Direct from Manufacturer

Bathroom Faucet Aerators Built to Spec

Brass-body bathroom faucet aerators built to thread spec, flow spec, and market compliance — ready for OEM labeling or catalog listing. Standard and low-flow configurations available. Thread sizes from M16 to M24, male and female, internal and external. Certifications on file for North America, Europe, and Australia.

ISO 9001:2015 cUPC Available CE Available WaterMark Available OEM from 200 pcs Ships to 5 Continents
Brass bathroom faucet aerators — M16 to M24 thread sizes, multiple flow rate configurations

Flow Range

0.5 – 2.2 GPM

Thread Sizes

M16 – M24

Product Overview

What a Bathroom Faucet Aerator Is — and Why the Spec Details Matter for Your Order

A bathroom faucet aerator is the threaded insert that screws into the faucet spout tip. It mixes air into the water stream, controls flow rate, and in most markets determines whether the faucet passes water efficiency regulations. That last point is where most sourcing problems start: buyers order aerators by thread size alone, then discover the flow rate doesn't meet WaterSense, WELS, or local building code requirements for the destination market.

We manufacture bathroom faucet aerators as a dedicated product line — not as an afterthought component bundled with faucet orders. The distinction matters because aerator performance is determined by three independent variables: thread size and type (which must match the faucet spout), flow rate (which must meet market regulations), and spray pattern (which affects end-user perception and downstream return rates). Getting one wrong means the aerator doesn't fit, doesn't comply, or generates complaints. We spec all three before production starts.

The bathroom aerator differs from a kitchen faucet aerator primarily in flow rate range and spray pattern. Bathroom applications typically run 0.5–1.5 GPM (1.9–5.7 L/min), lower than kitchen configurations, because bathroom sinks are used for handwashing and face washing rather than filling vessels. We've had buyers try to use kitchen aerators on bathroom faucets to simplify their SKU count — the flow rate is usually too high for WaterSense compliance, and the stream pattern is wrong for a bathroom basin. The aerator body diameter also tends to be smaller on bathroom faucets, which is why M16 and M18 thread sizes are more common in this category than the M22/M24 sizes typical of kitchen spouts.

Bathroom faucet aerator cross-section showing thread, flow restrictor, and spray pattern components

Three Variables That Determine Aerator Performance

Thread Size & Type

Must match the faucet spout exactly — male/female, metric/imperial, and pitch all matter.

Flow Rate

Must meet destination market regulations — WaterSense, WELS, CALGreen, EN 246. Bathroom range: 0.5–1.5 GPM.

Spray Pattern

Affects end-user perception and return rates. Aerated, laminar, and spray patterns serve different applications.

Bathroom vs. Kitchen Aerator

Bathroom

  • 0.5–1.5 GPM typical
  • M16 / M18 common
  • Handwash / face wash
  • Smaller body diameter

Kitchen

  • Higher flow rates
  • M22 / M24 typical
  • Vessel filling use
  • Larger body diameter

Using kitchen aerators on bathroom faucets is a common SKU-consolidation mistake — the flow rate typically fails WaterSense compliance and the stream pattern is wrong for a bathroom basin.

Technical Data

Specifications: Thread Sizes, Flow Rates, and Configuration Options

Get a Quote with Your Specs

These are the standard configurations we run in production. Custom thread sizes, flow rates, and spray patterns are available — see the customization section below.

Parameter Standard Options
Thread type Male external (fits female-threaded spout) / Female internal (fits male-threaded spout)
Thread sizes M16×1 M18×1 M22×1 M24×1 15/16"-27 55/64"-27
Flow rate options 0.5 GPM 0.8 GPM 1.0 GPM 1.2 GPM 1.5 GPM 2.2 GPM
Spray pattern Aerated (air-mixed) / Laminar (non-aerated, clear stream) / Spray
Body material Brass (standard) / Chrome-plated brass / Plastic housing with brass insert
Screen mesh Stainless steel, 100–200 mesh
Key dimensions Outer diameter 16–24mm; body height 15–25mm (varies by thread size)
Operating pressure 0.05–0.8 MPa (typical residential range)
Temperature rating Up to 80°C

Specifications shown are standard production values. Contact us for exact data sheets on specific configurations.

