A small mesh screen attachment screwed onto the tip of a tap to mix air into the water stream. This creates a steady, splash-free flow and reduces the overall water volume without noticeably dropping the pressure. They are standard on domestic sinks and basins to meet water conservation codes, but are usually left off bath spouts where fast filling is preferred.
Heard on the job
Grab a cache key from the truck so I can pull this faucet aerator and flush the lines.
Insider tip
When a customer complains of low water pressure at a single sink, always unthread the aerator first and check for trapped grit or scale.
Also heard as
- aerator