Faucet aerators: types, principle of operation, how to choose and install

Faucet nozzle saving water on a living example

To calculate how much water is used to wash dishes for a typical family of 4, let's take the initial reading of the water meter.

Let's say they are equal: hot water - 50.535 liters, cold water - 80.400 liters.

The water has a temperature, average, tolerable for our hands, but closer to hot because it is required to wash greasy dishes.

The set of dirty dishes includes 8 deep and shallow plates, 4 cups, 1 saucepan, frying pan, 2 salad bowls, 1 teapot, 16 cutlery including spoons, forks, small spoons, knives. In general, this is a set of dishes after dinner for a family of 4.

The duration of washing dishes was 19 minutes.

Even without constantly using a strong pressure of water, but periodically turning it off,

At the end of the wash, the water meter showed: hot water -50.556 liters, that is, 21 liters were spent.

Cold water 80.420 liters, 20 liters of water was spent.

By repeating the experience by connecting the water saver, you can see for yourself its effectiveness.

When using this device, water consumption due to aeration (saturation of water with air) decreased by 60%, and both counters with the same volume of dirty dishes counted a total of 19 liters (10 liters of hot water and 9 liters of cold).

The result, as you can see, on the face, everyone can see for himself!

An aerator nozzle for saving water is certainly a very useful and inexpensive device, the price for it ranges from 1000 to 1550 rubles.

This store is able to offer goods of really good European quality. The German development guarantees a high-quality device made of high-tech materials that are not subject to corrosion and the effects of salt water solutions that counteract the formation of limescale (water stone). And, therefore, the materials from which this device is made have antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities.

This store closely cooperates with the Czech company Tescoma, which is the largest manufacturer of plumbing and plumbing equipment. It is Tescoma that is one of the main manufacturers of aerator economizer to save water.

The water saver aerator is only part of the design program for a range of devices from the manufacturer Tescoma aimed at the service of people, designed for the economical use of water resources.

Faucet aerator cleaning

Increasingly, on the spouts of kitchen faucets and bath faucets, you can see such an interesting device as an aerator. Why is it needed? The aerator is a special nozzle that mixes water with air and thereby eliminates annoying splashes in the water jet.

Today, there are hundreds of models of various aerators in the hardware supermarkets and plumbing stores that can dramatically improve the performance of your faucet: reduce water consumption, reduce clogging, improve tactile sensations.

What is an aerator made of?

Scheme of a disassembled aerator for a faucet in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

1. Slotted aerator with plastic parts.
2. Aerator with disc and screen.
3. Crane spout.
4. Slotted disc.
5. Disc support.
6. Component for deflecting the water jet.
7. Jet splitter.
8. Aerator body.
9. Washer.
10. perforated disc.
11. brass screen.
12. The aerator body is screwed into the spout of the faucet.

This technology has been around for decades and has changed dramatically over time. Previously, the aerator was a metal disk with holes and a protective screen. Unfortunately, this design is quickly clogged.

Varieties of aerators

Photos of aerators of three different sizes and what they consist of: a metal case, a plastic module and a rubber gasket.

In the new versions, the aerator is made of plastic, and the holes are much larger. However, any aerator will clog over time, as tap water contains a lot of lime and minerals.

Popular aerators

Advanced swivel aerator NRG. Saves water thanks to WaterSense technology, has two modes of operation (jet / spray). A metal faucet mount will last much longer than a plastic one.

The high-performance vacuum aerator consumes extremely little water, providing its normal pressure. The secret is in a special "vacuum" valve that provides aeration of water, which is compressed under pressure. The result is a powerful jet with low water consumption - only 1.1 liters per minute.

Another interesting low flow adjustable aerator option that fits both the bathroom and kitchen faucets. Low water consumption, strong pressure are the characteristics of a good aerator. The rotary dial allows you to change the pressure with one finger without affecting the temperature of the water. Water consumption is 5.5 liters per minute. This is significantly inferior to the performance of a vacuum aerator, but the price is several times lower.

If there is an old metal aerator in the faucet, then you will save yourself a lot of trouble by replacing it with a new version. In the meantime, let's figure out how to clean the aerator for the mixer.

As this example clearly shows, replacing the aerator significantly affects the pressure of the water, which makes it possible to achieve significant savings.