Flow Rate and Market Compliance

The flow rate is the spec that most directly affects your market compliance. The table below maps our standard flow rate configurations to the major destination market requirements.

North America

WaterSense (EPA)

Requires ≤1.5 GPM for bathroom lavatory faucets. Our 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 GPM configurations all qualify.

0.5 GPM ✓ 0.8 GPM ✓ 1.0 GPM ✓ 1.2 GPM ✓ 1.5 GPM ✓

California & State Codes

CALGreen ≤1.2 GPM

California and other state-level codes require ≤1.2 GPM. Specify this flow rate explicitly when ordering for these markets.

0.5 GPM ✓ 0.8 GPM ✓ 1.0 GPM ✓ 1.2 GPM ✓ 1.5 GPM

Europe

EU / WELL Standard

No single EU-wide mandate, but WELL Building Standard and many national codes target ≤1.0 GPM (≈3.8 L/min) for lavatory faucets.

0.5 GPM ✓ 0.8 GPM ✓ 1.0 GPM ✓ 1.2 GPM 1.5 GPM

Australia / New Zealand

WELS Star Rating

WELS 5-star requires ≤4.5 L/min (≈1.19 GPM). Our 0.5, 0.8, and 1.0 GPM configurations achieve 6-star; 1.2 GPM achieves 5-star.

0.5 GPM ✓ 6★ 0.8 GPM ✓ 6★ 1.0 GPM ✓ 6★ 1.2 GPM ✓ 5★

Middle East

Estidama / Green Star

UAE Estidama and regional green building codes typically align with ≤1.5 GPM for lavatory faucets, with higher-efficiency credits at ≤1.0 GPM.

0.5 GPM ✓ 0.8 GPM ✓ 1.0 GPM ✓ 1.2 GPM ✓ 1.5 GPM ✓

Other Markets

Custom Flow Rate

Selling into a market with a specific L/min requirement? We can configure flow restrictors to any target rate. Share your destination market and we'll spec accordingly.

Discuss your market requirements

Thread Size Quick Reference

Thread size is the most common source of fitment errors in OEM sourcing. Use this reference to confirm the correct size before placing an order.

Thread Size OD (mm) Standard Typical Application Region
M16×1 16 mm Metric Compact bathroom faucets, vessel sinks Europe, Asia
M18×1 18 mm Metric Standard bathroom lavatory faucets Europe, Asia, Middle East
M22×1 22 mm Metric Kitchen faucets, higher-flow bathroom Europe, Asia
M24×1 24 mm Metric Kitchen faucets, commercial Europe, Asia
15/16"-27 ~24 mm UNS (Imperial) Standard US bathroom faucets (male spout) North America
55/64"-27 ~22 mm UNS (Imperial) Standard US bathroom faucets (female spout) North America

Measurement tip: Always measure the spout OD (outer diameter) directly — do not rely on faucet model numbers alone. A 1 mm mismatch in thread size will cause leaks or cross-threading. When in doubt, send us a sample spout and we'll confirm the correct aerator size before production.

Configuration Options

Beyond thread size and flow rate, these configuration choices affect end-user experience, installation method, and product positioning.

Spray Pattern

  • Aerated — air mixed into stream; soft, white appearance; most common for residential bathroom
  • Laminar — clear, non-aerated stream; preferred for healthcare and food service; reduces aerosol
  • Spray — wide dispersal pattern; suited for rinsing applications

Body Finish

  • Polished chrome — standard; matches most faucet finishes; corrosion resistant
  • Brushed nickel — popular for contemporary fixtures; hides water spots
  • Matte black — growing demand in premium residential; requires PVD coating
  • Custom finish — available on request for OEM color matching

Removal Type

  • Standard (hand-removable) — knurled body; user can remove for cleaning; standard for residential
  • Cache / tamper-resistant — requires a key tool to remove; preferred for hospitality and commercial to prevent theft or tampering

Pressure Compensating

Standard aerators deliver variable flow as inlet pressure changes. Pressure-compensating (PC) aerators include an internal elastomeric regulator that maintains a consistent flow rate across a wide pressure range — important for multi-story buildings or variable municipal supply.

