At Waterless Co, Inc, we focus on helping our customers reduce water consumption and use water more efficiently. One of the best ways to do this — other than installing no-water urinals — is to install aerators in kitchen and restroom faucets.

At the end of each of these faucets is a screen. Its purpose is to add air to the water as it streams out of the tap. It does little to reduce water consumption. What does, however, is removing that screen and installing an aerator.

With an aerator installed, facility managers and homeowners can realize the following benefits:

• A significant reduction in water use. Aerators vary in capabilities, but at least a 50 percent reduction in water use should be realized. (See Quick Facts below.)

• Over time, the stream of water starts to come out of the sides of the faucet. This results in water inefficiency, meaning water is wasted. Installing an aerator can prevent this, using water more efficiently.

• Minimize the splashing of water as it hits your hands or the sink. Once again, this is water inefficiency.

• Often debris collects in pipes and is released into the water. Aerators have a more advanced screen that catches and prevents this debris from being released.

When to Clean Aerators

Many building managers and homeowners believe once the aerator is installed — that’s it. It needs no servicing. For the most part, that’s true. They rarely need any servicing. Nonetheless, aerators should be unscrewed and cleaned at least twice yearly, if not more.

However, incidents could cause managers and homeowners to remove, clean, and reinstall the aerators more often. For instance, in 2021, the state of Michigan discovered that small particulates of plastic had found their way into the water delivered to consumers. This was due to an aging infrastructure.

In another incident, communities that experienced severe wildfires or flooding have reported sediment collected in their water. If something similar happens in your community, removing and cleaning the aerators is recommended. Dirt, particulates, and debris get trapped in the aerator, diminishing the amount of water it releases.

Aerators should also be removed and cleaned in those areas of the country that have hardwater.  Hardwater is found in about 85 percent of the U.S.  The problem with hardwater is that the hardwater contains minerals that can eventually clog the aerator.  You’ll notice this happening     as the flow of water from the faucet starts to slow.

Further, if there has been a water main break in your neighborhood or construction has been performed in your facility. During construction, dirt and particulates can get into pipes and get stuck in the aerators. Once again, this will diminish the amount of water the aerator releases.

How to Clean Aerators

The first step in cleaning aerators is knowing how to take them off. Most are hand-screwed onto the tap and can be easily removed.

Sometimes they require pliers to remove them. Be sure and wrap a small towel or rag around the pliers so as not to scratch the metal surface.

Other aerators are preinstalled on the faucet. In these cases, a small aerator key, which comes with the faucet, will be necessary to remove the aerator.

Once the aerators have been removed, soak them in vinegar for about five minutes. Please do not use a traditional cleaning solution, as it might damage or discolor the metal.

A small brush — such as an old toothbrush — may be necessary to remove debris that is collected on the screen. Remove the debris and soak the aerator again in vinegar for about five minutes.

Once these steps have been completed, reinstall the aerator.

Quick Facts About Aerators

Before you go, here are a few quick facts about aerators you should know:

·       They are very inexpensive.

·       As mentioned, they can vary in their ability to reduce water flow; due diligence is needed to select the aerator that best meets their needs.

·       With more advanced aerators, you should not notice a significant difference in the water flow.

·       And even if you do, remember that one aerator can save as much as 250 gallons of water per month — a major savings.

Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently. For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.