Aerator

An aerator is a threaded insert that sits at the outlet of a faucet. Inside is a series of screens, mesh, or perforated plates that break the solid water stream into multiple thin streams or a spray pattern. As water passes through, air is pulled in and mixed with the water, which reduces the overall volume while maintaining perceived pressure and coverage.

On the job, aerators are the first thing to check when a customer complains about low flow or weak spray. They clog easily with mineral buildup, debris, or corrosion—especially in hard water areas. Cleaning or replacing an aerator takes minutes and solves the problem 80% of the time before you need to suspect the valve itself. Most are hand-removable; some require a wrench if they've been over-tightened or seized.

Aerators also matter for water conservation code compliance. Most modern residential faucets come with flow restrictors built into the aerator to meet federal standards (2.2 gpm max for lavatory, 2.5 gpm for kitchen). If a customer wants higher flow, you're replacing or modifying the aerator. Commercial or utility faucets often run without aerators or with larger orifices to handle higher volumes and sediment.