Swivel vs. Fixed

  • Fixed — standard; stream direction is fixed relative to spout axis
  • Swivel — articulating joint allows stream direction adjustment; common on pull-out kitchen faucets and accessibility-focused designs

Packaging Options

  • Bulk / poly bag — for OEM pre-installation; lowest cost per unit
  • Retail blister card — branded packaging for aftermarket / replacement sales
  • Custom box — white-label or private-label packaging with your branding
Manufacturing Process

How We Make Them: Brass Body, Precision Screen, Consistent Flow

Every component in our aerator assembly is specified for long-term contact with municipal water systems. Here's what we use, why we chose it, and what the tolerances mean for your compliance exposure.

Brass Body — C36000-Equivalent Free-Machining Alloy

Same alloy as our faucet body production

The aerator body is C36000-equivalent free-machining brass — the same alloy we use across our faucet body production. We chose brass over zinc alloy because bathroom aerators sit in contact with water continuously, and zinc alloy corrodes faster in chlorinated municipal water systems.

Comparison test result:

Zinc alloy aerator bodies showed visible corrosion at the thread interface after 18 months in a hard-water test environment. The brass bodies were clean.

The chrome-plated brass option runs through our in-house electroplating line — copper base coat, nickel mid-coat, chrome top coat — the same stack we use on our faucet bodies, so the finish matches when the aerator ships as part of a faucet assembly.

Flow Restrictor Disc — ±0.02mm Orifice Tolerance

Stamped stainless steel, punched to spec

The flow restrictor disc is the component that actually controls flow rate. We stamp these from stainless steel sheet and punch the orifice to a tolerance of ±0.02mm. That tolerance is tighter than most aerator manufacturers hold, and it's the reason our flow rates are consistent across a production batch rather than varying ±15% from unit to unit.

Why batch consistency matters for compliance:

If you're selling into a market where the faucet must pass a flow rate test at the point of installation, a faucet that tests at 1.48 GPM on one unit and 1.62 GPM on another is a compliance problem waiting to happen.

Brass aerator body components showing flow restrictor disc and mesh screen assembly

Stainless Steel Mesh Screen — 100-Mesh Standard, 200-Mesh Available

Upstream debris protection for the orifice

The stainless steel mesh screen sits upstream of the flow restrictor and catches debris that would otherwise clog the orifice. We use 100-mesh as standard for most configurations — fine enough to catch sediment from typical municipal water systems, coarse enough not to restrict flow below the rated value.

100-Mesh (Standard)

Suitable for typical municipal water systems. Catches sediment without restricting rated flow. Lower maintenance frequency.

200-Mesh (Optional)

For markets with known water quality issues — certain Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern municipal systems. Catches finer particles; requires more frequent cleaning. Trade-off is noted in product documentation.

Assembly and Flow Testing

Assembly is straightforward: body, screen, flow restrictor, and aerator insert are assembled and then flow-tested. We pull a sample from each production batch and run it on our flow test bench at 0.3 MPa — the standard test pressure for most aerator certifications — to verify the flow rate is within ±5% of the rated value.

The test data travels with the shipment documentation.

0.3 MPa

Standard test pressure matching most aerator certifications

±5%

Flow rate tolerance verified per production batch sample

±0.02mm

Orifice punch tolerance — tighter than most aerator manufacturers hold

Volume Channels

Market Segments Where Bathroom Faucet Aerators Move in Volume

Aerator demand concentrates in four distinct channels. Each has a different order pattern, compliance requirement, and reorder cycle. Understanding which segment you're serving shapes how you spec the product and structure the supply relationship.

Plumbing distributor warehouse stocking bathroom faucet aerators across multiple thread sizes

Segment 01

Replacement and Retrofit Distribution

The highest-volume segment for standalone aerator sales. Plumbing distributors and hardware wholesalers stock aerators as a consumable — they get replaced when clogged, when a faucet is upgraded, or when a building owner needs to bring older fixtures into compliance with updated water efficiency codes.

Typical volume:

A mid-size plumbing distributor in the US might turn 5,000–20,000 aerator units per year across multiple thread sizes.

