Sink Faucet Aerators Built to Spec

The mechanical function is identical — all three are thread-on inserts that control flow rate and aeration pattern. The distinction is in application scope. Kitchen faucet aerators are typically specified for higher flow rates (1.8–2.2 GPM) and often include swivel or spray/stream switching. Bathroom faucet aerators are usually compact units at 1.0–1.5 GPM. A sink faucet aerator covers both applications — it's the right SKU when you need a single part number that works across a mixed kitchen and bathroom faucet catalog, or when you're building a universal replacement parts assortment.

Unscrew the existing aerator and measure the outside diameter of the male thread (or inside diameter of the female thread) with a caliper. M22×1 (outside diameter approximately 22mm) is the most common thread in North American faucets. M24×1 (outside diameter approximately 24mm) is standard in most European product. If you're sourcing aerators to pair with faucets you're also buying from us, we confirm the thread spec from the faucet drawing — no measurement required on your end.

For the US federal market, 1.5 GPM is the WaterSense ceiling for lavatory faucets. For California specifically, the CEC requirement is 1.2 GPM. If you're selling into both markets from the same SKU, specify 1.2 GPM — it meets both requirements. If you're selling only into non-California US markets and want to carry the WaterSense label, 1.5 GPM is the standard. We manufacture both; the flow restrictor disc is a separate insert in our housing design, so you can run both flow rates from the same housing tooling.

Clogging is almost always sediment or mineral scale accumulating on the mesh screen. Our aerators use a multi-layer mesh stack — a coarser outer screen catches larger particles before they reach the fine inner mesh. The housing is designed for tool-free disassembly so the screen can be cleaned without replacing the whole unit. For hard-water markets, we recommend our filter faucet aerator line, which adds a replaceable sediment pre-filter upstream of the mesh stack. Single-mesh aerators with no pre-filter stage clog within 3 months in hard-water areas and generate a steady stream of warranty calls — we've seen it enough times to be direct about it.

We supply aerators at ≤1.5 GPM (federal WaterSense threshold) and ≤1.2 GPM (California CEC). The aerator spec is the compliance foundation, but WaterSense certification itself requires third-party testing by an EPA-recognized laboratory — the aerator alone doesn't get you the label. We supply the compliant aerator with our internal flow rate test documentation, and we can connect you with a testing lab for the WaterSense certification process if you're building a labeled program.

MOQ is 200 pieces per SKU for OEM orders. Lead time for orders using existing tooling (new finish, flow rate, or packaging) is 15–20 days from order confirmation. New housing profiles or non-standard thread sizes requiring new tooling add 20–25 days; tooling cost is quoted separately, typically $800–$1,500 depending on complexity. For standard catalog items without OEM customization, lead time is 15–20 days and MOQ is also 200 pieces.