The aerator for the mixer is a small cylindrical device, which is presented in the form of a strainer. It is installed on the outlet of the mixer. This device evenly mixes air with water, thereby reducing fluid flow. In addition, the aerator delays large inclusions and contaminants.
What is an aerator for a mixer?
This is a compact device that can divide a continuous stream of water into many small ones, saturating them with air. When installing aerators , jet adjustment is not required - the pressure is always enough to perform primitive operations (for example, washing dishes).
Built-in grids fill a stream of water with microscopic drops of air. Thus, passing through the filter, the water becomes softer, acquires a white tint.
To check the effectiveness of the device, it is enough to draw a certain amount of water into the measuring tanks with and without a nozzle and compare the results.
Types of aerators
Depending on the case material, aerators are divided into the following types:
- Metal. Such nozzles are the most common and affordable in the price category. The main disadvantage is quick wear due to the susceptibility of the material to corrosion.
- Ceramic. This category is of high cost. Ceramic aerators have an extended service life.
- Polymer. Such devices are inexpensive, withstand heavy loads and are not susceptible to corrosion.
Depending on the type of design and additional functions, the following types of aerators for mixers are distinguished:
- Adjustable. With these devices you can control the flow and set the mode of "spray" or "spray".
- Vacuum Such devices are equipped not only with a filter screen, but also with a special air valve, which, by creating pressure, regulates the aerated flow.
- Backlit aerators. The latter are equipped with various colored lamps and temperature sensors. A certain temperature range is highlighted in an individual color (for example, water up to 29 ° C is highlighted in green, from 29 to 38 ° C - in blue, etc.).
The principle of operation and purpose
To save water, many users install a mixer with an aerator on the spout. This device is able to reduce the flow rate of the supplied water without reducing the pressure intensity. The nozzle is screwed directly onto the tap outlet. By installing an aerator, you can not only reduce water consumption, but also get rid of harmful chlorine.
The main purpose is to normalize the flow, therefore, aerated water improves the quality of washing dishes, and the quality of the water improves significantly due to its saturation with air.
Water consumption is reduced by almost 2 times, and the noise level - by 30%.
How to choose the right aerator?
The aerator for the mixer to save water can be selected based on the following parameters:
- Cost and quality. The cheapest fixtures are made of steel or plastic. The service life of the latter does not exceed 2 years. The most reliable and durable are non-ferrous metal products. Choosing aerators depending on the material and cost, you should take into account the frequency of use - if the device is installed in places of rare use (for example, in the country), you can choose the most budgetary model.
- When choosing, do not forget about mounting on a crane. It can be internal or external. Selection for this parameter is individual.
- There are devices with additional functions (for example, with backlight). Such a function will not only decorate the interior, but will also help you quickly navigate with the temperature of the outlet stream.
Features to use
Installation and operation of the device does not cause difficulties for most users. The peculiarity in use is only the care of the aerator for the mixer: the filter mesh is often clogged due to poor water quality (the old pipe is also the reason for the fast clogging). Scale often accumulates on the net.
To extend the service life, it is enough to periodically clean the filter screens. In some cases, the o-ring should also be replaced.
Important! The device cannot be repaired if:
- the filter mesh is deformed;
- the case is damaged;
- defective mounting thread;
- the gasket is deformed.
Operation and maintenance
The washbasin faucet with aerator is easy to operate - just set it on the spout and periodically clean (or replace) it.
If during use the flow of water has decreased, or it is supplied unevenly, the condition of the aerator should be checked. The main reason for failure is clogging. In this case, to bring the work to normal mode, it will be enough to clean the device. If defects have appeared on the surface of the device, or if the filter is very clogged, the aerator must be replaced.
The cleaning procedure is reduced to the following steps:
- To begin with, the aerator is dismantled. Removal is carried out using a metal wrench or pliers. The fixture is twisted clockwise. To avoid damage to the surface, the head of the product is covered with insulating material.
- Next, pull out the rubber gasket and evaluate its condition.
- After the filter mesh is dismantled and thoroughly washed with water. You can use a needle or a small awl for cleaning. If the filter is very dirty - you can carry out dry cleaning (for example, with vinegar).
- At the last stage, the aerator for the mixer is assembled and installed in place. After installation, check that the installation is correct (to do this, carefully inspect the connections for leaks).
Important! If the above operations did not bring the desired result, the device should be replaced.
Is it possible to reduce water consumption by installing an aerator?
Manufacturers promise up to 50% water savings when installing these devices. Consumption points in the house are: bathroom and toilet, kitchen. An important feature is that you can really save water only by washing dishes. This means that when cooking, washing clothes or taking a shower, it is impossible to save even 1%. This feature is due to the fact that when water is consumed (for food, for human needs), its volume does not decrease.
Savings on the toilet flush cistern will not exceed 10%.
From this we can conclude that it does not make sense to install aerators in the bathroom or for rare use (it is much more profitable to install them in places of public catering).
Advantages and disadvantages of devices
The aerator for a water mixer has the following advantages:
- thanks to its use, the chlorine content in the water is significantly reduced (the latter is faster “weathering");
- the aerator also retains solids and other contaminants;
- the device reduces the noise level of the supplied water;
- the aerator coordinates a stream of water and reduces splashing;
- the device saturates the water with oxygen;
- easy to install and operate;
- The cost of the aerator is available for almost all users.
Among the shortcomings highlight the need to replace the filter mesh on average once every 1-2 years.
Manufacturer's Reviews
A modern water saver, according to user reviews, has the following positive characteristics:
- high quality composite materials;
- convenient tilt adjustment (for example, in rotary aerators for the mixer);
- reduced water consumption when washing dishes and cleaning;
- cheapness;
- practicality: it can be used at any water intake point;
- simplicity in installation and operation;
- the use of the nozzle eliminates the possibility of the formation of water stone and scale on work surfaces;
- average life - 10 years (with a warranty of 2 years);
- the use of an aerator eliminates spray on work surfaces;
- The device is certified in accordance with the requirements of international standards.
The most popular devices are:
- Custom aerator Terla FreeLime A10T28. The water consumption in tandem with this device is up to 10 liters per minute, and the service life is up to 10 years. Production materials are: plastic, metal and rubber of high quality. The main advantages are: low cost, the ability to install on non-standard cranes.
- HIHIPPO aerator, HP2065, is also a water-saving nozzle. This model is slightly more expensive than the previous one. The design allows you to restrict the flow by pressing the start / stop button. Among the additional positive characteristics - the ability to install an adjustable water flow (from 3.8 to 8 liters per minute), the ability to install a touch switch.
- The sensor nozzle on the faucet with an infrared sensor Water Saver, has earned positive reviews due to its convenience in contactless opening / closing of the tap. The device also prevents accidental flooding. The manufacturer provides for the possibility of fixing the temperature of the water.
The main disadvantages among all devices are: low life (even with the declared high), the high cost of some devices.