And this is important for all homeowners with water meters.

How to clean a clogged aerator

Cleaning will not require much effort from you, except that the aerator will strongly “stick” to the threads in the faucet spout.

The easiest way to unscrew the aerator is to use pliers. In order not to scratch the chrome coating, wrap thick electrical tape around the aerator or the pliers themselves.

• Unscrew the aerator by turning it clockwise. If it is stuck, use a pipe wrench or pliers. Pre-wrap the aerator body with electrical tape or just a rag, otherwise there will be deep scratches on it (this is how I somehow did it, dunce, what can I say).
• The aerator needs to be disassembled, it's easy. Just take out one element after another.

We disassemble the aerator in the kitchen shower head.

1. Water comes out after pressing the lever.
2. valve mechanism.
3. A pen.
4. Hose.
5. Casing.
6. Perforated disc for dispersing the water jet.
7. Lid.

The plastic mesh in a conventional aerator tends to be constantly clogged with pebbles and mineral salts. They need to be cleaned regularly.

If you have an old-style aerator, use an awl or needle to get rid of small stones. In case everything is very overgrown, place the aerator in apple cider vinegar and hold it there for a while until all mineral deposits have dissolved.

The aerators in the new faucets are a lot easier, but the vinegar method also works great.

It remains to assemble the aerator and put it in place. Do not tighten it again with pliers - just screw it in by hand.

Faucet aerator cleaning How to disassemble the aerator, what does it consist of? The main types of aerators, popular European models. Video on the installation of the aerator, cleaning the clogged mesh.

How to choose?

To choose the right aerator for the site, the following factors must be considered:

* Engine power. It is clear that the more powerful the engine, the more engine life it has, it will perform significant amounts of work.

* There must be a vessel for collecting garbage, dry grass, waste. Without such a useful addition, the aerator is simply not effective.

* The machine body can be either plastic or metal. It is better, of course, to choose steel, it can last longer.

* According to the type of work, that is, the aerator will simply cut the soil or even loosen it (scarifier). The scarifier is able to tidy up too neglected lawns, therefore it is more functional. The most popular models from well-known manufacturers: Bosch, Alco, MTD, Solo, Stiga.

Installing an aerator

• the aerator must be made from materials resistant to various aggressive environments;
• it is mandatory that the device has a reliable automatic valve that prevents unpleasant odors or sewage from entering the room;
• it should also be possible to manually control the mechanism in case of emergencies.

The air valve can be installed in the pipe yourself. First you need to turn off the water throughout the riser. Then dismantle or simply cut out a part of the pipe and install the aerator there, using the instructions attached to it

In the presence of a pipe located horizontally, special attention should be paid to the direction of the flow of wastewater: it must coincide with the indicator that is provided with the mounted device

When installing an aerator on a fan pipe, as a rule, a locking cylindrical structure with a cover with a diameter of 110 mm is used. Such a lid opens only under the pressure of water, and when the pressure weakens, the spring built into the device reliably closes this lid. Therefore, drain water moving in the opposite direction is not able to penetrate the system, even if they exert a strong enough pressure on the entire structure. The main advantage of such an aerator is the possibility of its installation directly in the pipe without changing its length and integrity.

What should be considered when installing a sewer aerator?

1. The installation of an air valve in a private house or apartment is always carried out at temperatures above 0 degrees.
2. When installing an aerator, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of its maintenance and consider the placement of the device in such a way that it can be easily reached.
3. As a rule, the aerator is mounted directly into the socket of the pipe using a special sealing ring.
4. For best performance, the air valve must be vertical.
5. The distance between the highest drain of the sewer riser and the aerator must be more than 10 cm.
6. If it is necessary to install an air valve in a building with a drain (or floor grate), then it must be installed at least 35 cm from the floor level, since this is the only way to prevent feces from entering the device mechanism.

Advantages of the air valve

Pipe freezing prevention

Due to its design features, this device prevents cold air from entering the system, which is especially important in old buildings with uninsulated pipes. In addition, open ventilation ducts are less susceptible to freezing with an air valve.

Increasing fire safety

The absence of a chimney effect on the air damper significantly reduces the likelihood of fire and smoke spreading through sewer pipes during a fire. Cost minimization. The ease and speed of installation of the aerator can save a significant amount of money when equipping the ventilation system.

