A faucet aerator is a small device that is placed at the end of a faucet to mix air with the flowing water. This simple accessory has several benefits:
Water Savings: By mixing air with the water, the amount of water coming out of the faucet is reduced without decreasing the apparent pressure of the flow. This can help reduce water consumption, which is beneficial for both the environment and water bills.
Splash Reduction: The aerator helps the water flow more uniformly and smoothly, reducing splashes when the water hits the sink or any other surface.
Better Filtration: Some aerators include filters that can trap small particles, improving the quality of the water coming out of the faucet.
Improved Water Pressure: By mixing air with the water, the flow can feel more pressurized even if the actual volume of water is lower. This can be useful in areas where water pressure is low.
How much does a water aerator save?
A water aerator can achieve significant savings in water consumption. The exact amount of savings depends on various factors, including the type of aerator, the initial water flow rate of the faucet, and the usage of the faucet in the home. However, some general estimates can be provided:
Flow Reduction: Aerators typically reduce the water flow from around 15-20 liters per minute (lpm) to approximately 5-8 lpm. This represents a flow reduction of about 50% to 75%.
Annual Savings: Estimates suggest that an average household can save up to 11,000 liters of water per year for each aerator installed. This calculation is based on typical daily use of kitchen and bathroom faucets.
Cost Savings: In addition to water savings, aerators can also reduce energy consumption since less hot water is used. This can translate into significant savings on water and energy bills. Financially, savings can vary, but some studies suggest that a household can save between 50 and 150 dollars per year on combined water and energy costs.
Environmental Impact: By reducing water consumption, the demand on water resources is also decreased, and less energy is needed to heat the water, which positively impacts the reduction of the household's carbon footprint.
How to Replace or Install an Aerator
There are several types of faucet aerators, each designed for different needs and preferences. Here are the main types of aerators:
Standard Aerators:
- Straight Flow: Emits a uniform and direct stream of water.
- Stream Flow: Mixes air with water to produce a softer and wider stream.
Low Flow Aerators:
- Designed to significantly reduce the water flow, providing substantial water savings. These typically have a flow rate of 1.5 to 5.7 liters per minute (lpm).
High Flow Aerators:
- Used in places where a higher volume of water is needed, such as in certain kitchen sinks. Their flow rate can be from 8 to 11 lpm.
Laminar Aerators:
- Produce a clear, bubble-free stream of water, ideal for medical environments or where a hygienic, splash-free water flow is required.
Spray Aerators:
- Emit water in the form of small jets or a spray, which can be useful in kitchen sinks for rinsing food and dishes.
Adjustable or Swiveling Aerators:
- Allow you to change the angle or type of water flow, offering greater flexibility and convenience in daily use.
Pressure Compensated Aerators:
- Designed to maintain a constant water flow even when water pressure varies, helping to save water without sacrificing performance.
Anti-Vandal Aerators:
- Used in public spaces, these aerators are designed to be difficult to remove or damage, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance.
Aerators with Built-in Filters:
- Some aerators include filters to improve water quality by removing impurities and enhancing taste.
Faucet aerator guide overview
Here’s a complete guide of the different sizes and how to identify the size of your aerator
| Aerator Model | Aerator Diameter |
Coin size approx EUR or USD |
|
Female (Internal threads) We refer to these as Fxx but they are sometimes also referred to as Mxx (Female) |
 |
The coin should fit just inside the aerator. |
| F16 (M16.5x1) | 15-15.5 mm | 2 cent (EUR) |
| F18 (M18.5x1) | 17-17.5 mm | 5 cent (EUR) Dime (USD) |
| F20 (M20.5x1) | 19-19.5 mm 3/4” |
20 cent (EUR) Nickel (USD)l |
| F22 (M21.5x1) Referred to as Regular in the US |
21-21.5 mm 55/64" (US size) |
50 cent (EUR) 1 Quarter coin (USD) |
| F24 (M23.5x1) | 23-23.5 mm | 2 Euro coin (EUR) |
| F26 (M25.5x1) | 25.5-26 mm | |
| F28 (M27.5x1) | 27.5-28 mm | |
| Male (external threads) |  |
The coin should reach the edges of the aerator. |
| M16 (M16.5x1) Referred to as Tom-thumb in the US |
15-15.5 mm | Smaller than a dime |
| M18 (M18.5x1) Referred to as tiny junior in the US |
17-17.5 mm | 2 cent (EUR) |
| M20 | 19.5-20 mm | 10 cent (EUR) |
| M22 Referred to as junior in the US |
21.5-22 mm | 5 cent (EUR) Nickel (USD) |
| M24 Referred to as regular in the US |
23.5-24 mm | 1 Euro (EUR) Quarter (USD) |
| M28 | 27.5-28 mm |
With the help of this guide and our adapter wizard customers can easily order an extra aerator adapter for free from TAPP Water.
How to Clean a Faucet Aerator
One you’ve detached the aerator you can easily just clean it by spraying water on it and using your fingers to get dirt out. If there’s limescale and you want it really clean then let it soak in vinegar for a while.
Signs that you need a new aerator
If your water flow is restricted to a trickle, it may be clogged with sediment. It is possible to clean a clogged aerator by soaking it in vinegar for a few hours. But because aerators are so inexpensive, it may be time to install a new aerator.
See our guide above about how to remove it but normally it’s as simple as unscrewing it, either with your fingers or by using pliers. When the aerator is off, you can either clean it in vinegar or replace the screen with a new one.
An added benefit is that your faucet will receive a new neoprene gasket. Since gaskets can begin to crack and fray over time, a new gasket also will improve the flow of water.
Now you’ve learned everything about aerators in our ultimate faucet aerator guide.
