Of all the water efficient fixtures you can install in your home, faucet aerators are one of the cheapest and easiest to install. So what is a faucet aerator and how does it help you save water at home?
What is a faucet aerator?
A faucet aerator is a plumbing device that is attached to the tip of a faucet. Its job is to restrict the amount of water that flows out of your faucet while maintaining the same perceptible flow rate. Even though a faucet aerator is inexpensive, it is one of the most effective tools for conserving water at home.
How does a faucet aerator work?
A faucet aerator uses a mesh screen to divide the water that’s flowing out of your faucet into a number of different streams. By doing this, the water is mixed with air, allowing for a more consistent flow. Even though an aerator restricts the amount of water that’s able to flow through the faucet, the air allows the water to maintain the same pressure.
What are the benefits of installing a faucet aerator?
- Saves water. A faucet aerator can greatly reduce the amount of water you use in your home. The amount of water you can save depends on the type of aerator you install, but aerators are available that restrict faucet flow-rate to below 1 gallon per minute (gpm).
- Filters out debris. The screen in the aerator is able to trap small debris that would otherwise have made it out of your faucet. Although aerators can get clogged with debris, calcium and limescale, you can easily remove and clean them.
- Prevents splashing. Without an aerator, water would come out in one big stream and splash all over the place. By dividing the water into streams and slowing down the flow rate, an aerator is able to reduce splashing out of the faucet.
If you have any questions about what a faucet aerator is, or if you’d like a plumbing fixture serviced or installed in your home, contact Cabrillo, your San Francisco plumbing, heating and cooling company. We service the San Francisco area and surrounding cities like Burlingame, Orinda, Lafayette and Daly City.