Master class: do-it-yourself quick cleaning of the aerator in the mixer. Aerator for a mixer - device functions, how to choose by type, material of manufacture and cost Replacing an aerator on a mixer: personal experience

The aerator is a device small sizes, presented in the form of a strainer, which is installed on the spout of the mixer. It is designed to mix air and water, and therefore to limit and reduce the flow rate. The device allows you to retain small particles of sand, as well as salt deposits. However, its functional purpose should not be confused with the role of a filter, the absence of which reduces not only the life of the aerator, but also the mixer as a whole.

Aerator functions

The principle of operation of the aerator is as follows: through small holes located along the perimeter of the installation, air enters the mixer, where it is further mixed with water, and as a result, foamed water enriched with small air bubbles comes out of the device.

Let us consider in more detail the functions and role of the aerator in the mixer.

Normalizes the flow of water.
Contributes to the rapid weathering of chlorine compounds, as a result this process water quality increases.
Improves cleaning of surfaces due to the presence of bubbles in the water flow.
Reduces water consumption due to the increase in jet volume as a result of aeration.
Clears liquid from sand, salts, large particles.

The advantages of the nozzle are: aerated water noise reduction, low cost of the product - from 2 to 8 dollars, ease of installation, as well as maintenance and water savings.

Watch the video on how you can save water with an aerator

The disadvantage of the product is the insignificant service life of the mesh filter, which, as a rule, does not exceed 1-2 years.

Thus, the use of an aerator allows you to reduce water consumption and increase its quality. In order for the nozzle to fully perform the above functions, it is necessary to monitor its condition and clean it in a timely manner, as well as replace the part if necessary.

Types of aerator

Currently, aerators do not differ in a wide variety of types and shapes, however, the design of any of them consists of a body, a gasket and a module with a filter system.

In the cylindrical module, manufacturers place meshes with cells, while the first ones are directed into a stream of water for the purpose of purification, the purpose of the rest is the process of mixing water and air.

Consider the main types of aerators, depending on the material of manufacture of the case.

Metal. Nozzles made of such material are the most common and inexpensive. Among the disadvantages of the product, one can single out: the rapid destruction of the structure due to the easy susceptibility of the material to corrosion, as a result of the constant influence of water on the product.
Polymer. They are of good quality, have low cost, withstand constant exposure to water well, do not rust.
Ceramic or from non-ferrous metals (brass, bronze). They are the most expensive devices, but they have extended term services regarding metal and polymer aerators.

For the manufacture of an inexpensive and high-quality device, manufacturers often use stainless steel as an alternative material, which has high technological characteristics, like brass. This budget option is well suited for people who value quality and have an average income level.

Depending on the design and additional functional equipment, aerators are:

vacuum - equipped with a special vacuum valve that compresses water under pressure, creating an aerated stream;
adjustable - the design of this product allows you to adjust the strength of the water flow, as well as set the required mode of operation: "jet" or "spray";
backlit aerators, equipped with LEDs and thermal sensors, which, depending on the temperature of the water, color its flow in the appropriate color: cool water up to 29 ° C - green, warm water from 30 to 38 ° C - blue, and above 39 ° C - in red.

The product does not require additional equipment of the crane with electrical power sources, as it functions due to the rotation of its own turbine.

A backlit aerator is an indispensable attribute of plumbing equipment at home where children are, since such color shades help the child to orientate with the temperature of the outgoing jet, to distinguish between the concepts of “cold”, “hot” depending on its color.

Maintenance and cleaning of the aerator

If during the use of this nozzle the water pressure has decreased, the condition of the aerator should be checked. As a rule, the cause of such a negative phenomenon is the clogging of the filter mesh. In this case, it is enough to clean the product, but if it is very clogged and there are defects on its surface, it is necessary to purchase a new faucet aerator.

Consider the procedure for cleaning the part.

Remove the aerator using a locksmith wrench or pliers. To do this, grab it with a key and turn it clockwise.

To exclude the possibility of scratches on the crane cover during dismantling, you should first wrap the head of the product with electrical tape.

Pull out and evaluate the condition of the rubber gasket. Next, you need to remove the mesh filter from the cylinder and rinse it under running water, and also thoroughly clean the device using a needle or a thin awl.