In which buildings can air valves be installed?

• In new houses.
• If the houses are lined up, their height is up to three floors inclusive, and the sewerage in the buildings is connected to the general network.
• In old premises where the reconstruction or repair of the sewer system is underway.
• At facilities where only one ventilation shaft leaves the main sewer pipe.

In what cases can you do without an aerator?

1. When the sewer system in the house is connected to sanitary installations.
2. Directly in the sewage disposal area.
3. In horizontally mounted systems where it is not possible to mount the air valve vertically.
4. If the houses, the height of which is more than three floors, are connected to the appropriate treatment facilities.

What is a drukspüller?

How to choose an aerator?

1. Focusing on cost and quality

Selection of aerators

The most inexpensive devices are made of plastic, it is clear that their service life is somewhat limited. A little more reliable than metal models, but corrosion in them, over time, will lead to breakage.But the most durable device is made of brass - a stable and durable material.

If you don't use the faucet very often, or if you have multiple bathrooms in your house, you can choose cheaper options. And if all family members use the same faucet in the bathroom or the daily water consumption in the kitchen is high, then it is worth buying a reliable model, albeit a little more expensive.

1. Depending on the attachment to the crane

When planning to purchase an aerator, look at the threads on your faucets. This will help you choose the right device with an internal or external mount.

1. From the presence of additional functions

Recently, you can often see ads for faucet nozzles with multi-colored backlighting. In such models, the outgoing stream of water acquires colored shades that create a stunning, unusual effect. If you are a fan of aesthetics, then you will love appliances with this feature.

How to extend the life of the device

Faucet aerator functions

To prolong the life of the device and maintain the quality of the water, you need to know how to clean the aerator. Due to the simple design, many users, even when installing this device, were able to figure out its internal structure. Placed mesh filters get clogged from time to time. Small solid particles retained from the water settle on them, and scale also accumulates. Any housewife can easily unwind the nozzle, take out the nets and clean them with a regular needle or pin.

After that, all parts should be rinsed under running water, assemble the device and install it on the faucet. Be prepared that when unscrewing and further installing the cylinder, you may need pliers or an appropriate wrench.

Regular cleaning of the aerator will really extend the life and efficiency of its operation.

When the gasket has completely deteriorated or the case is deformed, all that remains is to throw away the old device and purchase a new one. If you have used a faucet attachment before, then you will not face the problem: “How to replace the aerator?”. You do not need to call a plumber or consult a specialist. Just remove the damaged nozzle and go shopping. When choosing a novelty in a store, think about whether it is worth buying an aerator for a backlit faucet this time?

Illuminated faucet aerator

Faucet aerator with lighting

In addition to similar technical characteristics, backlit models have a number of other useful and pleasant properties. When you turn on a faucet with such a nozzle, the flow of water drives the built-in tiny turbines that light up the LED lights inside the aerator. And as a result, you get a soft stream of water with a pleasant, "magic" glow. A multi-colored flow of water will fabulously transform the intimate atmosphere of a small bathroom and add romanticism to a family dinner in the kitchen.

In addition, a backlit faucet aerator is very useful in homes where there are small children. The fact is that with the help of temperature sensors installed inside the device, depending on the temperature of the outgoing water, its color shades change.

With such a nozzle, kids will be able to immediately understand how hot “red” water is, how pleasant is “blue” and how refreshing is “green”.

Install modern aerators on your faucets, reduce water consumption and enjoy the play of color!

Published: 30.10.2014

Sewer aerator: principle of operation

With a volley discharge, when a lot of liquid is drained at a time, the pressure in the sewer increases significantly. When the liquid leaves the local branch and approaches the central riser, the vacuum in the pipeline leads to the failure of the water seals, as a result of which an unpleasant sewer odor enters the apartment.

To avoid such a nuisance, a ventilation pipe leading to the roof is mounted on the riser.

However, this method has significant drawbacks:

• the ventilation pipe may become clogged;
• there is a possibility of violation of the integrity of the roofing surface during installation;
• in old buildings, it is often not possible to use such ventilation.

Therefore, a sewer aerator is most often used. Simultaneously with the decrease in pressure, the membrane is acted upon, as a result of which the channel opens.

Air passes through it, which allows the pressure levels to stabilize. After the water leaves and the pressure stabilizes, the valve closes on its own, which prevents odors from entering the house.

