Aerator Maintenance

Date: 24-09-2020
Home & Health

Aerator Maintenance - Blog

Water-Saving Aerators – cheap, easy to install and they will save you money!

If you are looking for ways to save on water consumption, aerators are a quick and easy solution that could save you thousands of litres of water a year. Found in nearly every kitchen and bathroom tap, an aerator's job is to break up the solid water stream and add air to the flow reducing the amount of water being used, without impacting the pressure. Aerators will also reduce splashing, which will help reduce water wastage and keeping your wet areas cleaner for longer!

Installing a water-saving aerator is quick and easy! They should be replaced regularly to prevent limescale build-up and clogging. Add it to your yearly spring-cleaning list for clean, consistent flow year-on-year.

How to replace an aerator.

  1. The aerator is located at the end of your kitchen or bathroom tap (see Figure 1). To remove, unscrew the aerator from the spout by hand. If removing by hand doesn’t work, try unscrewing with a Universal Service Key or wrench. You may want to wrap your tap in a soft cloth so you don’t damage the surface.
  2. Once the aerator is removed (see Figure 2), clean your tap fitting ensuring it is clear of scum and build up. Turn the tap on for a couple of seconds to flush out any loose debris before installing your new aerator.
  3. Screw your new Water-Saving Aerator to your tap fitting, tightening as much as you can by hand. Run the water to check for leaks. If water streams out over the outside of the aerator, tighten the aerator until it runs leak-free. (see Figure 3)
  4. You are now on your way reducing your water usage and a smaller utility bill!

Changing Aerator

Choosing the right Water-Saving Aerator

Aerators are available in different fittings, sizes, sprays and flow rates so check out what you need before you go aerator shopping. Below is a breakdown of what to look for to help you choose the right water-saving aerator for your home or business.

Female vs Male
Aerators come in male or female fittings, like the male or female spouts on your tap. Male aerators fit with female spouts, and vice versa. A female spout is where the hole is underneath your tap or inside a covering. This requires a male aerator. If the tap hole is on the outside, it requires a female aerator.

spout types 

Size
Con-Serv stock aerators in two sizes; 22F/24M (21mm) and 15F/16M (Tiny Man, 15mm). If you have your existing aerator handy you can easily measure for the correct sized aerator. Alternatively, you can measure your tap/mixer to confirm the correct size required.

Bubble, Stream or Laminar
Con-Serv aerators are available in three different spray types; Bubble, Stream, or Laminar.

 

Bubble Spray Aerators are the most common in domestic installations as it produces a larger,
whiter aerated stream that is soft to the touch and non-splashing.

  

Bubble Spray Example

Stream Spray Aerators produce a mini-shower pattern that offers good coverage for hand washing. Stream spray aerators are ideal in public restrooms or in low flow rate installations.

  

Stream Spray Example

Laminar’s produce a non-aerated, 100% water stream that is crystal-clear and non-splashing.
It is most common in healthcare facilities as there is no mix of air.

  

Laminar Example

Flow Rate
Flow rates restrict the flow of water going through your tap. Con-Serv offers a range of flow rate options depending on which Aerator you are using. Flow rates range from 2 litres per minute to 9 litres per minute, and Full-Flow options. For more information about flow rates and Water Ratings, visit the WELS website.

Con-Serv also carries a range of Antimicrobial and Vandal Proof Aerators. Visit our Aerators page to see our full range.

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