Flow Control 101

Water efficiency plays a crucial role in sustainability, cost savings, and overall resource management. Aerators and flow control devices are essential components that help regulate water usage without sacrificing performance. Whether in commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or residential spaces, these devices work to optimize flow rates, reduce waste, and enhance functionality. In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of aerators and flow control devices, how they work, why they matter, and how they contribute to smarter water management. Let’s dive in!

Flow Control Devices vs “Aerators”

Let’s get this out of the way first. It is common to refer to all flow control devices as aerators; however, not all flow control devices fit into that category. All flow control devices control and regulate the rate of the water flow and compensate for the changes in pressure. An aerator is a specific type of flow control device. It is unique because it softens the water flow by introducing air.

Flow Control in Healthcare Facilities

Facilities such as hospitals have chosen or are required to no longer use aerators because of a prevalent bacteria known as Legionella. This bacteria exists at microscopic levels in every building’s water system. It is important for these systems to be closely monitored as things like the rise in temperature can also cause a rise in Legionella in water systems. If that level gets too high, once the water reaches the spout of the faucet the bacteria will then spread into the air of the room. If it reaches that stage it can cause Legionnaires disease, which is a severe type of Pneumonia, to those who breathe it in. For that reason, many hospitals have prohibited aerators. These General Services Administration (GSA) facilities are also being told to not use aerators and only laminar flow devices which create a smooth flow of water, eliminating the risks involved when air is introduced to the stream. 

Choosing the Right Flow Control Device

To figure out what type of flow device is needed for a job, there are four main characteristics to consider: size, gender, spray pattern, and GPM. 

1. There three different sizes that most fall into, and we can use US coins to identify these:

• Quarter = “Regular”,
• Nickel = “Small”
• Dime = “Tom Thumb”

2. It is then important to figure out the gender. Most faucets come with a female end which means most typical flow devices are male; however, both types of faucets are used. The BEST tip is to consider using a Dual Thread device. These have threads on both the inside and outside, making it fit both a male and female spout.

3. There are multiple different spray patterns as well. The main ones are aerated, laminar, and spray. These serve different purposes. As we’ve discussed, laminar decreases the risk of Legionella while aerated introduces air to create a soft flow of water. The spray pattern pushes water through small openings which increases the water pressure while using less water. Rain, Mikado, and atomizer are other more stylized versions of the spray and are often chosen as an aesthetic option in more luxury applications.

4. There are several types of water flows that must also be identified. Faucets that will be used in places like kitchens or labs often have a flow rate of 2 or 1.5 gallons per minute, but in places they would like to conserve water it will be lower. These GPM options include:

• 2.2 GPM for a standard flow
• 1.5 GPM for a water saving flow
• 1.0 GPM for a super saving flow
• 0.5 and 0.35 which both give a low flow. 

Another aspect to consider while making your choice is that flow control devices can be easily stolen; it is best to prepare for that and try to fight against that possibility if it is put in a facility where that is a common concern. Vandal-proof options are made to make it impossible to be stolen. If using a vandal-proof style, an aerator key will be needed to remove this, deterring thieves. We make a Vandal Proof Flow Device Assortment that has every part that may be needed for a vandal proof application. This can be found with part number 23246 on our website. 

Conclusion

When taking the main attributes of size, gender, spray pattern, GPM, and if the vandal proof option is needed into account, it is easy to find the perfect flow control device for any faucet, in any facility. Click Here to shop all Flow Control Devices or speak with your local sales rep to stock up on the best choice for your facility.