A mixer aerator is a real way to save water
The mixer aerator is a device that effectively reduces water consumption. It is installed on kitchen taps and in the shower. Spraying the stream of water into the smallest particles, it saturates it with air and aerates it. The stream of water becomes cleaner, flows down much softer. The splashes flying in all directions and annoying many people when taking a shower disappear. Unlike an aerator, the divider is a mesh with cells made of plates, capable of catching only small pieces of dirt that accidentally got into the water supply system.
What is the principle of a mixer aerator
The aerator is designed to reduce water consumption, and also helps to rapidly weather their water chlorine, if present in the water. The jet itself will fall to the bottom of the sink more gently, thereby reducing splashing of liquid on surrounding objects. Putting the aerator on a jib tap in the kitchen makes it easier to clean large kitchen utensils, as the water flow will seriously reduce the impact force and gently rinse the cleaning agents off the surface.
The device consists of:
- enclosures (can be metal or plastic);
- filters for water purification from litter;
- a water and gas mixer (through the holes along the perimeter, air is sucked into the inside of the case);
- outer mesh;
- bushings and seals to ensure a tight connection.
Depending on the type, the aerator creates several different types of water flow:
- spray - many miniature streams;
- laminar - intense clean jet;
- aerated - spray-free volumetric jet.
Aerators are not highly reliable - they must be replaced every six months and at least, otherwise their functions will be impaired.
Aerator for a mixer: what are the pros and cons
Aerators have plenty of advantages:
- Saving water. This is the most important plus, because of which these devices are purchased. Due to the breakdown of the jet, it turns out to create a lower water pressure, which can seriously reduce the flow rate, up to 8 times.
- Less skin exposure to water. The structure of the human body is such that a stream of water saturated with oxygen has a beneficial effect on the epithelium. Moreover, the aerator acts as an additional filter, traps heavy particles of salt, rust and scale, which further reduces the mechanical effect on the skin. With worn out communications, the installation of an aerator will not be superfluous.
- Facilitated dishwashing. The air-rich jet makes dirty dishes easier to clean. Not only the procedure time is reduced, but also the water consumption is significantly reduced.
- Less noise. Small streams are much less noisy than one large stream of the same volume.
Disadvantages depend on the specific material (more on that later), but there are also a couple of "universal" ones:
- Dependence on the purity of communications. If the pipes are in poor condition, then the aerator mesh will clog up rather quickly. Failure to clean it will further reduce the water pressure and possibly damage the device.Approximately once every 1-3 months, you will need to maintain the aerator, or even replace it.
- With a low head, the savings are not obvious. Moreover, if the pressure is small, then the aerator will reduce it even more, as a result, the already imperfect stream will become unsuitable for washing dishes or other matters.
What aerators are
The simplest option is a small round spray bottle. The metal mesh is screwed into the faucet spout. This standard device now comes with all mixers available in stores. It serves for about six months, and then it must be replaced with a more complex or similar device.
Swivel mixer aerator
Swivel mixer aerators are also called flexible aerators. They have two types of functioning: spray and spray. One of their features is a swivel joint that allows you to direct the flow of water in any direction. This aerator looks like a small watering can and effectively regulates the water pressure.
There are also flexible aerators, in the form of a special elongated tube from the hose, which is attached to the spout. It can be used to draw water into large containers that are larger than the sink.
Vacuum
The vacuum aerator compresses the water under pressure, thereby saturating the water with air. This type greatly reduces the water consumption - only 1.1 liters will pass through the tap per minute. There are kinetic, automatic and combined types of vacuum aerators. They are somewhat larger than their counterparts in size, but this drawback is more than offset by their efficiency in saving water, and they can also significantly improve its taste.
Vacuum aerators are not only the most economical but also the most expensive. However, they pay off quickly enough.
Faucet aerator with lighting
Backlit aerators are not only an original option for kitchen design, with their help you can easily find out the current temperature of the water that is flowing through the tap at that time.
Typically, the following are used:
- green - safe cold water up to + 29 ° С;
- blue - already hotter water up to 30-38 ° С;
- red - hot water over 40 ° C.
This is realized thanks to internal temperature sensors that do not require connection to the mains. They work at the expense of their own turbine, which makes the device safe. At the same time, the turbine saturates the water with oxygen, which is why this method of water enrichment is called ejector.
These aerators are suitable for families with children, as they allow you to attract and retain the attention of the child if he does not want to do hygiene. Illuminated aerators are often installed on touchless touch-sensitive faucets, which allows you to immediately see the temperature of the water.
