A water aerator is a small device consisting of a body, atomizer and a filter element. The equipment is installed on a water tap using the threads available on the mixer and aerator, and a rubber gasket that allows you to make a joint.
How the device works
Water aerator nozzle consists of:
The principle of operation of the aerator is quite simple and is as follows:
- air enters into small holes located on the inside of the device;
- when turned on, water mixes with air, which gives the jet certain qualities;
- restrictor ring reduces consumption.
The device and the principle of operation are presented in the video.
Scope of the aerator
Water aerators on the faucet achieve the following functions:
- water softening. When the liquid is mixed with air molecules, the water is supersaturated with oxygen, which helps to reduce chlorine, soften the flow and reduce spatter;
- saving water. Due to the meshes and interaction with air, the water jet increases, even with a small consumption of liquid. Consequently, the amount of payment for water is also reduced;
- the built-in filter helps to clean the incoming liquid from small impurities, which improves water quality.
Aerators can be installed on any faucets located in the kitchen or bathroom. It has been proven that continuous use of the device reduces water consumption by approximately 1/3.
Equipment selection criteria
The nozzle on the faucet - aerator for water - is selected according to the following criteria:
- type of device that will be convenient to use;
- the material used to make the aerator;
- price.
Varieties of aerators
In plumbing stores you can buy:
- vacuum aerator. Due to the pressure generated inside the device, water is mixed with air in the shortest possible time, which allows achieving maximum savings;
- rotary aerator. Unlike a vacuum device, a rotary or adjustable aerator is capable of operating in two modes. The first mode allows you to achieve a smooth jet of water, and the second - the maximum branching. In addition, the device is equipped with a floating head, which determines the possibility of turning the liquid jet in the desired direction;
- aerator equipped with lighting. As the temperature of the outgoing water increases, the color of the liquid changes. Such a device helps to determine the temperature without a thermometer and can be useful, for example, for families with small children.
All types of devices equally cope with their functions. The choice should be based on additional options.
Water-saving aerators are also divided according to the following criteria:
- diameter. For a water tap, it is recommended to purchase a device that is fully sized;
- thread placement. Aerators can be equipped with internal or external threads. Devices with an internal thread are installed on the surface of the tap spout, and with an external thread - inside the tap. The selection of the device should be based on the type of thread available on the tap.
To switch from one type of thread to another, special adapters can be used, but it should be noted that when using an adapter, the length of the aerator will increase.
Manufacturing materials
Modern aerators can be made from the following:
- plastic;
- steel (most often chrome or stainless steel is used);
- non-ferrous metals such as copper or bronze;
- ceramics.
The most short-lived are devices made of steel and plastic. They need to be cleaned once every 3-4 months and replaced after 1-3 years of use. Devices made of non-ferrous metals and ceramics can last up to 7-10 years. The frequency of their cleaning is 1 time in 12 months.
The cost of additional equipment for mixers
When choosing a water aerator, cleaning, service life and additional features are usually highly dependent on the manufacturing company. The market presents products in different price categories, so each consumer will be able to choose a device at the best cost. Consider the most popular brands:
Aerators manufactured by Russian and Chinese companies can be purchased at a price of 30 - 50 rubles (0.4-0.7 $) per 1 piece. However, the durability of such devices is not guaranteed.
It is required to select an aerator nozzle according to various factors presented in the article. Any person can independently cope with this task, knowing the necessary dimensions and initial knowledge.