What material is the most practical

For the manufacture of aerators, manufacturers use different materials that are resistant to constant contact with water. The nickel-plated or chrome-plated coating applied to the body of the device well protects the metal from corrosion. According to the material of manufacture, aerators are classified into several varieties:

• plastic models. Budget option, because the devices are inexpensive. With prolonged use, the plastic does not stick to the tap. If it is necessary to replace the aerator, it is easy to dismantle and put a new device in its place.The material does not corrode from prolonged contact with the aquatic environment. The disadvantage is that plastic products are unstable to mechanical stress, the material is exposed to the action of impurities contained in water.
• Brass and bronze fittings. Such models are more expensive than plastic, but have high strength and durability. When exposed to water, metal alloys do not rust. Products in this category are the most practical for everyday use. Brass economizers are ideal for installation in kitchens and bathrooms, and are available with adjustable water supply.
• ceramic devices. Such devices can last without replacement for 5-7 years. Impurities and lime deposits are deposited on ceramics in much smaller quantities. Ceramic aerators are not subject to corrosive processes, the natural material does not contain toxins, therefore it is environmentally friendly. In terms of strength, ceramic models are inferior to metal products; a strong blow can damage the aerator.
• Stainless steel or metal with nickel or chrome anti-corrosion coating. Steel economizers are highly durable and, when coated, can withstand constant exposure to water. The metal fixture is not “afraid” of mechanical loads, it cannot be broken and it is problematic to break it. The only drawback of such products is that the aerator can stick to the faucet spout. To remove it, you need pliers.

Some manufacturers produce faucet heads made of extruded aluminum. Devices are characterized by low mechanical strength. Already during the installation process, you can inadvertently spoil the fragile structure. It is worth refusing such products - they are short-lived.Metal products are most in demand among buyers, and a plastic aerator is suitable as an inexpensive purchase.

Brass

Metal

Plastic

This is interesting: Faucets "under gold" - selection criteria and rules of care

Installation and repair questions

Each device is supplied with instructions. It is quite possible to install an aerator with your own hands, without the involvement of craftsmen. Fix the nozzle with a thread, external or internal. The whole difficulty lies in determining which thread will fit the existing mixer. How to install the selected aerator is a matter of several key movements. Be sure to install a rubber nut to seal the connection, the key works strongly and smoothly, without any extra effort. The problem arises if there is no thread at all on the faucet spout. Then you have to change the mixer first.

When clogged, the aerator is dismantled. To do this, the nozzle is simply twisted, for which special edges are provided on the body. Do this very carefully so as not to damage the thread. The device is sequentially disassembled, removing the filter grid from the housing

If the mesh cannot be unscrewed due to lime deposits or dirt, it can be carefully pry off with a thin tip of a screwdriver or knife.

The nets are cleaned by washing with a brush, a wooden toothpick or a needle. Sometimes it is necessary to soak the aerator in an acidic environment, for example, in a solution of food vinegar. It dissolves mineral deposits. Well clean the nozzle care products for sanitary equipment.

Reassembly is also done in layers. The mesh filters are positioned so that the wires of the mesh form an angle of 45°. Before fixing, check the condition of the rubber sealing washer

This is especially important for faucets with a ceramic spout. Otherwise, the following incident will occur: the aerator cylinder fell out of the ceramic faucet

After installation, make a test run of water. If a leak appears from under the head, the washer is changed and the entire structure is additionally tightened.

Faucet Aerator Benefits

The saver has many advantages, among which the following are worth noting:

• Reducing water consumption. Choosing the right fixture for your faucet can save you up to 80 percent.
• Complete autonomy. The nozzle does not become part of the water supply system of the house or apartment. It is completely independent, easy to mount and also easy to remove.
• Versatility. The aerator is suitable for mixers of various shapes and types.
• Ease of installation. Anyone can install the device, since it does not require special knowledge in the field of plumbing.
• Legality. Using a faucet attachment that helps save money is completely legal.
  Convenience. Does not require constant switching on and off, the user may not even notice his presence.
• Availability. The price of the device is low, so everyone can afford the saver. The purchase will fully pay off in a few months, due to the saved liters.
• Comfort. The soft jet does not create strong splashes, so you can forget about wet clothes when washing dishes. It is more pleasant to use an aerated liquid, since it is much softer than a pouring homogeneous stream.
• Reducing chlorine content. The saturation of the jet in the mixer with oxygen bubbles contributes to the weathering of chlorine contained in all running water.
• Cleaning. The device detains large particles of salts, sand.
• Noise reduction.Oxygenated liquid is not as noisy when using a faucet.
  Some devices also have disinfectant functions, contributing to the destruction of pathogenic microbes. The use of the nozzle also reduces the consumption of gas, electricity for heating the liquid.