In the case of strong indelible pollution, the aerator is chemically cleaned. To do this, the strainer is placed in apple cider vinegar and kept until the deposits are completely dissolved.

Assemble and install the aerator in its original position. After that, you should check the correct installation of the part. Namely, open the water and check the connections for leaks, if a leak is detected, it is necessary to tighten the aerator with pliers.

If the above manipulations to clean the aerator did not bring the desired result, it is replaced. To do this, unscrew the old device using wrench, then install a new one in its place. Such a process will not take more than 20 minutes, while a properly equipped faucet will reduce water consumption by 15%, thereby reducing the family budget.

Also watch the video on how to clean the aerator

Evgeny Sedov

When hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

Smart people came up with a device that allows you to save water and not reduce 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 body of the aerator 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.

Functions

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 nets 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 mesh, which is attached to the faucet spout with a thread (screwed). A standard atomizer comes with any faucet. Over time, it must be replaced with 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°C - 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 led light bulbs. Maximum operating temperature: +60°С. Illuminated water aerator is convenient when the house has Small child- by the color of the stream, you can immediately see in which temperature range it is. 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.

Vacuum

If you want to reduce your water consumption by more than half, choose vacuum devices. In Moscow, they are found in almost every good store plumbing. The price of nozzles is noticeably higher than that of conventional models, but it quickly pays off. Buy an aerator to save water - perfect solution, after all 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

Online stores sell the most different models: cheap plastic and expensive premium brass/ceramic. You can also buy an aerator for a mixer online, you just need to choose the right thread diameter. From the photo, you will determine whether the product will suit you outwardly or not, and by the characteristics, evaluate the capabilities of the aerator. If everything suits you, you can order the goods. The cost of a sprayer will most likely be lower than in real stores, however, mail-order shipping often exceeds the price of the product itself.

Timo Cobra SV-10

Timo has been producing sanitary products for many years. The goods are developed and made in Finland, differ in high quality. The Cobra SV-10 model is popular among users. Features of this faucet aerator:

Price: 481-990 r.
Characteristics: two modes of operation - jet and watering can, brass material, chrome color. Rigid hose, connection diameter 1/2". Designed for faucets with external thread. Guarantee 5 years.
Pros: simple installation, easy operation, excellent quality, several operating modes. If you get on a promotion or sale, you can buy goods relatively cheaply.
Cons: not found.

Kaiser-M16

Faucet aerator nozzle German manufacturer as simple as possible, but high quality. Filter meshes do their job perfectly - they trap large impurities and mix water with air. The product is often found on sale, it is not scarce. Features of the Kaiser M16 model:

Price: 46-59 p.
Characteristics: small aerator made of brass, plated with chrome. Female thread, 3/8". Suitable for Kaiser 11055/50 faucets.
Pros: laconic design, good quality, low cost.
Cons: the aerator is designed for only two mixers, the meshes clog quickly.

Remer M28

The Italian holding has been producing high quality goods since 1965. Consumers fell in love with Remer sanitary ware due to its optimal prices and comfortable operation. The presented aerator is not designed for a kitchen faucet, but for a bathtub. Description of the device Remer M28 (model 84):

Price: 239-277 rubles.
Characteristics: the body of the nozzle is made of chrome-plated brass, the mesh material is stainless steel. The inner part is represented by heavy-duty innovative plastic. External thread M28.
Pros: simple design, reliable aeration system, durable housing and high-quality internal filling, saves up to 15% of water consumption.
Cons: not found.

How to choose a faucet aerator

The most important thing is not to make a mistake with the diameter of the product and the method of fastening. There are models with internal and external threads. The first have a diameter of 22 mm, the second - 24 mm. If you have an exclusive faucet, choose an aerator specifically for it (for example, for a rectangular or figured spout). Leading manufacturers produce aerators suitable for specific models. It happens that the mixer is not equipped with a thread, then it is necessary to replace it.

