Faucet Aerators and Flow Reducers Help You Save Water

If ever you observed a water faucet closely, you would have noticed a small round disc fitted at its end. That’s called a faucet aerator and forms a part of all modern faucets. It mixes the water coming out from the faucet with air and gives a steady even stream. It increases the pressure of out coming water and deceptively reduces the flow rate of water. On removing this small component, the water comes out rather awkwardly and the stream is not centered, thus causing a lot of splashing in the basin. Flow reducers also perform a similar function like aerators but may not necessarily mix air into the stream. Some flow reducers can deliver a firm stream of water without increasing water pressure as in the case of aerators.

As aerators and flow reducers form the lat component thru which water comes out, they control the flow rate of water coming out. In kitchen one need a higher flow rate to speedily fill up the pots and sinks for washing purposes. But in case of bathroom sink, having a high flow rate results to wasting water. That’s because we tend to leave the faucet on while brushing or having a shave. People who are habitual to using faucets that way are unable to break that habit. For that purpose, it is recommended to have low flow reducers on all faucets in the bathroom. It helps considerable annual saving of water and the resultant expense.

Specialists of green building designs usually recommend a maximum flow rate of 1.5 gpm on all lavatory faucets. Having a good aerator or flow reducer successfully provides enough water for daily uses at the sink. Aerators and reducers with a capacity of 1.0 gpm flow rate are also available for still greater saving. It doesn’t really take long to replace an old aerator.

When replacing a faucet aerator you unscrew the old aerator by hand or using channel-type pliers if so required. Aerators normally screw into the faucet in clockwise direction, but as you stand above the fixture, the motion of your hand is really anti-clockwise. Next, you clean the faucet threads and screw the new aerator or flow reducer into the slot and tighten it with hand. Turn the water on and check for leakage. If needed, cautiously tighten the aerator with the help of pliers.