One of the least expensive ways to increase the efficiency of your home is to install low-flow aerators on your faucets. These devices save water, and lower utility bills as well, because less hot water is used. Because of this, low-flow aerators will generally pay for themselves in only a few months. Standard faucet aerators will allow flow rates of 2.5 – 5 gallons of water per minute. But for bathroom faucets, low-flow aerators that deliver 0.5 to 1 gallon (1.9 to 3.8 liters) of water per minute will deliver the same force of spray, but often in a more pleasing fashion.
Kitchen faucets may require a higher flow rate of 2 to 4 gallons (7.6 to 15.1 liters) per minute if you regularly fill the sink for washing dishes. If you tend to let the water run when washing dishes, the lower flow rate of 0.5 to 1 gallon per minute may be more appropriate. Some kitchen aerators will allow you to flip between two flow rates without affecting the water temperature (see below).
Here are some figures on faucet water usage: 15% of an average household’s daily water consumption is through faucet use. In a family of four, where each person uses the bathroom sink for 6 minutes each day, using a 0.5 gallon per minute aerator (instead of a 2.5 gallon per minute aerator) would reduce the daily household water consumption by 48 gallons per day, which totals 17,520 gallons annually.
Let’s take a look at the most efficient aerators available:
Sink Faucet Aerator 0.5 GPM
This is a basic aerator which provides an even spray pattern, and uses only 0.5 gallons of water per minute. It is suited to bathroom sinks (e.g. where washing hands and brushing teeth take place). It’s a chrome-plated brass faucet aerator by Niagara Conversation.
It’s available from Amazon for $1.50. Update: also available from USA Landlord and Energy Federation Incorporated.
Sink Faucet Aerator 1.5 GPM
This aerator is similar to the 0.5 GPM version, but the 1.5 GPM rate is more suited to kitchen sinks, where a faster flow is often needed. It’s available from Amazon and EFI for about $1.95.
Deluxe Kitchen Swivel Aerator
This kitchen aerator is similar to the Deluxe Flip Aerator — it has a touch flow restrictor, but it also swivels, allowing you to clean the sink. It controls water flow to only 2.2 gallons per minute but with 60 psi.
This aerator is available from Amazon, USA Landlord, or EFI for about $7.
High-Performance “Vacuum Flow” Aerator
This high-performance aerator uses the least amount of water, but it is also the most expensive. The aerator uses a vacuum flow “booster” valve where water is aerated and “compacted” under vacuum pressure. Because of the force of the vacuum chamber, the aerated water leaves the aerator in a powerful stream, but at a very low rate of consumption — 0.375 gallons per minute. Thus gives it the feel of an aerator that uses 3 – 5 times as much water. Also comes in 0.5 GPM and 0.7 GPM versions.
Available from SaveWaterUs for $24.95
Here are links to the low-flow aerator manufacturers mentioned in the article: Niagara Conversation, SaveWaterUs and AM Conservation Group.
We should all care about saving water and do something good for the environment.
According to the EPA, turning off the faucet while brushing teeth saves 8 gallons of water a day! You can help the cause!!
We have take aerators to the next level with an Auto shut off technology!!
#savewater #MakeEveryDropCount #zerowaterwaste http://zerowaterwaste.com
Hai, Good information about faucet aerator for kitchen and bathrooms. Have you shown the different faucet aerator sizes and use of water? Too good, so use faucet aeratorstap aerators, tap filters in kitchen and bathroom it conserves the water. Why we use tap aerators to reduce the water flow.
The higher priced than normal but you have to pay for quality. The tenant in my rental house asked me if he could install one. After he finished, I went over to inspect his work to make it it was installed properly. I was really impressed with the amount of pressure that “puppy” put out. He explained just as you did about the money/water saving aspect. Needless to say, I’m installing them in my house.
It’s a bit late for a comment, but maybe someone will benefit.
I love my swivel aerator, bought at Gaiam, but they don’t have them anymore. Don’t know why Amazon’s is $30! Found one for $5.50 at greenfeet.com http://tinyurl.com/23ns3dx
The only problem with it is that it lowers the height of the faucet, which is difficult unless you have a tall fixture. Mine is low, and it’s a bit of a hassle, but worth it.
low flow? how about No Flow! Check out this Patented Automatic Shut Off Aerator – http://www.aquabarrel.com/product_faucet_shut_off.php The lever has to be pushed back to allow water to exit. NO more wasted water, whoohoo!
Jim,
You can find the flip aertator here:
http://cli.gs/V4r7VY
I would like to obtain a deluxe flip aerator. Where might I get one?
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! for giving me the source of the Deluxe Kitchen Swivel Aerator. I have been looking all over for it. I orginally bought it through some little gadget magazine but I have had the hardest time finding it lately. And it is wonderful! I give them as Christmas gifts. They make such a difference in my water usage. That little lever on the end that allows you to slow the water without touching the faucet arm is fantastic. Again, thanks. Myra Farr
There are also low flow water saving faucet aerators that do not use screens thus eliminating any clogging that can be from sediment buildup. Keep in mind that low flow can be considered even at the 2.2 gpm rate all the way down to .5 gpm which is actually considered ultra low flow.
The perfect compliment to a low flow showerhead is The Hot Water Lobster Instant Hot Water Valve! It’s a revolutionary home water conservation product that will save water and get instant hot water to your shower! It saves a lot of water that’s normally wasted down the drain while waiting for hot water. Just install the thermostatically adjustable recirculation valve under the sink farthest form your water heater and you will have instant hot water throughout your entire home. I’ve had one for 3 years now and I’m very impressed!
The Hot Water Lobster uses no electricity and works off of your existing plumbing! It’s also pump free, so it creates no noise. It’s made in the U.S.A., has a 10-year warranty, and can be easily installed in under 10 to 15 minutes! It even has a money back guarantee! The savings in water and energy quickly recoups it’s low $179.95 purchase price! You can’t beat this product!
http://www.hotwaterlobster.com