Is there any way to increase aerator flow rates. I recently replaced my kitchen facuets with a moen unit. I am on a well and my psi varies from 30 to 45 psi. Thses new kitchen faucets have half te flow of my old ones. I know the standard is 2.2 GPM but I am not concerned with saving water , I just want more flow. Can’t buy a higher flow rate aerator and I anm wondering if there is a way to modify the aerator to accomlish this?
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Replies
Sometimes when a new faucet is installed and usually when piping work is done dirt breaks loose and plugs the aerator. The first thing I'd suggest doing is to remove the aerator, flush out the faucet for a few seconds, dismantle and clean the aerator, then reinstall it.
The flow restriction in some aerators is accomplished by a plastic disk with a hole in it. Drilling out the hole larger (one drill size us usually enough) usually does the trick.
It is also possible that the supply tubing on the facet was kinked during the installation. One time when I tightened a compression fitting the copper tube from the faucet twisted around like a licorice stick and severely reduced the flow.
I don't have a lot of experience with wells, but your pressure is low compared to municipal water systems. 50 to 60 psi is typical. Can you increase the pressure setting of your system?