Are Faucet Aerators Universal? [Determine The Correct Size]

All aerators’ functions are the same. They are very simple products. Most of them look very similar too. 

That’s why many people think there must be only one type of aerator and buying any product from the market will fit their faucets. But are faucet aerators universal? 

No, faucet aerators are not universal. They differ in size, style, and type of mesh. To buy an aerator for your spout, you must first know what will match the opening. 

Through this article, I will help you understand why aerators are not universal and how to know which one to choose for your faucet. 

If you wish to know more, keep reading.

Can You Fit an Aerator to Any Tap?

No, a spout aerator is not universal, and you cannot fit it in any tap you want. 

You are using a faucet aerator to maintain your water stream. And if they break down, a replacement is needed.

In such situations, you cannot buy a random aerator from the market and place it on your tap. You must first determine several factors to know which product to get for your faucet, as aerators do not fit all faucets.

Below are some of the items you need to check to fit an aerator in your faucet. They are −

Male or Female Aerator?

Aerators are mainly of two types: male and female.

Male aerators are generally recessed into the spout and need to be opened and closed with a key. This means they’re permanently locked unless you have the key.

On the other hand, female aerators can be easily screwed and unscrewed from the spout and are easy to maintain.

To understand which type of aerator you need, you must first inspect your spout. If it has threads on the outside, it is a male faucet, and you need to attach it with a female aerator. 

On the contrary, spouts with threads inside are female faucets, and you must combine them with a male aerator. 

Both these aerators are readily available in stores. The best way to find them is by contacting your manufacturer to get a replacement part.

Aerator Size

Another factor you need to consider before purchasing your aerator is its size. These mesh discs come in different sizes, and there’s no such thing as a universal one. 

Your spout needs to properly fit the aerator, and as spouts come in sizes, aerators do too.

But how to measure for a replacement aerator?

There are mainly three aerator sizes: Regular, Junior, and Tom Thumb. 

For Regular, male threads are 15/16 inches, and female threads are 55/64 inches. And, juniors are 13/16 inches for males and ¾ inches for females.

An easier way to measure these sizes is by uninstalling your aerator and taking a nickel, dime, and quarter. Quarters are around the same circumference as the regular aerators. 

Meanwhile, junior aerators match the size of a nickel. Lastly, the smallest are the tom thumbs. And they’ll fit perfectly with a dime. 

To make it simpler for you to understand the concept, I am adding a faucet aerator size chart below:

After completing this fun task, you will know which size your aerator belongs to and purchase the appropriate one.

Flow Style

The last factor you need to notice before buying a new aerator is what style of water flow you want. This applies if you have a previous aerator and want the exact texture of water you had before.

Aerators come in three flow styles. They are: aerated, spray, and laminar. 

Aerated has more air mixed with the water, so the water will feel very soft. It has less pressure compared to the others. It’s great for washing hands or delicate things.

Spray aerators release water in a classic spray style. It releases water in multiple separate and visible streamlines. The water will have tremendous pressure, and it’s ideal for kitchen faucets. 

Last but not least, laminar aerators ensure the most amount of water coming out. It gives a transparent flow of water and ensures there is no splashing at all.

Therefore, these were some of the factors that set apart every aerator. Unfortunately, that’s why they cannot be universal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will the aerator of one brand fit another?

No, you usually cannot mix and match the aerators of one brand with another. Their type and dimensions are normally different from each other. They may only fit another brand’s spout if they are universal.

2. Can you replace the aerator in a faucet?

Yes, aerators are replaceable. If your aerator has become too old or has broken down, it’s time to replace it. All you have to do is unscrew it using a plier if the aerator is female. Removing a recessed faucet aerator is also easy if you have the key or a screwdriver.

3. Can you fit an aerator to any tap?

You cannot fit an aerator on any tap. It will only fit the taps that it matches in size. If you’re trying to fit an aerator in two same kinds of taps, then they may fit into the spout.

4. Do I need to remove my faucet aerator for cleaning?

Cleaning can be done in both ways using vinegar or lemon. If you want to clean by removing the aerator, take a plier and safely place the aerator somewhere. To clean the aerator without removing, use plastic bags and vinegar.

Final Words

Aerators are an integral part of our faucet. They help us save water, maintain the correct pressure, and filter it. 

While installing an aerator, many people have the misconception that they are universal and one product will fit all kinds of taps.

But are faucet aerators universal? Through this article, you now know that they’re not. Hence, make sure to get the right size and type of material for your spout.