Saving water for many of us today is not just a tribute to fashion, but rather a necessity. And the aerator for the mixer helps to facilitate the solution of the task - a functional nozzle that helps to disperse and maintain the intensity of the jet. On what principle the device works and what nuances to take into account when choosing and installing it, we will consider in more detail.
The main purpose of the device is water saving. A conventional faucet is not always able to cope with the pressure of the jet, the flow rate of which can reach 15 liters per minute.
It takes time to adjust it manually, and with it flows of water run away, for which you have to pay rather big sums.
Built-in mesh nozzles help fill water jets with tiny air droplets and keep small insoluble particles present in tap water
The principle of operation of the aerator for the mixer is that the water passing through the nozzle is mixed with oxygen, due to which it forms a soft foam jet at the outlet. At the same time, the flow rate remains unchanged, and the water consumption is reduced by almost half. In addition, the natural barrier helps to trap small particles of debris.
The design of the nozzle, which looks like a hard filter, consists of three main elements:
- The base is a cylindrical module in the form of a metal ring.
- Gasket - a rubber or silicone ring for a tight connection.
- Mesh filters - several layers of simple dividers with rectangular mesh holes or complex "tunnel" systems.
The material for the manufacture of the nozzle body of budget models can be plastic or metal. Plastic elements are famous for their high resistance to temperature changes. They are inexpensive, but will last a short time.
An economical device allows you to reduce the volume of water passing through the mixer by a factor of two, while its pressure even increases due to the specific design of the filters.
Metal cases are known for their aesthetic appearance, but they are more vulnerable to mechanical damage. In addition, they are susceptible to corrosion, often oxidize and stick to mixers, as a result of which it is difficult to dismantle them for replacement or periodic cleaning. In more expensive models made of non-ferrous metals, a worthy compensation for high cost is ease of use and long service life.
Devices for reducing water consumption, related to the high price segment, are made of ceramics and non-ferrous metals such as brass or bronze
Mesh filters can be made of ceramic, polymer composition or non-ferrous metal. The first two filters of the multilayer design are responsible for retaining large fragments and give direction to the jet, and the subsequent ones provide excess air in the water flow.
Advantages and disadvantages of the nozzle
In addition to the main advantage of the device - to reduce water consumption, and as a result - to save money on paying for it, it also has a lot of "pluses". The main ones among them are:
- saturates water with oxygen and contributes to the weathering of chlorine;
- built-in filter system provides water filtration;
- helps to reduce the noise level of the water flow by mixing it with air;
- It has a simple design, the installation of which can be performed by anyone with only basic repair skills.
The presence of membranes in the nozzle allows for the purification of water from chlorine. Thanks to this, it can be used for cooking without defending first. As many housewives note, the aerator is effective for thoroughly washing off detergents from kitchen utensils or dishes, that is, it allows you not to spend large volumes of water on it.
Universal nozzle is compatible with most modern faucets for kitchen sinks and washbasins
There are only two drawbacks to the aerator. So when using it, the process of collecting water in a container takes a little longer. With a low quality of water, which contains mechanical impurities and a fine suspension, there is a high risk of rapid clogging of the nozzle. In this case, there is a need for frequent cleaning or even replacement of the device.
Criteria for a competent choice
Nozzle designs from different manufacturers may vary slightly. The simplest budget models look like a plastic insert, more modern devices are equipped with a multi-stage filter.
Main parameters of aerators
On sale there are stationary models with unregulated flow and those in which it is convenient to change the flow intensity using a rotary or clamping mechanism.
The device provides tap water supply in two modes convenient for different purposes. A simple adjustment allows you to increase the jet pressure or increase the flow distribution area
In adjustable models, the first mode, which forms a single stream, is convenient to use when filling containers, and the second in the form of a shower - for taking water procedures.
Nozzles that allow you to change the angle of inclination of the water supply are also very popular. They help to make the process of washing dishes or taking water procedures as comfortable as possible.
If you want to save water consumption more than twice, you should choose vacuum models. They are equipped with a valve, the main purpose of which is to create a strong compression of the water for further ejection of a powerful jet. At the exit from such nozzles, a jet is obtained with a water consumption in the region of only 1.1 l / min.
When choosing an aerator, key attention is paid to three parameters:
- Device thread dimension. It must correspond to the diameter of the faucet spout on which the nozzle is mounted.
- Fixation method. On sale there are devices with both an internal thread D 22 mm and an external section of 24 mm.
- Availability of additional functions, for example, temperature sensors and LEDs.
If the size of the selected nozzle does not match the diameter of the faucet, the easiest way to solve the problem is to install an adapter, which can always be purchased from the plumbing department. The main thing is to choose a device from the same material as the aerator.
If the mixer spout has an external thread, then it is necessary to purchase a nozzle with an internal thread for it.
When choosing products, experts advise giving preference to models supplemented with a silicone coating. Lime is not deposited on such nozzles. You can clean the tip with just one touch of your finger.
List of additional options
For connoisseurs of aesthetics, manufacturers offer faucet aerators with bright informative backlighting, which, depending on the temperature of the water, can color the spray jet in different colors. The backlight turns on automatically when the tap is opened, depending on the temperature of the water, it colors the jet in green, blue or red.
Inside the body of such nozzles, a microturbine is built in, equipped with an electric generator and a temperature sensor. These devices operate due to the rotation of autonomous miniature turbines with their own generator, and therefore do not require the presence of additional power sources.
Such a multi-colored stream can transform the intimate atmosphere of the bathroom and give a little romantic touch to a family dinner in the kitchen.