Key sourcing requirement:

Having the full thread size matrix in stock. A distributor who can't match the thread size loses the sale to whoever can. We supply the full M16–M24 metric range and the two common imperial sizes in a single order, so your catalog covers the installed base without sourcing from multiple suppliers.

OEM faucet assembly line with aerators matched to faucet spout thread specifications

Segment 02

OEM Faucet Assembly

Aerators ship as part of a complete faucet. If you manufacture or private-label bathroom faucets, the aerator is typically the last component specified and the first one that generates a complaint if it's wrong.

How we support OEM buyers:

We supply aerators matched to faucet spout thread specs. Send us the spout thread spec and we'll confirm the correct aerator configuration before you commit to a production run.

Real outcome:

We've caught thread mismatches for three different buyers this way. It's a five-minute check that prevents a container-load problem.

Hotel bathroom renovation project specifying low-flow aerators for LEED water efficiency compliance

Segment 03

Hotel and Hospitality Procurement

Runs on project timelines with specific compliance requirements. A 300-room hotel renovation might specify 1.0 GPM aerators across all bathroom faucets to meet LEED water efficiency credits.

Typical order size

600–1,200 units per project, tied to construction schedule

Reorder cycle

3–5 years as properties renovate; initial project win often holds replacement business

What we provide:

Production slot holds for project orders, plus the compliance documentation — flow rate test reports, material certifications — that the project's LEED consultant needs.

Water efficiency compliance program bulk aerator supply for utility rebate and conservation programs

Segment 04

Water Efficiency Compliance Programs

Markets like California, Australia, and parts of Europe create demand for aerator upgrades on existing faucet installations. Utility rebate programs sometimes subsidize aerator replacement as a water conservation measure — these programs generate bulk orders of a single flow rate configuration in large quantities.

Typical configuration:

0.5 or 0.8 GPM, single flow rate, high volume. Order pattern is predictable and volume is significant.

Track record:

We've supplied several such programs through distributors in Australia and the US West Coast.

Which segment fits your sourcing situation?

Most buyers fall clearly into one of these four channels, but some distributors serve two or three simultaneously — stocking replacement inventory while also supplying OEM accounts and occasional project orders. If that's your situation, the thread size matrix and documentation package we provide are designed to cover all three without separate SKU management.

Send us your current order pattern and destination market and we'll confirm the right configuration, mesh spec, and documentation set before you commit to a production run.

Custom Configurations

Customization: Thread, Flow Rate, Finish, and Packaging

The standard configurations cover most sourcing needs, but we run custom specifications regularly. Here's what's adjustable and what isn't.

Thread Size and Type

Any metric thread size from M14 to M28, and both common imperial sizes. Non-standard thread pitches — for example, M22×0.75 for certain European faucet brands — require a tooling setup.

Lead Time (Non-Standard)

+7–10 days

First order only; standard run thereafter

Min. Order (Non-Standard)

500 pieces

Per non-standard thread size

Flow Rate

Any flow rate from 0.5 to 2.2 GPM is achievable by changing the flow restrictor orifice diameter. Intermediate values — 0.9 GPM, 1.1 GPM — are available if your market compliance requires a specific number.

Pricing Impact

The flow restrictor is a low-cost component. Custom flow rates don't significantly affect unit price.

Spray Pattern

Three patterns available depending on application:

  • Aerated — standard configuration
  • Laminar (clear stream) — preferred for some European markets and faucets used near mirrors where splash is a concern. Requires a different aerator insert component — we stock both.
  • Spray — for faucets used as hand rinse stations

Finish

Chrome-plated brass is standard. Additional finishes are available for aerators that will be visible on the faucet — some exposed-spout designs show the aerator tip.

Chrome-Plated Brass
Brushed Nickel
Matte Black
PVD Gold

Finish matching to faucet body finish is possible when both are sourced from us — we run the aerator through the same plating batch as the faucet body.

Packaging

Three packaging formats available depending on your distribution channel:

Bulk Poly Bag

Standard for OEM supply

Individual Retail Blister Card

For distribution to hardware retail

Branded Box with Your Logo

Min. 1,000 units per SKU. We print your brand name, product code, and compliance logos — send us your artwork files and we'll confirm the print spec.

