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Aerator, aerator regulator, aerator. What is that actually?

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Updated on: 26.03.2020

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Aerator, aerator, jet regulator unscrewed

Basically, mixing nozzles, aerators or aerators are attachments on taps and fittings.

They change the water jet. Aerators reduce the amount of water flowing through, mix in air and ensure an even and wider jet.
They prevent the water from splashing or rippling. Aerators save water and energy. However, they are not water filters.

An aerator is often referred to as an aerator. However, this is a brand name of the Neoperl company.

The history of the aerator

As early as 1939, the Waterbury Pressed Metal company manufactured an aerator for private households. This contained air slots on the side of the nozzle. This allows air to be added to the water jet. There are also several (metal) strainers in the nozzle, one above the other. They regulate the amount of water flow. In 1953, the German manufacturer Rokal developed a new type of aerator. A ring-shaped gap now replaced the air slots on the sides. The air is supplied from below. This product became the Perlator brand. Due to its resounding success, the name Perlator is often used as a synonym for aerator to this day. The company Neoperl GmbH later takes over the production of thePerlator1.

How do aerators work?

Basically, an aerator changes the water jet that comes out of the tap. When water flows out of the tap at a high flow rate, a vacuum is created. This sucks in the surrounding air.
To this day, both principles, the side air slits and the ring-shaped gap at the bottom of the mixing nozzle, are used in a wide range of models.

The outflowing water appears "fuller" and also "softer" due to the air admixture. Above all, the aerator prevents the water coming out of the tap from splashing and splashing. In addition, the water feels slightly warmer2.

Design and construction of jet regulators

Normal aerators consist of the components seal, inner part and mouthpiece. They are available in metal and plastic. In terms of size, two widely used designs are mainly used, which are suitable for the majority of taps. Nevertheless, you should obtain precise information before buying and measure the diameter of the tap. It is also advisable to seek advice from a DIY store, as there are different designs for taps in particular. Most aerators have either an internal thread with a 22 mm diameter for screwing on, with the trade name M22 IG, or an external thread. These aerators for screwing in have the trade name M24 AG (24 x 1 mm). The size "1 mm" refers to the pitch of the thread.

Today's aerators mostly use aerators with an external thread. Special sizes are also available, but are often only available to order. Other sizes are used for inflows to bathtubs.

Overall, there is a wide range of aerators available today, which also offer specific features such as flow limitation or special limescale protection by using a so-called cascade jet regulator instead of a strainer3.

An aerator helps to save water and energy

One major advantage of aerators is that they save water. They are said to reduce water consumption by up to two thirds. Considering that aerators are often available for less than 10 euros, this is a big gain. A water-saving aerator reduces the flow rate at a tap from 20 liters per minute to 6 liters per minute, assuming a typical household pressure in the pipe of 5 bar. By also reducing the amount of hot water that flows through, energy is saved at the same time.

It is important to note that not every aerator or aerator automatically saves water. When it comes to limiting very specific flow rates, a so-called PCA aerator may be necessary. This has an integrated flow regulator. For this reason, you should inform yourself thoroughly about the numerous variants available on the market before making a purchase4.

Aerators reduce water consumption by up to two thirds

Care and cleaning of the aerator

Like all faucet components, aerators are exposed to high levels of stress. Especially in regions where the drinking water is very calcareous, calcification occurs, which impairs the performance of the aerator.

There are several options for maintaining and cleaning the aerator. The most convenient solution is modern aerators, such as the Cascade aerator, which only need to be wiped clean if they are slightly dirty. In most cases, however, you will have to unscrew the aerator. There are various ways of doing this and the process requires a little care.

Ideally, unscrewing is done with a pair of pliers. If you only have a pipe wrench to hand, you should wrap it with a cloth to prevent unsightly scratches on the tap. As a rule, the mixing nozzle must be turned counterclockwise. It is important to always close the drain beforehand so that components of the aerator are not accidentally lost.

Pipe wrench and cloth to protect the aerator
Remove the aerator on the Alb filter with a pipe wrench

In addition, many aerators can be unscrewed using an installation or service key. If necessary, you should consult the information pages of the fitting manufacturer or the aerator before carrying out such an operation in order to find the appropriate wrench or the best procedure5. 

For descaling, the components of the aerator, the rubber seal, the metal ring and the strainer are placed in a descaling solution. You can use ordinary household vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1 or a vinegar essence in a ratio of 1:4. It is often recommended to leave the vinegar solution to work overnight.

Before screwing the aerator back on, you should run water through the tap, as there may still be dirt particles in it. The thread on the tap should also be thoroughly cleaned before reinserting the mixing nozzle.

Mix vinegar and water against limescale

There is another popular way to clean a sparkling water maker without unscrewing it. This household hack involves pouring the descaling solution into a flexible container, such as a balloon or plastic bag. This is attached to the tap with adhesive tape so that the liquid envelops the aerator. The limescale should have dissolved after half a day.

Relevant products

  • Thread adapter

References