A significant role in the choice is played by the material of manufacture. Aerators are made from the following raw materials:

Chrome-plated, stainless steel. The metal case is cheap, but it quickly breaks down under the influence of water and impurities.
Plastic. Aerators are optimal in terms of performance and price. However, they are not very aesthetic, they are not prescribed for every interior.
Non-ferrous metals (brass, bronze). Expensive, but the best for faucets.
Ceramics. Durable and high quality, the most expensive. The internal parts of the aerator are made of ceramics, and the body is made of non-ferrous metals.

The quality of this device directly affects its performance characteristics and service life. Highly good companies for the production of aerators, mixers and plumbing in general: Oras, Timo (Finland), Grohe (Germany), Jacob Delafon (France). The average cost of products is 6-8 dollars, however, the service life is long - 7-10 years. The diffusers of these companies deserve the most best reviews consumers.

Faucet aerator is small device in the form of a strainer, fixed on the spout of the mixer and for mixing water with air and limiting the flow without a noticeable reduction in its intensity for the consumer.

Many owners, misunderstanding the purpose of this device, dismantle it, considering this device to be an analogue of a coarse filter and motivating it by the presence of a good one or by the fact that it limits the passage of water, while it is already underestimated. However, the aerator in the mixer, although it retains sand and salt particles, is not a filter, and removing it, the user makes a mistake.

Functions: why is it needed?

Small holes are placed around the perimeter of the aerator through which air is sucked in and mixed with water. As a result, foamy, saturated with air bubbles, aerated water comes out of the central part of the device.

Nozzle Advantages:

the noise level decreases - water mixed with air makes less noise;
affordable price: average price for a conventional aerator - from 2 to 10 dollars;
ease of installation / dismantling and maintenance
saving water, which is important for owners of water meters.

Flaw:

fragility, the device requires replacement every year, and if the house has old pipes, then every six months.

Important! By creating a highly efficient jet of water, the aerator helps to reduce its consumption and improve its quality, therefore, the consumer is interested not to dismantle the device, but to monitor its good condition, that is, to clean and replace it in time.

Aerator device

Any aerator consists of:

corps
plastic module with filter system
rubber or silicone gasket

Grids with cells are folded into a cylindrical module one after another in a certain sequence. The first two meshes direct the jet of water and simultaneously perform a cleaning function, while the rest are designed to mix water with air.

Materials for the production of aerators:

metal- designs from it are the most common and inexpensive. The disadvantage is that the device quickly collapses from exposure to water and impurities, corrodes and rusts to holes;
polymer materials, their advantages: good quality and reasonable price, perfectly withstand the destructive effect of water. There are different designs: from simple dividers to complex "tunnel" ones;
ceramics and non-ferrous metals(brass or bronze) - the most expensive, are of high quality and long service life.

Photo: aerators after 3 years of use

Maintenance and cleaning

For the qualitative performance of its functions, the aerator for the mixer must always be technically sound. Over time, under the influence of tap water, the impurities contained in it, salt particles and iron oxides are deposited on the surface of the filter meshes and the device ceases to perform its functions.

Signs of a bad aerator:

absence of the characteristic hissing sound of flowing water
weak water pressure

In this case, the device requires cleaning or replacement.

How to clean the aerator:

Read about in the next article.

A faucet aerator is a simple and legal way to save water. A small nozzle in the form of a mesh filter allows you to significantly reduce the intensity of the jet, thereby eliminating excessive water consumption. The device mixes water with air, making the jet softer and more even.

On what principle does a faucet aerator work and how to install it on your own? Let's consider in more detail.

The device got its name from the process that it creates. "Aeration" in Greek means "air", and the process itself is a natural saturation of water flows with air.

It is carried out by passing bubbles through the liquid.

Due to the fact that in the process of aeration, air is in close contact with water, the jet is more uniform and at the same time soft

The main purpose of the aerator nozzle on the faucet is to reduce water consumption. According to some reports, using this simple device, you can reduce water consumption by up to 50%. Without an aerator, water flows from the tap in a continuous stream.

And acting through the nozzle, saturated with air bubbles, the jet loses its elasticity, acquiring a seething appearance. The soft atomized stream of water does not splash, hitting the walls of the sink or dishes, but gently washes them.

