Aerator for the mixer, what is it?

The continuous increase in utility prices compels consumers to find ways to save on their resource consumption. In response to this desire, manufacturers of sanitary ware and marketers are offering various innovative devices, such as an aerator.

According to manufacturers, this device claims to save up to 50% of water consumption. However, it remains to be seen whether this is indeed the case or if it’s simply another clever marketing tactic.

What is an aerator

An aerator is a specialized device resembling a miniature filter equipped with a mesh screen, which is installed on the spout of a faucet. Its primary purpose is to infuse the water with tiny air particles, thereby aerating it. This device is often referred to as a "diffuser" as it breaks down the single stream of water entering the faucet into multiple smaller streams.

This device consists of the following components:

1. Body: Typically made from thin metal, brass, bronze, or durable plastic. Metal materials are not known for their long-lasting durability as they tend to accumulate lime scale and are prone to corrosion. Therefore, experts recommend opting for devices made of brass, bronze, or polymers, which are impervious to moisture and can serve you for many years.
2. Filter. It is essential for further filtration to remove tiny particles of dirt and dust.
3. Mixer. The element features small perforations along its perimeter, which allow air particles to enter the aerator. Subsequently, the device blends air bubbles with water.
4. External mesh. This apparatus divides a single stream into numerous thin jets.
5. Sleeves and gaskets. These components ensure the tightness of all connections.

Reference. The most high-quality aerators are manufactured from brass and bronze. However, such products tend to be more expensive compared to plastic and metal devices.

Thanks to the mixer, the aerator is capable of generating various types of jets:

1. Aerated. The emitted stream is soft, voluminous, and prevents splashing.
2. Laminar. This flow is dense and powerful.

Purpose of the Device

The device’s name "aerator" bears resemblance to the Greek term "aeration," which translates to "air." This is not a mere coincidence, as the device is designed to mix air bubbles with the water flow.

This process aims to reduce water consumption without compromising the strength of the flow. In simpler terms, the faucet’s spout is equipped with a mesh nozzle that helps save money.

As per the manufacturers’ claims, it is stated that water consumption can be decreased by more than 50% with the use of this device.

Typically, around 15 liters of water flow through the faucet in one minute. The aerator helps reduce this amount by 2.5 times. This is achieved by saturating the water flow with air bubbles as it passes through the device. This creates a more voluminous jet, making it seem like the pressure reduction is negligible.

But the aerator does more than just reduce the flow rate. It also prevents splashing. The water, mixed with air bubbles, becomes foam-like, which allows it to wrap around the object being washed. So, you won’t feel like you’re lacking water volume or airflow when using a faucet with an aerator.

Another advantage is the reduction of chlorine in the water. When the jet passes through the device, the air molecules bond with the chlorine particles and remove any residual molecules.

Oxygen bubbles play a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of detergents and cleaning agents as they become more active in a gaseous environment. Furthermore, the presence of these bubbles allows for the trapping of larger particles of debris, dirt, and lime scale deposits on the filter, preventing them from entering the liquid stream.

In fact, using a mixer with an aerator not only helps conserve water, but also improves its overall quality.

There are several undeniable advantages to using this sanitary device:

• It helps reduce water consumption.
• It enhances the quality of water.
• It minimizes the noise level produced by the water jet.
• It is cost-effective.
• It is easy to install and maintain.

As experts advise, it is recommended to replace the aerator once a year. However, if the water pipes are old, it is advisable to replace the device every six months.

There are several types of sanitary aerators, which can be categorized based on their installation method and operating principle.

Depending on the type of installation

The installation method depends on the mixer design and is determined by the location of the threaded connection. It is important to consider this when purchasing the product.

Therefore, there are several types of aerators:

1. External connection: This model is attached to the inner part of the mixer using the threaded connection. This installation method is often chosen for its inconspicuousness, as the additional device is not visible on the faucet.
2. An internal connection is present in this type of device. It can be installed on the surface of the spout of the mixer. There are two main reasons to choose this model: first, if you prefer a larger-sized sanitary ware that matches the overall design of your room. Second, if you already have a mixer and the aerator is not functional, this device can be a great solution. The standout feature of this model is its noticeable appearance that cannot be disguised. However, it compensates for this with its superior performance compared to its counterpart. Additionally, it is also suitable for pipes that have high pressure, as it will last longer without the need for repairs or complete replacements.

There are two alternatives:

1. Disc. They generate thin streams of water using a disk that is covered with numerous small openings. Some models have a grid-like shape. The disk can be installed internally or externally.
2. Slotted. The device contains a special membrane in its body. When water is introduced under pressure, the membrane deflects, creating slots along its diameter. Water flows through these slots, and a gas space forms in the center of the stream, enriching it with air bubbles.