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Published On: 10 June 2017Categories: Latest News, Plumbing

If you’ve taken a look at Alberta’s new energy efficiency website, you may have noticed that they have a lot of rebates and savings aimed directly towards Alberta consumers. For example, they’re offering instant savings on energy star light bulbs, dimmers, thermostats, faucet aerators, and more. You simply look up a participating location on their site and make sure you buy your qualifying product before June 11th. However, while clothes lines and low-flow showerheads are pretty straightforward, you may be wondering: Just what exactly is an aerator anyways?

Faucet aerators are found on the tip of most faucets. They look like small metal cylinders with a little mesh, and they screw right into your faucet. The job of the aerator is to mix water with air in order to create a smooth stream with no splashing. Beyond reducing splash, aerators also shape the stream and even the water pressure throughout the flow. They can reduce water usage (saving consumers money) and reduce faucet noise. In general, you can estimate a low-flow aerator will save you around $20 per year.

Occasionally, small pebbles or debris may come up the faucet and get stuck in the aerator. This will result in low water pressure and slow water. Fortunately, this issue is a pretty easy fix, and it should only take you about 5 minutes. Turn the faucet off, and unscrew the aerator. We recommend using plyers to help get the aerator off, but wrap them in tape to prevent them scratching your plumbing. Once the aerator is removed, give it a rinse and remove any obvious bits of rubbage. As long as it isn’t rusted or obviously worn, you can now reattach the aerator, and your water pressure should be back to normal.

If the faucets in your home don’t have aerators or if the aerators are old and need replacing, we recommend you take advantage of the Instant Savings offered by Efficiency Alberta. They have instant savings for both bathroom and kitchen faucets, and you’ll end up spending around $20 less on water annually as well. To learn more about faucet aerators, low-water plumbing options, or to have your home inspected for water-saving measures, contact the expert Calgary plumbers at Plumbing Paramedics today.

Call us at (403) 452-2911 or Book Now an appointment.

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