This technology is not new. But over the decades, it has undergone a number of changes. The first models of aerators were devices in the form of metal discs equipped with holes. But despite the presence of a protective screen, such devices quickly clogged and failed.

Modern models of nozzles are equipped with perforated discs, the holes of which are much larger, and multi-stage filtration systems.

Although modern nozzles have larger holes, they also become clogged over time with lime deposits that are present in tap water

Modern models are designs that include three main elements:

The case, made of plastic or metal, protects the structure from mechanical damage.
A modular system in the form of a slotted cartridge or a disc reflector with small holes is responsible for mixing water with air and in parallel acts as a water restrictor.
The sealing ring, made of dense rubber, ensures the sealing of the connection between the nozzle and the faucet.

The filter of the device is a set of fine-mesh nets laid in a cylindrical glass sequentially one after the other. The first two layers carry out rough water purification and at the same time set the direction of the jet, the next ones mix the water with air.

Aerator designs different manufacturers may differ slightly. In the simplest models, the nozzle looks like a plastic insert, in more expensive modernized devices - a multi-stage mesh filter.

The flow of water, passing through thin slots, crashes into the disk and breaks into tiny drops, which, in turn, mix with air.

The nozzle is fixed to the mixer by means of a threaded connection. On sale you can find nozzles with both an internal thread with a diameter of 22 mm, and with an external section of 24 mm. They are designed to be installed on bathtubs, washbasins and kitchen sinks.

When installing an aerator on a faucet, the consumer's task is only to determine, when buying a nozzle, which thread is provided on the mixer.

If the tap spout is not equipped with a thread, it will be possible to install the aerator only after replacing the mixer.

The main types and versions of aerators

Classic models

Faucet aerators are of two types:

with adjustable flow - they are good because they allow you to set the required jet size;
with unregulated flow.

The popularity rating among classic models is headed by rotary aerators. Thanks to the swivel connection, they allow you to change the angle of the outgoing stream, making the process of taking water procedures or washing dishes more comfortable.

The NRG swivel aerator is based on the WaterSense technology, thanks to which it can work in two spray / jet modes

The material for the manufacture of the aerator body can be:

brass - the best option, which will regularly serve for more than one year;
pressed metal - a more budgetary, but durable option;
plastic - the most affordable models, the quality of which is inferior to metal products.

A significant disadvantage of metal nozzles is their short service life. This is due to the fact that the metal is quickly destroyed under the influence of impurities contained in tap water.

Looking for an aerator that provides low water consumption? Stop your choice on the vacuum device.

Water compressed under pressure in the vacuum valve of the device forms a powerful jet at the outlet, the water flow rate of which is only 1.1 l / minute

Due to the constant mixing of air in the nozzle, there is an effect in which it seems that the pressure in the mixer remains constant. In fact, water consumption is decreasing.

Upgraded options

When arranging modern kitchens and bathrooms, many owners give key importance not only to the functionality of the elements, but also to their decorative design.

Illuminated aerators for the faucet will certainly appeal to connoisseurs of pleasant trifles: just open the tap and the water will take on an unexpected shade

The illumination of the jet occurs automatically, you just need to open the tap. Inside the body of such a device is a microturbine equipped with an electric generator and a temperature sensor. The model is designed in such a way that the color of the backlight depends on the temperature of the water flowing from the tap:

cool water up to 31 ° C turns green;
warm water within 43 ° C acquires a blue tint;
hot water over 45 °C is red.

In addition to the aesthetic function, the backlight reports the temperature of the water coming from the tap. The operating temperature of this type of device is limited to 60 degrees.

In homes where there are small children, nozzles in the form of animal figurines are especially popular.

The tip in the form of a bright animal figurine will not allow the child to get hurt on the protruding spout of the tap and turn bathing into an exciting game

Nozzles in the form of figurines of fairy-tale characters have a universal size, so they can be attached to faucets with any type of spout.

The model, created by design student Simin Ju, once again proves the assertion that a person can look at three things for an infinitely long time, one of which is a bewitching pattern of streams of flowing water.

The spiral effect occurs due to the fact that water passes between two turbines, under the action of which it is split into numerous jets

The faucet turns the flow of water into an elegant intricately twisted spiral. Numerous jets emanating from the tap twist into spirals, which, intertwining with each other, create a beautiful water lattice at the exit.