MOQ Summary

Standard configurations 200 pieces
Non-standard thread sizes 500 pieces
Custom retail packaging 1,000 pieces
Bathroom faucet aerators in chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and PVD gold finishes

Ready to specify your configuration?

Send us your thread spec and target market — we'll confirm the right configuration and quote within 24 hours.

Request a Quote
Certifications & Compliance

Compliance Documentation for Your Destination Market

The aerator is a regulated component in most of our buyers' target markets, and the documentation requirements vary by destination. Here's what we can provide.

North America (US / Canada)

Flow rate test reports at 0.3 MPa per ASME A112.18.1 / CSA B125.1

cUPC certification covers the faucet assembly including the aerator when supplied as part of a complete faucet

For standalone aerator supply: SGS flow rate test reports

WaterSense compliance documentation available for configurations ≤1.5 GPM

Europe

EN 246 flow rate classification documentation

CE marking applies to the complete faucet assembly

For standalone aerator supply: material certificates covering RoHS compliance and lead content per EN 15664-1 for drinking water contact materials

Flow rate test reports for standalone supply

Australia

WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) star rating documentation for configurations that meet the threshold

WaterMark certification covers the complete faucet assembly

For standalone aerator supply: flow rate test reports and material certificates

General (All Markets)

SGS third-party test reports available for any configuration

Brass alloy is lead-free per California Prop 65 and EU RoHS — XRF test reports available on request

We test every incoming brass batch for lead content as part of standard incoming inspection — this isn't a special request, it's routine

Documentation Ships with the Container

All documentation is prepared in parallel with production and ships with the container. Your customs broker and compliance team get the paperwork without having to chase it.

Standard

SGS Reports

US / Canada

WaterSense

Europe

EN 246 / RoHS

Australia

WELS / WaterMark

Material

XRF / Prop 65

System

ISO 9001

Compliance documentation and certification paperwork for bathroom faucet aerator export

Need documentation for a specific market?

Tell us your destination market and we'll confirm which certifications apply to your configuration.

Our Certifications
Common Sourcing Error

Thread Size Matching: The Most Common Sourcing Error

The single most common problem we see with aerator orders is thread mismatch — the aerator arrives and doesn't fit the faucet spout. This happens because faucet manufacturers don't always specify thread size in their product listings, and buyers assume a "standard" size exists. It doesn't. The installed base of bathroom faucets spans at least six common thread sizes across metric and imperial systems, and the thread type (male vs. female) depends on whether the spout has an internal or external thread.

Before placing an aerator order, confirm:

1

Thread Diameter

Measure the outer diameter of the spout tip (for external threads) or the inner diameter of the spout opening (for internal threads). Common bathroom faucet sizes: M16, M18, M22 metric; 15/16" imperial.

2

Thread Type

Is the spout thread male (external, aerator screws on) or female (internal, aerator screws in)? Most bathroom faucets use a female-threaded spout that accepts a male-threaded aerator, but this varies by manufacturer.

3

Thread Pitch

Standard metric pitch is 1mm for these sizes. Non-standard pitches exist on some European and Japanese faucet brands.

4

Body Diameter Clearance

The aerator body must fit within the spout opening. On some low-profile bathroom faucets, the spout opening is recessed and requires a key-style aerator (removed with a special tool) rather than a standard hand-tighten type.

Measuring bathroom faucet spout thread diameter for aerator sizing

We'll Identify the Thread Spec for You

If you're sourcing aerators to match an existing faucet line, send us a sample faucet or a photo of the spout tip with a ruler for scale — we'll identify the thread spec and confirm the correct aerator before you commit to an order. We've done this for dozens of buyers and it takes us about 10 minutes.

Common Thread Reference

Thread Size System Typical Application
M16 Metric Compact bathroom faucets
M18 Metric Standard bathroom faucets
M22 Metric Larger bathroom / kitchen
15/16" Imperial North American market
Full Range

Sibling Products in the Aerator & Components Range

Bathroom faucet aerators are one configuration in our broader aerator and components line. If your sourcing needs extend beyond bathroom applications, the pages below cover the relevant specifications and configurations.

Multi-category orders: If you need aerators across multiple categories for a single order, we can consolidate into one shipment — same documentation package, same container.

