side of the outlet of the water jet.
The mesh filter of the water spray nozzle tends to become constantly clogged with mineral salts and fine lime deposits.
You can detach the coarse mesh filter by prying it through the slot in the side of the cylinder with a screwdriver blade. After removing the mesh filter, it is necessary to disconnect the spherical mesh from it by gently prying it with the tip of a knife.
The dismantled meshes must be cleaned of debris by rinsing with an old toothbrush.
If, after washing, small particles still remain in the cells, the grids will have to be disconnected from each other and washed separately.
You can achieve the desired result by applying a mechanical method using an ordinary needle or a wooden toothpick.
If the contamination from the mesh filter cannot be removed mechanically, place the nozzle for half an hour in a container with apple cider vinegar. An acidic environment will easily dissolve all mineral deposits.
The treatment of elements with special chemical compositions designed to care for faience sanitary equipment helps to eliminate rust deposits.
Reassembly
Having cleaned all the elements, it remains only to assemble the device and install it in its original place. When assembling the structure, it is important to observe one rule: the filter meshes are laid in layers in such a way that the wires that form the cells are located at an angle of 45 ° relative to each other.
Before installing the nozzle, do not forget to lay the rubber washer. You need to twist the device counterclockwise, without applying excessive force.
To test the operation of the device, open the water. If a leak is found from under the nozzle head, slightly tighten the structure with pliers.
Illuminated aerators are connected using the same technology as traditional models. They do not require any additional power sources, as they are equipped with a generator that generates electricity on its own.
The installation process of the aerator is clearly described in the video:
Installing an aerator significantly affects the water pressure, so you can achieve significant savings. This is especially valuable when water meters are installed in the house.
Leading manufacturers of aerators
The key to uninterrupted and long-term operation of the aerator is the high quality of the product. Among modern manufacturers that guarantee the quality of their products, we can distinguish:
- "Oras" - a Finnish company produces both individual nozzles and ready-made kits, representing faucets with built-in water spray nozzles. The cost of the device varies between 250-500 rubles.
- "Grohe" - the products of the German manufacturer fills 8% of the world market. It is of excellent quality. The service life of nozzles produced under this brand is 7-10 years. The price of products is from 350 to 1000 rubles.
- "Timo" - products manufactured under the Finnish brand, are produced using the latest technology. The company offers a five-year warranty on its products. The price of nozzles ranges from 180 to 500 rubles.
- "Jacob Delafon" - nozzles produced by the French company, which is recognized as a leader in bathroom design, can last more than 10 years. But the price of these products is higher and can reach 600 rubles.