Advantages and disadvantages of an innovative device

The main advantages of the aerator include:

Saving water consumption. In normal mode, up to 15 liters of water can flow through the tap in one minute. If you equip it with a nozzle, the flow rate can be reduced by half to 6-7 liters per minute.
Reducing the noise level of plumbing equipment. It is noticed that the water supplied with air is less noisy.
Improvement of water quality. During aeration, the water is saturated with oxygen. Due to this, the percentage of chlorine, which is hazardous to human health, is reduced. Water passed through the aerator rinses better detergents used when bathing or washing dishes.

The cost of a bath aerator, depending on the manufacturer, ranges from $ 2 to $ 10, so the purchase of such a device will not significantly affect the family budget.

The installation of the device can be done by hand, without involving specialists for this purpose.

If we talk about the shortcomings of the device, then it is worth noting the following points:

The need for frequent repairs or even complete replacement device under the condition of poor water quality in centralized system. If the pipes in the house are old, then the aerator will have to be changed every year.
A decrease in the volume of incoming water can affect the filling speed of containers (sinks, tubs, large pots).

Otherwise, this device has no shortcomings.

Cleaning and installation technology

The bath aerator works like a filter. If it is clogged, water simply will not pass through it. The reason for this may be the settling of rust on the pipes and the accumulation of sand present in the water.

If cleaning is necessary or if a failed device is replaced with a new one, the first step is to dismantle the aerator. On the body of the nozzle there are two faces located diametrically opposite to each other. Holding these edges between the fingers, the device must be rotated clockwise.

If rotation is difficult, use pliers or a wrench.

To prevent damage to the coating when unscrewing with pliers, wrap the outside of the aerator or the pliers themselves with a cotton napkin or electrical tape

Work should be done as carefully as possible so as not to strip the thread and not damage the surface of the product.

Structural disassembly

It is not difficult to disassemble the structure. It is only necessary to gradually remove the plastic meshes with small cells sequentially laid in a cylindrical glass.

After removing the nozzle, carefully remove the rubber gasket and assess its condition. To remove the filter cylinder, gently press on the mesh from the side of the outlet of the water jet.

The mesh filter of the water spray nozzle tends to become constantly clogged with mineral salts and fine lime deposits.

You can detach the coarse mesh filter by prying it through the slot in the side of the cylinder with a screwdriver blade. After removing the mesh filter, it is necessary to disconnect the spherical mesh from it by gently prying it with the tip of a knife.

The dismantled meshes must be cleaned of debris by rinsing with an old toothbrush.

If, after washing, small particles still remain in the cells, the grids will have to be disconnected from each other and washed separately.

You can achieve the desired result by using mechanical way using a regular needle or a wooden toothpick.

If the contamination from the mesh filter cannot be removed mechanically, place the nozzle for half an hour in a container with apple cider vinegar. An acidic environment will easily dissolve all mineral deposits.

The treatment of elements with special chemical compounds designed to care for faience sanitary equipment.

Reassembly

Having cleaned all the elements, it remains only to assemble the device and install it in its original place. When assembling the structure, it is important to observe one rule: the filter meshes are laid in layers in such a way that the wires that form the cells are located at an angle of 45 ° relative to each other.

Before installing the nozzle, do not forget to lay the rubber washer. You need to twist the device counterclockwise, without applying excessive force.

To test the operation of the device, open the water. If a leak is found from under the nozzle head, slightly tighten the structure with pliers.

Illuminated aerators are connected using the same technology as traditional models. They do not require any additional power sources, as they are equipped with a generator that generates electricity on its own.

The installation process of the aerator is clearly described in the video:

Installing an aerator significantly affects the water pressure, so you can achieve significant savings. This is especially valuable when water meters are installed in the house.