View Full Range
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the sourcing and specification questions we hear most often from buyers, distributors, and OEM procurement teams.

What thread size do most bathroom faucets use?

There's no single standard. North American bathroom faucets most commonly use 15/16"-27 (external) or 55/64"-27 (internal) imperial threads. European bathroom faucets typically use M22×1 or M24×1 metric threads. Asian-manufactured faucets (including most Chinese-made faucets) often use M18×1 or M22×1.

The only reliable way to confirm is to measure the spout or check the faucet manufacturer's spec sheet. If you're sourcing aerators for a mixed installed base, order a sample set across the common sizes before committing to volume.

What flow rate do I need for WaterSense compliance?

WaterSense requires ≤1.5 GPM (5.7 L/min) for bathroom lavatory faucets. For California (CALGreen Title 24), the requirement is ≤1.2 GPM. For LEED v4 water efficiency credits, the baseline is 1.5 GPM and points are awarded for lower flow rates.

If you're supplying into multiple US markets, the 1.2 GPM configuration covers all state-level requirements including California — it's the safer default for a single-SKU strategy.

Can I source aerators that match the finish of the faucet body?

Yes, when both the faucet and aerator are sourced from us. We run aerators through the same plating batch as the faucet bodies — chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and PVD gold are all available.

If you're sourcing faucet bodies from another manufacturer and need finish-matched aerators, send us a sample of the faucet finish and we'll match it as closely as our plating process allows. Exact matching isn't always possible across different plating lines, but we can usually get within acceptable visual tolerance.

What's the minimum order quantity for custom flow rates or thread sizes?

200 pieces for standard configurations with custom flow rates.

500 pieces for non-standard thread sizes that require tooling setup.

1,000 pieces for custom retail packaging with your branding.

Lead time for standard configurations is 15–20 days from order confirmation. Non-standard thread sizes add 7–10 days for tooling.

How do I prevent aerator clogging in hard water markets?

The main cause of aerator clogging is calcium carbonate scale buildup on the mesh screen and flow restrictor. For hard water markets (water hardness above 200 mg/L CaCO3), we recommend specifying a 100-mesh screen rather than 200-mesh — the coarser mesh is less prone to scale bridging and easier for end users to clean.

We also recommend including a cleaning instruction card in the retail packaging, which reduces warranty claims from customers who don't know the aerator is removable and cleanable.

For markets with extreme hardness (above 400 mg/L), a laminar-flow aerator without a mesh screen is worth considering — it eliminates the clogging point entirely, though it changes the stream appearance.

Do you supply aerators as part of a complete faucet assembly, or only as standalone components?

Both. We supply aerators pre-installed on faucet bodies for OEM faucet orders, and as standalone components for distribution and replacement supply.

For OEM faucet orders, the aerator spec is confirmed as part of the faucet specification process — we match thread size, flow rate, and finish to the faucet body before production. For standalone component orders, we ship in bulk poly bags or retail packaging depending on your distribution channel.

Request a Quote

Getting a Quote: What to Send Us

The fastest way to get an accurate quote is to send us four pieces of information:

1

Thread size and type

Metric or imperial, male or female, diameter

2

Flow rate

Or the target market so we can recommend the compliant configuration

3

Quantity

Per SKU and total

4

Packaging requirement

Bulk OEM, retail blister, or branded box

If you're not sure about the thread size, send us a photo of the faucet spout with a ruler, or a sample unit. We'll identify the spec and come back with a confirmed configuration and quote — typically within one business day.

New to sourcing aerators from China? Most of our buyers in this category start with a sample order of 2–5 units per configuration to verify fit and flow rate before committing to volume. We can ship samples within 5–7 days. The sample cost is credited against your first production order.

Request a Quote for Bathroom Faucet Aerators

Factory Address

Block A, Jinsha Smart Manufacturing Park, No. 88 Xilian East Road, Danzao Town, Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China (528216)

Wfaucet manufacturing facility in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China

Wfaucet factory — Jinsha Smart Manufacturing Park, Foshan, Guangdong. ISO 9001 certified production for faucet aerators and components.

Typical Response Time

Quote turnaround within one business day. Sample shipment within 5–7 days. Sample cost credited against first production order.

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