A certain shade of the jet is given by a system of diodes built into the body. The operating temperature of the device is limited to +60°C. Illuminated aerators are often chosen when arranging bathrooms in homes where there are small children, since the skin of babies in the first months of life is very sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Nozzles in the form of animal figurines can turn an ordinary water procedure into an exciting fun
Color shades help mothers and their little fidgets to determine the most comfortable temperature without a thermometer during water procedures, thereby ensuring safe bathing. A vivid example of the fact that an ordinary jet can be turned into a bewitching dynamic picture is the invention of a design student Simin Kwiu.
A bizarre twisted spiral is formed under the action of microturbines built into the device
Two micro-turbines are built into the body of this aerator, which split the flow of water passing through them into numerous swirling jets. The thinnest jets, like braids, intertwining with each other, form a beautiful water lattice at the exit.
Overview of leading manufacturers
The key to the reliability of the operation of the device and its long service life are the high quality characteristics of the aerator. Therefore, when choosing a nozzle, you should focus on trusted manufacturers that guarantee the quality of the products created.
- "grohe" is a German company that produces sanitary fittings, as well as faucets and accessories, which are distinguished by their original design and high performance parameters.
- Oras is another leader with production facilities located in Finland, Norway and Poland. The use of innovative approaches allows the company to create easy-to-use faucets and sanitary ware equipped with automatic equipment.
- Timo- The Finnish manufacturer uses only modern technologies when creating sanitary ware, creating nozzles from high-quality materials of different shapes and colors. It provides a 5-year warranty for its products.
- "Jacob Delafon"- a French company whose motto sounds like "to give style and comfort", specializes in the production of faucets and sanitary ware, is famous for creating exquisite collections of luxury equipment.
The cost of aerators of the brands listed above, depending on the design features, varies between $ 2-10.
The price of the device depends on the materials used in its manufacture, the percentage of water savings and the availability of additional functions.
Standard nozzles will cost between $ 2-5, models with rotary and clamping mechanisms - up to $ 5-7. Modified aerators equipped with LEDs and temperature sensors will cost about $3.5-10.
Among the lesser-known brands, it is also worth highlighting Bossini (Italy), Tescoma (Czech Republic), Ango (China). The products of these companies, although they cost a little cheaper, are practically not inferior in quality to the "promoted" brands.
Nozzle installation sequence
There are no special difficulties in attaching the nozzle to the tap. The device is screwed by hand without the use of tools. Installation of the aerator begins with the installation of a gasket that comes with the device.
If a threaded adapter is used during installation, make sure that there are gaskets in both connections
To tighten the threaded connection, use pliers. The main thing when working with a tool is not to damage the outer surface of the plumbing equipment. The easiest way to prevent this is to first insulate the tool with construction tape, or simply wrap the surface with a piece of cloth.
When tightening the threads, it is important not to overdo it so as not to damage the body of the aerator or faucet
Installing the device on the shower is carried out in a similar way and in the same sequence.
Maintenance and repair of the device
In order for the nozzle to perform the task assigned to it, it must be kept clean. To do this, the filter meshes of the device will have to be cleaned periodically.
The fact that it's time to clean the nozzle will be indicated by a decrease in water pressure or the elimination of the hiss of the outgoing jet
Procedure for dismantling the device:
- Using pliers or a locksmith wrench, unscrew the threaded connection of the nozzle. To grip the tool on the body, there are two diametrically located notches.
- The gasket is removed from the dismantled nozzle and the degree of its wear is checked. To remove the filter cylinder, gently press on the mesh from the side where the water jet comes out. If the integrity of the sealing ring is broken, or the rubber has lost its elasticity, the gasket will have to be replaced with a new one.
- Remove all mesh filters from the nozzle and clean them mechanically using a toothbrush, awl or needle, as well as by rinsing under running water. To disconnect the mesh filter, you need to pry it with a screwdriver blade through the slot in the side of the case. It is easiest to detach the spherical grating by prying it with a knitting needle or the sharp tip of a knife.
- After cleaning is completed, the structure is assembled in the reverse order, not forgetting to place the seals. The aerator body is twisted counterclockwise without applying excessive force.
- To check the correct installation, open the tap with water. If a leak is detected, the aerator is tightened a little more with pliers.
When assembling a cleaned appliance, it is important to ensure that all parts fit snugly together. In the future, to clean the surface of the aerator, it is enough to wipe it from time to time with a damp cloth and, once every six months, disassemble and rinse the elements under running water.
To extend the life of the device, it is advisable to clean the filter every 6-9 months
If salt and lime deposits on the mesh filter cannot be removed mechanically, use a chemical method. With the elimination of mud and lime deposits, an vinegar solution or household “chemistry” designed to care for plumbing equipment does an excellent job.
To achieve the desired effect, the filters are placed in a container with a solution for 30-45 minutes and left until the layers are “corroded” or peeled off. After that, the grids are thoroughly washed with clean water and laid in layers in the module, not forgetting to maintain a rotation angle of 45 ° relative to the direction of the faces of the cells of the previous layer.
Acidic environment easily cracks down on any mineral deposits on the strainers of the device
To extend the life of the device, try not to use it at maximum flow power. This will slow down the wear process of the elements and prevent breakage.
Video: aerator installation and maintenance
Video guide for installing the nozzle:
How to properly clean your device:
There is nothing complicated in installing an aerator on a mixer and using it in everyday life. The main thing is to adhere to the installation technology and regularly service the device. With a good plumbing system and quality care, the device will last much longer.
