In this article we will talk about such an important part of the mixer as an aerator. I will try to tell you in detail about what an aerator is for a mixer, why it is needed and what types it can be. In addition, we will look at how its maintenance is performed.
What is an aerator and why is it needed
An aerator is nothing more than a tip that is screwed to the spout of the mixer and divides one continuous stream into many small ones. Outwardly, it resembles a small cap with a mesh. Inside the housing is a mesh filter, which may consist of several parts.
Many people do not pay attention to this device or do not even know about its existence.
But it performs several very important functions:
- provides rough water purification, retaining large particles of sand and other suspensions, due to the presence of a filter. If you think that this cleaning is superfluous - just unscrew the aerator and look at its contents;
- increases pressure, resulting in water savings. On average, the nozzle can save 3-4 liters per minute or even more;
- saturates water with oxygen, as a result of which it becomes softer and foamy, acquires a milky color;
- provides a directed stream of water, even if the tap is slightly open;
- reduces the noise of falling water;
- to some extent ensures the weathering of chlorine from the water.
Since the aerator is a coarse filter, it must be unscrewed and cleaned periodically.
I must say that all these qualities have a standard aerator, which, as a rule, is included with the mixer. However, recently tips have appeared that have additional functions.
Varieties of aerators
So, at present, the following types of aerators can be found on sale:
Standard
I have already talked about the functions and purpose of a standard aerator above. The only thing I note is that products that are sold separately from the mixer are usually more efficient. They especially benefit from the tips that come with cheap faucet models.
In addition, bodies and main parts of separately sold aerators are made of brass or stainless steel, as well as ceramic, which makes them more durable.
In the photo - Hihippo aerator with external thread
True, the price of such products is quite high:
As a rule, aerators have a standard diameter and thread, so there are no problems when replacing them. However, if the faucet itself is non-standard, for example, has a rectangular spout, then the usual tip, of course, will not work. In this case, you will have to look for a repair kit for a specific crane model.
Swivel
Rotary nozzles allow the mixer to work in shower mode. Moreover, thanks to the swivel, the flow of water, consisting of many small streams, can be directed in any direction you need. It is very convenient when washing dishes, vegetables and fruits.
Therefore, this aerator is usually installed on a kitchen faucet to save water.
I must say that it is very effective, as it reduces water consumption due to two of its qualities at once:
- increases water pressure, like a regular tip;
- qualitatively eliminates pollution, respectively, reduces the time spent on washing dishes or, for example, vegetables.
The cost of these products starts from 100-120 rubles.
Flexible
The flexible water aerator is designed for the same purposes as the swivel one. Its main feature is that it is suspended from the crane on a hose.
Thanks to this, it has the following advantages:
- washing dishes, food and other items becomes even more convenient;
- allows you to collect water in containers that do not fit between the spout and the sink.
As for the cost of these products, the price is similar to the tips on the ball joint.
backlit
An interesting solution is a backlit water aerator. First of all, it performs a decorative function, as the diode illuminates and colors the water jet in a certain color.
At the same time, illuminated tips, as a rule, also perform a practical function, namely, they visually signal the temperature of the water in the tap.
Most often, such nozzles can glow in three colors, which automatically switch, depending on the temperature regime of the jet:
- green light - works at temperatures up to 31 degrees;
- blue backlight - works in a temperature regime of 32-43 degrees;
- red light - turns on when the water temperature exceeds 44 degrees.
I must say that many people are interested in the safety of such devices. In fact, they are absolutely safe, and work due to the built-in magneto. Accordingly, no external power supply is required.
These aerators are installed with your own hands as simply as any others - they are simply screwed onto the thread of the spout.
Aerators - filters
Finally, consider aerator-filters, which provide not only coarse, but also fine water purification.
The principle of their work is based on the use of the following components:
- activated carbon;
- magnetic ion exchange grid.
The most expensive models can even saturate the water with microelements, as well as purify it from rotaviruses and noroviruses.
Aerators-filters are designed exclusively for cold water. If you pass hot water through such a nozzle, the filter will deteriorate.
The cost of the simplest nozzle based on a carbon filter starts from 150-170 rubles. Despite such a low price and a number of advantages, these nozzles are not widely used, so they are extremely rare on sale.
A few words about the maintenance of the aerator
So, what is an aerator in a mixer, and what types of this device exist - we figured it out. Finally, I will tell you how the maintenance of his device is performed, i.e. cleaning.
The following symptoms indicate that the handpiece needs to be cleaned:
- water pressure has become much weaker;
- the hissing sound is gone.
The instructions for cleaning the aerator are quite simple:
- First of all, you need to unscrew the body of the handpiece. To do this, it usually has two faces on opposite sides.
Unscrew the aerator carefully - in order not to scratch the body and not damage the chrome coating, put a napkin under the key. You can also wrap it with electrical tape, as shown in the photo above; - after dismantling the housing, the rubber gasket should fall out of the tap. If a
- this did not happen, you need to pull it out yourself;
- then you need to pull out the mesh filter from the housing and rinse it under running water. If particles of sand or rust are stuck in it, they must be removed using a needle or awl;
- then rinse the aerator mesh;
- now put the strainer in the housing, then place the rubber gasket on top, and install the aerator on the faucet.
If there are strong salt deposits on the surface of the aerator parts, they must be cleaned chemically. To do this, leave the parts in a container with apple cider vinegar or detergent until the plaque is completely dissolved.
Conclusion
From the article, you learned that a faucet aerator helps to significantly reduce water consumption. It can also perform some additional functions, which I described above. I recommend watching the video in this article in order to visually familiarize yourself with the process of dismantling and cleaning the aerator. If you still have any questions regarding this device, ask them in the comments, and I will be happy to answer you.
