Looking for ways to save water? Try installing a low-flow faucet aerator. They work by mixing air in with the water coming out of the faucet, reducing the amount of H20 being used by almost half without compromising pressure. Depending on how many people there are in your household, having a low-flow aerator on a high traffic faucet could translate into big savings—thousands of gallons of water yearly, and money, too.
Reducing the amount of water you use helps maintain a natural water balance. Even if you don’t have water restrictions where you live, preserving it is a good idea. As severe droughts threaten countries across the globe from Pakistan to Russia to the United States to Kenya, it's all the more critical to conserve--and it's amazing how every drop adds up!
You may already have a low-flow aerator installed. Check the tip of your most used faucet to see if there is a flow rate imprinted on the side. If you don’t see any numbers, peek inside to see if your faucets have threading. If yes, you’ll be able to easily install an aerator. If no, you might want to replace the faucet entirely.
To install or replace an aerator, you need to know the size. Either bring your old one to a hardware store or look it up online on your faucet manufacturer’s website. For maximum water savings, you want an aerator rated at 2.75 gallons (10.4 L) per minute (GPM) or below.
Installation can be done by hand or with pliers, plus some pipe tape. When in doubt, seek help from a professional plumber.
