Tap Aerators | Plumbing Supplies

Tired with the water not flowing freely through your tap? Think you need to get a new tap? Or maybe replace the tap washers ?

Maybe or maybe not! Before anything you might want to check your tap aerator.

What is a tap aerator?

A tap aerator is sometimes also referred to as a faucet aerator, a flow regulator or a pressure regulator. It is installed at the tip of indoor water tap that is to the spout of the tap.

The below image shows an aerator attached to a sink tap.

Do I have a tap aerator installed?

The easiest way to check if you have a tap aerator installed, is to check the water flow from your faucet or tap. If the water flows as a steady stream with a air bubbles chances are you have an aerator installed.

However if the water comes out the way a stream falls down a mountain, then the tap may not have an aerator.

Why do I need a tap aerator?

The key function of an aerator is to prevent splashing and save water. That is, water flows into the cup or down the sink without spraying against the sides and wasting water.

The aerator limits the water flow through the tap, reducing water usage by up to 70%. In the case of hot water less heat energy is used saving you more money!

In fact an aerator is a water and cost conservation fitting that is a true "set and forget"  option to save money and the world !

The benefits of a tap aerator are

• Save water and reduce costs. An aerator reduces the flow of water without decreasing pressure. A true "set and forget" water saving application.
• Prevent splashing water against the sink or cup
• Reduce tap noise
• Increase perceived water pressure. It is often used in homes with low water pressure
• Shape and direct the water stream coming out of the tap spout. Thereby producing a straight, evenly pressured and slightly "oxygenated" stream of water. You can now get special "swivel aerators which allow you to change the flow of water with the tip of your hand!
• Provide filtration of debris due to the presence of a sieve plate

How do they work?

Aeration in your aerator (pun intended!) occurs in two stages

• Air is drawn into the water stream, breaking the stream into a flow of tiny droplets mixed with air
• The mixture of air and water passes through a screen (sieve) further mixing the air and water and spreading out the water stream.

Design of your tap aerator

An aerator consists of

1. Outer casing - A plastic or metal casing that fits all the components. The casing is the part that threads onto the tip of the spout.
2. Inner housing - This component is usually made of plastic and fits into the outer casing
3. Aerator screen - The screen or sieve through which performs the key function of the aerator
4. Aerator washer - The washer is the rubber ring that seals the bushing against the tap spout.

How to choose the right tap aerator?

To choose an aerator you need to look at

1. Aerator fittings
2. Aerator size
3. Aerator flow rates

Aerator fittings

Aerators come in two plumbing fittings - a female thread and a male thread.

Usually taps that have long spouts such as your kitchen taps have a male spout and need a female aerator. Whereas bathroom taps or laundry taps come with a female spout so you need a male aerator.

Aerator Size

The standard spout sizes are 13mm. An easy way to check is to measure the tap diameter using a tape or a ruler!

Aerator flow rates

Aerators have a range of flow rates from 2 liters per minute to 9 liters per minute. You can choose the required aerator depending on your need and usage.

Where to buy an aerator?

Now that you know whether you need a female or male fitting along with the flow rates simply click the links below choose the aerator for your need. For your reference most existing bathroom and kitchen taps are 9 liters per minute with water efficient fittings rated at 6 liters per minute.

Female Aerator kits

• 6 LPM (liters per minute) female aerator - best for kitchen taps and laundry taps
• 6 LPM Swivel female aerator - adjust the water flow with your finger tips
• 9 LPM female aerator - suit kitchen taps and laundry taps where a greater water flow is required.

Male Aerators kits

• 6 LPM male aerator - best for kitchen taps and laundry taps
• 6 LPM Swivel male aerator - adjust the water flow with your finger tips
• 9 LPM male aerator - suit kitchen taps and laundry taps where a greater water flow is required.

Low flow tap aerator insert -

You can also pick up low flow aerator inserts. Choose the link below.

• 2 LPM aerator insert - ideal for public bathrooms and other areas where maximum water savings are desired
• 4 LPM aerator insert - suited for bathroom and basin taps

How to install tap aerator

Installing your new water efficient aerator is straightforward as shown in the steps below

1. The most important step is to cover the drain so you don't drop anything down it
2. Unscrew the existing aerator housing from your tap spout. To ensure you don't scratch the aerator housing you can use a soft cloth between your wrench and the aerator.
3. Clean the thread cap
4. If you are installing a new kit, simply screw on the new aerator kit onto your tap and hand tighten and your done!
5. If you are replacing the insert, make sure you keep the old aerator housing and insert the new aerator and the included washer into the housing. Screw onto your tap and hand tighten.

In addition to aerators,Plumbersbest.com.au stock a large range of taps, washers, shower heads, shower head washers, teflon tape, and duct tape, among other plumbing supplies to make your life easier ! We supply Australian standard products, Australia wide. and in most cases dispatch on the same day.

We hope you enjoy your high pressure tap and look forward to serving you again!