The device for saving has only one drawback - the need for regular cleaning from plaque and filtered particles. Untimely maintenance of the device can cause a significant reduction in the life of the device. This is especially true for users in homes with an outdated plumbing system. Also, if you use a faucet to fill the bath, it will take much longer to wait until it is completely filled.

Why do we need aerators

This achieves three goals:

• Firstly, bubbled water cleans surfaces (both hands and dishes) better.
• Secondly, we save water, because the volume of the jet is increased due to the free air flow (in the most modern models - up to 40% water savings).
• And, of course, the jet becomes softer, and washing is more comfortable.

You should not chase the metal meshes of the aerator, because the metal rusts faster, oxidizes and “overgrows”.

In our faucets we use the products of the world leader, the German company NEOPERL. NEOPERL aerators are used by most of the leading sanitary ware manufacturers.

Faucet aerator - device functions, how to choose by type, material of manufacture and cost

Smart people have come up with a device that saves water without reducing its flow. The aerator for the mixer (diffuser, sprayer) is not just a mesh filter, but a very convenient nozzle. Men and women who consider it unnecessary are thinking wrong.What is the device and why do knowledgeable housewives seek to purchase it?

What is an aerator in a mixer

The water divider on the faucet is a small nozzle mounted on the spout. The aerator body is made of plastic, pressed metal, ceramic or brass, inside there is a plastic module with a filter system and a rubber / silicone gasket. Without these nets, the water consumption can be 15 liters per minute, with them the figure is almost halved.

All modern faucets are equipped with diffusers. In addition to saving water, the aerator contributes to:

• improving the quality of the jet - without a sprayer, sprays fly in different directions, the pressure is too strong and sometimes difficult to regulate,
• saturation of water with oxygen and a decrease in the concentration of active chlorine,
• purification of water from large particles,
• reduce the noise level during the operation of the mixer.

Principle of operation

The meshes in the body are placed in a certain sequence. The first two direct the jet of water from the inside and act as a coarse filter. The outer grids are equipped with holes of the same or different sizes, through which air is sucked in and mixed with water. As a result, a foamy, milky jet emerges from the central hole. With good water quality, you need to change the metal nozzle every year or less (depending on the quality of the atomizer), bad water requires more frequent replacement. The diffuser needs to be cleaned every few months.

Types of aerators for mixers

The simplest faucet sprayer is a small round nozzle with metal meshes that is threaded (screwed) to the faucet spout. A standard atomizer comes with any faucet. Over time, it must be replaced by a model with a similar external or internal thread. If you want to buy an aerator for a faucet "with options", take a look at the following types.

Turning

Still such aerators are called flexible. The appearance of the device is different:

• In the form of a flexible hose that is attached to the spout of the mixer. The design regulates the strength of the water flow, provides the ability to collect water in large containers that do not melt under the spout.
• In the form of a soul. The sprayer is equipped with movable watering cans, due to which it moves within the sink. Works in two modes: jet or spray. The hostess can easily adjust the slope of the watering cans and the intensity of the water flow.

backlit

Technology does not stand still, and leading plumbing manufacturers present unusual models. Faucet aerator with LEDs colors the water jet depending on the temperature:

• up to 29°C - green,
• 30-38°С - blue,
• more than 39 ° C - red.

This is possible due to the presence of thermal sensors inside. A special nozzle for the mixer does not require additional sources of electricity, it is autonomous. The rotation of the built-in turbine feeds the LED bulbs. Maximum operating temperature: +60°С. A water aerator with backlight is convenient when there is a small child in the house - you can immediately see by the color of the stream what temperature range it is in. Also, a bright jet will interest the baby and make bathing more joyful.The device looks especially attractive in the interior of modern and high-tech style.