Ceramic mixer aerator
Ceramic aerators can work without replacement for up to 5-7 years. Lime and various impurities settle on the ceramic surface much weaker, and the aerator itself will not undergo corrosive processes. Since the material is natural, it is completely safe and does not contain toxins. But ceramics are inferior in strength to metal. And in the event of a strong blow, the device is guaranteed to become unusable and will require replacement. It is also worth considering the state of communications. Since one way or another, it will be necessary to periodically clean the aerator from impurities, and in the case of dismantling the device, you will need to be careful not to damage it.
Decorative
Separately, it is worth highlighting the category of decorative aerators for mixers. Their feature lies in their unique design. The most common aerators are in the form of animal figures. Bright colors and cheerful animals easily attract and retain children's attention, which allows you to calmly carry out water procedures. In addition to options for children, aerators can be spiral-shaped, or more original design solutions can be used.
With pressure compensators
Aerators with pressure compensators have appeared on the market recently and have already proved their worth. Due to the adjustable O-ring, the compensating devices prevent the increase in water flow regardless of pressure. This approach reduces water consumption by about 50%, which is comparable to the results of bottom valves on mixers.
Manufacturing material
Aerators are made from different materials. They all differ in cost, depending on strength and service life.
It is worth paying attention to the following materials:
- Plastic is a popular and convenient material. It does not stick to the valve head, has a low cost, and is easy to replace at the end of its expiration date or breakdown. Despite the fact that most people are used to perceiving plastic as a fragile material, in fact, an aerator made of it can last for several years. A serious drawback of plastic is deformation at high temperatures.
- Aluminum. The price is about the same as plastic, but since it is metal, companies and plumbers have great confidence in it. The main disadvantage of this material is that during long-term operation, especially with alternating hot and cold water, the aerator can stick to the tap head and become part of the mixer. In this case, it will be difficult to replace it. It must be changed every six months. Otherwise, the bonded aerator will become an additional center of crystallization and deposits, and reduce the throughput of the tap.
- Brass, bronze and stainless steel. They are approximately equal in their characteristics. Despite the high cost, such devices have many advantages. They do not stick to, they serve for a long time, are easy to maintain.
There is only one drawback of the bronze aerator - its price. If plastic and aluminum can cost the buyer 30-200 rubles, then a brass aerator will cost around 500-700 rubles. For this reason, mixer manufacturers do not install aerators made of these materials; they must be purchased independently.
Plastic aerators are recommended for those who do not often use a tap in the apartment, or even do not live in it at all. For the rest, it is worth paying attention to copper aerators, they are in many ways similar to brass ones and can last a very long time. Of course, their weak side is their high cost, but they can pay off quickly enough, like other aerators like them.
Sizes of aerators
In addition to the type of aerator and the material from which it is made, the thread size must also be considered. This parameter should correspond to the diameter of the spout pipe, therefore it is extremely important to select it correctly. For example: a faucet with a diameter of 18 mm will not fit a 22 mm aerator.
The diameter of the aerator can vary from 20 to 1200 mm, and the height also ranges from 14 to 1000 mm, depending on the manufacturer. The air duct diameter can be from 20 to 2200 mm. The thread size is indicated directly on the aerator with alphanumeric markings (M20, M24, M28, etc.).
The most common options are 28/26, 24/22 and 18/16 mm. It follows from this that if the valve has 28 mm, then the internal thread for it will be 26 mm, this must be taken into account when choosing an aerator.
Threaded connections are of two types:
- Outside. In this version of the connection, the aerator is connected to the internal surface of the mixer with a threaded applied. He usually chooses it because of its invisibility - few people will be able to notice that something else is attached to the mixer.
- Internal. As a rule, this option is chosen in two cases: it is necessary to install the aerator on a massive faucet, or the old device has become completely unusable and needs to be replaced. Such devices are more massive and noticeable than stand out against the background of the mixer. They cope with their tasks better. With a good pressure, such an aerator can serve for a long time. However, "long" in this case is measured in just a couple of weeks.
Which of the options to choose, you must decide for yourself. Functionality or beauty - everyone must understand for himself what he needs.
It is imperative to consider the type of thread at the tap There may be an internal or external thread, so you will need to select the appropriate aerator.
Disk or slot
Aerators are also divided into two main types:
- Disc - break the jet by means of a disc, which is broken into small holes. It is often made in the form of a grid. It can be both external and internal. The first one is quite easy to see and thus determine the type of aerator.
- Slotted - a membrane is made in the body of the device, which bends back and creates cracks when a jet of water hits it. At the same time, an empty space appears in the very center, which saturates the water with air.
In domestic conditions, disc aerators are most popular. They are much more suitable as coarse filters, save water better, and have less resistance.
Slotted aerators have gained particular popularity in Western countries. They fill the stream with oxygen faster and with better quality, but because of the resistance, the pressure is literally "killed" in most small towns and settlements. Because of what devices of this type did not receive much distribution in rural areas. They are also more expensive.