Leading manufacturers of aerators

The key to trouble-free and long-term operation of the aerator is high quality products. Among modern manufacturers that guarantee the quality of their products, we can distinguish:

"Oras" - a Finnish company produces both individual nozzles and ready-made kits, representing faucets with built-in water spray nozzles. The cost of the device varies between 250-500 rubles.
"Grohe" - the products of the German manufacturer fills 8% of the world market. It is of excellent quality. The service life of nozzles produced under this brand is 7-10 years. The price of products is from 350 to 1000 rubles.
"Timo" - products manufactured under the Finnish brand are produced using the latest technologies. The company offers a five-year warranty on its products. The price of nozzles ranges from 180 to 500 rubles.
"Jacob Delafon" - nozzles produced by the French company, which is recognized as a leader in bathroom design, can last more than 10 years. But the price of these products is higher and can reach 600 rubles.

A fairly common proposal that is found on the Internet is the purchase of a faucet aerator in order to install it at home and significantly reduce water costs. The device is quite popular and has a relatively low price. Aerators are an integral part of various systems. Consider the features of the version that is suitable for the tap of the water supply system.

Why install a water aerator?

Many modern faucets have a special tip at the end, which is the water aerator. Why is it included in the design? Many aerator sellers claim that this structural element required to reduce water consumption. This is due to the mixing of the water jet with the liquid. Some ongoing studies indicate that every minute at standard pressure in the water supply, about 15 liters of water are drained, with the installation of an aerator about 8 liters of water.

A faucet aerator is a small filter-like device designed to mix water with air and restrict the flow without reducing its intensity noticeable to the consumer.

In this case, the pressure does not decrease. In addition, the following design features can also be distinguished:

The aerator allows you to reduce the noise level emanating from the tap at the time of the fall of water. This effect is achieved due to the fact that air bubbles act as a kind of pads. Air bubbles are able to soften the fall of water droplets, due to which noise is reduced.
Falling water also reduces splashing. This effect is also due to the fact that air bubbles soften the fall of water.
The mesh structure of the design determines that it can act as a coarse filter. Of course, the established norms determine that in drinking water should not contain such large particles, but still such a situation occurs quite often. The lip cleaning filter also allows you to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the ducts with various debris, which will create strong pressure in system.

The above features of the device in question can be called its main advantages. Given the low cost and simplicity of design, we can say that installing an aerator on a faucet is beneficial.

How a faucet aerator works

As previously noted, the design of the aerator is quite simple. In most cases, it is made of three main parts, represented by a body, a small cartridge and a seal. We note the point that on sale quite often you can find versions that do not have a sealing gasket - it is best to refuse such an aerator.

Installing an aerator is the easiest way to conserve water by replacing some of the leaking liquid with air bubbles.

The secret of the high efficiency of the aerator lies precisely in its cartridge, which can be produced according to different technologies. The main production schemes are:

Slotted type aerator - in this case, the formation of an air-water mixture occurs due to the passage of water through a disk with thin slots, after which the flow crashes into a deflecting disk. As a result of such a complex movement of the water flow, it is broken into small drops, which are best mixed with air. After mixing, water is passed through a divider, which increases its stability.
Disc version with reflector. The principle of operation of such an aerator is somewhat different from the principle of operation of the previous version. In this case, the water flow is divided into small jets with the help of a disk with small slots, which then crash into a small reflector. It is at this stage that the mixing of water with air occurs. The metal mesh acts as a divider, which stabilizes the flow of water.

Important! As practice shows, both versions of the aerator have high efficiency, which determines their widespread use. It is quite difficult to determine which type is installed in the mixer, since both types are similar to each other.

Classification of faucet aerator designs

There are a huge number of varieties that differ not only in the principle of operation, but also in many other indicators. An example is the classification according to the type of material used in the manufacture of the body and main elements, technical features, dimensions and much more.

Aerators are various kinds according to the material of manufacture: aluminum, plastic, brass.

Aerators can be conditionally divided into the following main groups:

AT recent times aerators, which are made of extruded aluminum, are quite widespread. However, as practice shows, these designs are the worst choice of all possible. Even with a slight mechanical load, such a housing can quickly break. Also, despite the fact that the material in question should not react to the action of water, it oxidizes over time. As a result, a situation arises when, during installation, the structure cannot be removed, but at the same time it has increased fragility. As a rule, extruded aluminum aerators are the cheapest, found on inexpensive faucets.
Plastic ones have also become quite widespread, they can hardly be called durable, but unlike the previous version, they are easier to remove. However, do not forget that even a slight mechanical impact will damage the structure. In addition, plastic tips do not look attractive. Some plastic versions have an unusual finish that mimics aluminum.
Brass aerators are rare due to their high cost, but this version is the most reliable and practical. The design is not exposed to water, that is, corrosion does not appear on the surface, while it withstands significant mechanical stress.

