A faucet aerator is a compact device that is installed on a water faucet. Various types of equipment allow you to choose the most optimal device for each consumer.
The device and functions of the aerator
The faucet aerator consists of:
The aerator is installed on the tap using a threaded connection and serves several purposes:
- coordination of water pressure. The device helps to eliminate splashing, provides comfort when washing hands, body, dishes and so on;
- saturation of water with oxygen atoms. Water passed through the aerator becomes softer, which is beneficial for human skin. It better washes away soap and chemicals that are used by the consumer;
- significantly reduces the amount of chlorine in water, since when mixed with oxygen, the degree of weathering of this element increases;
- reduces the noise emitted by the liquid jet;
- contributes to the retention of solid particles contained in the incoming liquid.
The aerator also helps save water. That is why the device is very popular among consumers. Experts have proven that the use of aerators on faucets in the bathroom and kitchen helps to reduce water costs by 2-3 times.
Choosing an aerator
A faucet aerator should be selected based on the following factors:
- device type;
- material used for manufacturing;
- manufacturer and cost of the device.
Types of aerators
The water aerator on the mixer can be:
- vacuum. The water pressure is compressed. Due to this phenomenon, the liquid is rapidly saturated with oxygen. Vacuum aerators are most suitable for saving water;
- swivel (adjustable). The rotary aerator allows you to change the strength and angle of inclination of the outgoing pressure, to choose the mode of water inflow. Two modes are available for adjustable aerators: single jet and spray jet;
- illuminated aerators. Depending on the increase in the temperature of the outgoing liquid, the color of the water will change in the sequence blue - green - red. The device does not require an electrical connection. The color change occurs due to the rotation of the built-in turbine.
From the point of view of saving water, a vacuum device is considered the most suitable. In terms of ease of use, the rotary aerator is the best. An aerator equipped with a backlight belongs to the category of secondary gadgets and serves only for beauty.
All aerators are also subdivided according to the second feature - the thread used to mount the device. Equipment may have:
- internal thread;
- external thread.
To select a device, you need to determine which thread is provided on the mixer, which will be installed. If the tap spout is not equipped with a thread, then the mixer itself will need to be replaced to use the device.
Materials for manufacturing
The aerator for the mixer spout can be made:
- stainless steel or chrome plated. The devices are low cost and aesthetically pleasing. These qualities determine the widespread use of metal aerators. The main disadvantage is a short service life, since the metal is quickly destroyed under the influence of water and the impurities contained in it;
- from non-ferrous metals (bronze, brass). Products are of higher quality, last longer, but are more expensive;
- from plastic. A flexible aerator has a longer service life than a metal device. The cost of plastic devices is small, and the model range is quite diverse;
- from ceramics. The highest quality and durable devices. The only drawback is the high cost. It should be noted that only the internal elements of the device are made of ceramics, and the aerator body, as a rule, is made of various metals.
Device manufacturers
It is important to choose an aerator whose manufacturer guarantees the quality of the products. Modern companies include:
- Oras (Finland). The company produces aerators of various types and from various materials. You can also purchase a ready-made kit - a washbasin faucet with an aerator. The cost of devices, depending on the type and material, varies between 250-450 rubles ($ 3-6);
- Grohe (Germany). Each product manufactured by the company is tested under strict conditions before being released into circulation, which allows the organization to produce exceptionally high-quality goods. The average service life of aerators from Grohe is 7-10 years, and the price category is in the range of 350-1000 rubles ($5-15);
- Timo (Finland). The company offers a 5-year warranty on manufactured products. Aerators are available in different shapes and colors using quality materials. The minimum cost of the device is 180 rubles ($2.5), and the maximum varies from 400 to 500 rubles ($6-7);
- Jacob Delafon (France). The cost of aerators exceeds 600 rubles ($8). However, for such an amount you can buy a quality device that can last more than 10 years.
Aerators produced by Russian manufacturers, according to consumer reviews, do not differ in duration of use and high quality, and therefore are not represented in the list of reliable companies.
An overview of the device and installation technique is presented in the video.
you can determine the need for an aerator, as well as select and install the device yourself, based on the simple rules and tips presented in the article.