Optimal water consumption
The main points have already been sorted out, it remains only to clarify a small detail. Use common common sense when choosing an aerator. There is no need to install bronze devices throughout the house. In some places, for example, in the bathroom, plastic will look quite good, depending on the pressure, of course.
In the case of a bathroom or shower room installing an aerator can reduce usability. The recommended level of throughput for the shower is 3-5 l / min, and for the kitchen it will take up to 5 l / min. Using a swivel aerator can reduce the throughput slightly more, but with caution.
Mixer aerator from different manufacturers
How to choose a reliable aerator is not easy to decide. It is necessary to focus not only on the material, but also on the manufacturer.
Some companies have already established themselves well in the market:
- Grohe. This German brand is known all over the world. It is characterized by the highest quality products. An aerator from Grohe can serve its owner faithfully for up to 10 years. However, the cost from 350 to 1000 rubles balances all the advantages of the aerator from Germany.
- Oras. Production is carried out in Finland, Poland, Norway. According to numerous reviews, the brand's products can also boast of high quality. The range allows you to choose not only aerators, but also mixers in one set. The cost varies around 250-500 rubles. Thanks to the automation equipment and reasonable cost, Oras was able to take a leading position in the domestic market.
- Timo. Finnish brand specializing in the production of aerators from complex materials using all the achievements of modern science. Aerators can be made of both complex polymers and metal: bronze or brass. Various shapes, colors and designs are available, and a 5-year warranty card is provided.
- Jacob Delafon. Quite a well-known French brand that produces accessories and sanitary porcelain. It is distinguished by excellent quality and belongs to the premium class, which determines the high cost. However, this also guarantees the duration of operation. The average cost of an aerator is 500-700 rubles. It is worth noting that Jacob Delafon produces designer aerators, so if you want to decorate your kitchen or bathroom, this brand is a great choice.
- Neoperl. Another German firm. Their aerators are quiet and are made of high quality polymer materials.And since this is Germany, the buyer is guaranteed high quality and long service life. And the special design of the aerators allows you to rinse them under a strong stream of water instead of cleaning, which is very convenient.
It has long been clear that these are the main manufacturers of aerators in the world, which should be guided by when choosing. Russian companies were not included in the list of recommended ones, and the reason for this was a lot of reviews, according to which their products do not differ in durability or high quality.
Aerator maintenance
In order for the device to work for a long time, it is required to take care of it, to timely clean the filters from clogging.
Among the main signs of a device malfunction:
- weak pressure;
- a small amount of air bubbles;
- uneven stream;
- lack of characteristic hiss.
If several signs coincide at once, it's time to start cleaning. The instructions may differ slightly depending on the specific model and manufacturer. But by following the universal instructions below, you can easily understand the principle by which to dismantle, clean and reinstall the aerator.
So, you will need:
- Unscrew the aerator. It is done with pliers or a locksmith's wrench. In order not to damage the faucet, you can wrap the head of the aerator with a rag, this will save it from unnecessary damage.
- Turn the aerator clockwise using a key of the appropriate size (for example, let it be a key of 22). It is necessary to grab the device by the flat edges.
- After that, remove the rubber seal from the mixer, rinse it thoroughly with water and assess the condition. If the gasket shows signs of deformation or is simply worn out, it must be replaced with a new one. It cannot be treated with chemistry!
- Disassemble the aerator by pulling out filters and other "insides". Small holes can be cleaned with an awl, needle, or rinsed out under high pressure. If there are salt deposits on the filters, they must be cleaned with a special compound. Apple cider vinegar or a powerful dish detergent will do.
- After cleaning is complete, the aerator must be assembled and screwed back into the tap using pliers or a wrench. This time you need to twist counterclockwise. When tightening, do not use too much force - there is a chance to break the thread.
Now you need to check the tightness of the connections at different pressure levels, if possible. If necessary, it is necessary to tighten the aerator more strongly so that water does not seep through the cracks. After that, the cleaning procedure can be considered complete.
The principle is approximately the same for a conventional installation of a new aerator. It may be necessary to dismantle the old one, all this is described in this universal instruction. Particular care must be taken with fragile materials - they can deform from excessive force, which will make the device unsuitable for further use.
A few tips
If you can't find an aerator with a suitable thread for the tap, you can find an adapter.
There are also a few more tips to consider:
- The economizer kit includes a sealing gum. It is needed to eliminate leakage and is necessary to create a tight connection between the aerator and the mixer. If it is not included with the device, you will need to buy it separately, but without it, normal operation can be difficult;
- If you need to install an adapter from thread to thread, then you need to look for a part made of the same material as the aerator, and when using the adapter, seals must be installed on both sides of the part;
- In order not to scratch the faucet, the pliers can be wrapped with something soft, such as electrical tape, regular cloth or sealant.
When looking for a shower aerator, preference should be given to options with internal threads, they are slightly easier to install.