In addition, some manufacturers of aerators began to use stainless steel as the main material in the manufacture. Like brass, stainless steel can be called the most suitable material for the manufacture of aerators for a number of reasons: high strength, corrosion or oxidation does not appear on the surface.

Classification by installation method

Aerators by appearance are internal and external.

Another important classification can be called the installation method. On this basis, aerators are divided into two main categories:

The internal installation method provides for external threads. In this case, the design is placed in the inside of the spout. The peculiarities of this version of the design include the fact that it does not change the design of the mixer, which means it is suitable for almost any application. In addition, the design itself is protected from mechanical stress, which means you can choose plastic aerators that will cost less.
The external type of installation is widespread, the body has an internal thread, the aerator is screwed onto the spout. Most often, outdoor aerators are made of brass or stainless steel, as these materials are less susceptible to mechanical stress. However, in the case of outdoor installation, the dismantling of the nozzle is greatly simplified, since when internal installation, for example, it is quite difficult to remove an aerator made of extruded aluminum after its oxidation.

It is quite simple to determine the type of installation by the location of the thread.

Classification of aerators for taps by the presence of additional functions

In addition to how to dilute the water flow with air, some designs can highlight the water to give an unusual effect, or redirect the water. The swivel version has the following features:

In some cases, this embodiment of the aerator is called flexible.
The design is represented by a small flexible ball, which allows you to redirect the water flow in one direction or another.
Also on sale you can find a version of the design, which is a design with two separate parts connected to each other by means of a hinge. The hinge has a flexible hose that is able to fix its position.

Illuminated faucet aerator has the following kind of features:

The design has a powerful light source, often represented by diodes.
Diodes may have a different color.
The backlight turns on when water passes through the nozzle. This moment determines a significant increase in the service life of the structure and a reduction in energy costs.

The backlit design creates a rather interesting effect, as the divided water flow overflows and becomes a light source itself at night, when the main lighting is not turned on. However, the inclusion of a backlight element in the design causes a significant increase in its cost. Therefore, this kind of aerators are installed only on expensive mixers.

The aerator diodes react to the temperature of the water and change their color accordingly.

What are the disadvantages of a faucet with aerator?

In general, we can say that there are no significant shortcomings in the mixer with an aerator. An exception is a low-quality installation, which after a while will begin to corrode or oxidize. Also, the disadvantage of some with outdoor installation is that they spoil the aesthetic appearance of the faucet itself. Purely theoretically, the presence of a striker in the design causes an increase in pressure inside the valve, but this does not manifest itself in any way. Therefore, there are no clear reasons why an aerator should not be installed.

The aerator is one of the reasons high blood pressure inside the faucet, which can shorten its life.

What the experts say

On sale you can find a large number of various options for the execution of aerators, the cost of some is within a few tens of rubles. Some are effective, others are not, despite the use of the same production technology. You should choose the offer of well-known manufacturers, since in this case you can be in the result.

When looking for a way to significantly reduce water consumption, attention should be paid to aerators. I note that 1 liter of water remains 1 liter of water, but the consumption is reduced at the time of washing dishes or taking a shower. The effect has been proven by numerous studies.

I bought an aerator with backlight, installed it, and immediately could not see enough of the result. However, as it turned out, in practice, backlighting is not needed, since in the light it is poorly visible, and in the dark it makes no sense to use a tap.

Catherine.

Summing up

At the beginning it was said that on the Internet you can find a fairly large number of proposals for a significant reduction in water consumption. As practice shows, installing an aerator reduces water consumption by about 30%. Given the cost of the nozzle, its installation is justified. It is important enough to right choice designs, since there are a very large number of them, each variety has its own advantages and disadvantages.