If you want to reduce water consumption by more than half, choose vacuum devices. In Moscow, they are found in almost every good plumbing store. The price of nozzles is noticeably higher than that of conventional models, but it quickly pays off. Buying an aerator to save water is a great solution, because the vacuum system makes the flow very low (1.1 l / min.). Models are equipped with a special valve that strongly compresses the water for a further release of a powerful jet.

Faucet aerator

Faucet aerator - device functions, how to choose by type, material of manufacture and cost Is it true that a faucet aerator can cut water consumption in half? The nozzle has important advantages, especially if it is released by a global plumbing manufacturer

No. 1. Mixer design

Bath, shower, sink or bidet faucets have a similar design. They can be two-valve, single-lever, thermostatic and non-contact or sensor. Each of them boasts its own advantages and will be indispensable in specific situations.

Two valve mixers

These are the simplest mixers, which until recently were the only possible and most popular option. They have two valves, when turned, hot or cold water flows. At the heart of such mixers is a faucet box, which passes water flows or blocks one of them. The weak point is the sealing gasket, which tends to wear out rather quickly, so it will require frequent replacement. Rubber gaskets wear out faster than ceramic locking elements, so it is better to choose the latter.Two-valve mixers, although easy to use, are not very convenient, since it is not always easy to set the required temperature and water pressure.

Despite the emergence of many new types of mixers, these are still popular, and this is not only due to their affordable cost. Often, such faucets are chosen by those who want to design their bathroom in a classic or country style, since modern single-lever models will not fit into such an interior. Such mixers are easier to install, which can be attributed to their pluses, because it will be possible to do without the involvement of specialists.

Single lever mixers

These are the most popular faucets today. They are equipped with only one handle, which can have a completely different design. It turns both from side to side, and up and down, so adjusting the pressure and temperature of the water is as simple as possible - just make one easy movement. In addition, you can also stop the flow of water very quickly by lowering the mixer down.

Such mixers can have a spherical device or work on the basis of a cartridge. The latest models are by far the most common. By the way, one of the varieties of single-lever mixers are joystick. If in single-lever mixers it is located along the spout, then in joystick mixers it is in a vertical position and resembles a lever in a car gearbox. From the point of view of functionality and convenience, there is no difference - the main difference is only in design.

Single-lever faucets are very economical, as it is quite easy to set the required water temperature. In addition, there are options with a built-in economy mode.In this case, the resistance of the lever stroke will be noticeable when switching from one mode to another.

It should be noted that such options are more difficult to install and repair, more demanding on water quality, since its increased hardness can cause breakdowns.

Another type of such mixers is cascade, the spout of which is wider and narrower. 2-3 times more water passes through it than through a regular spout, which is not very economical. They look good in large rooms and can be used as a bath or sink faucet as a stylish addition to the interior.

Thermostatic mixers

Such faucets are no longer a rarity in the plumbing market. They are very convenient in that they supply water of only one temperature, which is pre-configured by the user. With the help of a lever, you can only change the pressure, without worrying about choosing a comfortable temperature. With the help of the second lever, you can also change the temperature value, if such a need arises.

Despite the increased convenience and water savings, thermostatic mixers have some disadvantages. So, they are distinguished by a high price, and if the system cannot prepare water at a given temperature, then it will simply block the water.

Touchless faucets

These mixers are state of the art. They allow you to carry out all hygiene procedures as conveniently, quickly and comfortably as possible. The faucet is equipped with an infrared sensor that reacts to raised hands and turns on the water. When you remove your hands, the water will stop flowing. Such devices take energy either from the household electrical network or from batteries.These faucets are often seen in public places, but they are beginning to be actively used in ordinary bathrooms. Today, by the way, faucets with a touch control panel are gaining popularity, which displays all the parameters of the water flow, and with which you can control it.

Kinds

As a rule, a faucet aerator can operate in the following modes:

• with the possibility of reducing the water jet while increasing its pressure;
• swivel / adjustable: with the ability to change the flow rate;
• with the possibility of changing the angle of inclination of the water supply.

Please note: the aerator nozzle will be irrelevant in cases where you really need a standard jet, for example, when collecting water in large containers.

And for connoisseurs of aesthetics, it is recommended to purchase such a device with LED backlight, which can change the color of water, reacting to its temperature. For different domestic needs, it is recommended to combine the operation of the aerator.