Faucet Aerator

A faucet aerator is a small fitting — typically a mesh screen and rubber washer housed in a threaded collar — that screws onto the tip of a sink faucet spout. As water flows through the aerator, it passes through a fine screen that breaks the stream into many small droplets mixed with air. The result is a full-looking, low-splash stream that uses less water than an un-aerated flow.

How aerators save water

A standard un-aerated kitchen faucet flows at 2.2 GPM (gallons per minute) or more. An aerator typically restricts flow to 1.5 GPM (bathroom) or 1.8 GPM (kitchen). The EPA WaterSense program certifies aerators at 1.5 GPM or less. For a family of four, switching from 2.2 GPM to 1.5 GPM aerators saves approximately 700 gallons per year per faucet.

Cleaning a clogged aerator

Mineral deposits from hard water gradually clog aerator screens, reducing flow to a trickle or causing the stream to spray sideways. Cleaning takes 5 minutes:

1. Unscrew the aerator by hand (counterclockwise) — use pliers with a cloth if it's stuck
2. Disassemble the screen, rubber washer, and flow restrictor
3. Soak in white vinegar for 30–60 minutes
4. Scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse, and reassemble

If the aerator is heavily corroded or the screen is deformed, replace it — they cost $3–$8 and come in standard thread sizes (usually 15/16"-27 for standard faucets, 55/64"-27 for junior).

Flow rate labeling

Aerators are marked with their flow rate in GPM. WaterSense-labeled models (1.5 GPM) are the most water-efficient without perceptible performance loss. Kitchen faucets used to fill large pots are sometimes fitted with a 2.2 GPM aerator for faster filling. Faucets in low-water-pressure areas may benefit from removing the flow restrictor disk inside the aerator while keeping the screen.