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Union Gas set up a free kit for us that included some 1.25 GPM 'energy-efficient' aerators and shower heads. I took one apart to see if I could retrofit this onto the rest of our faucets, and found that these new aerators had just one extra piece - a thin disc with a small hole to restrict water flow.
All you need are the tools to remove your current aerator (I used slip-joint pliers), a type '2' plastic bottle with a flat panel (I used a Sunny D bottle), strong scissors, a 3/32" drill bit, and Teflon tape.
First, I removed the standard 2.5 GPM aerator and took out the gasket. Using that as a template, I cut out a plastic disc from the plastic bottle. The pictures are pretty bad because I couldn't get the lighting conditions right.
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^ That disc was a rough first attempt. The jagged edges are fine, but make sure it will fit snugly into the aerator.
Using a 3/32" drill bit, drill a hole into the centre of the disc. Slip the disc in behind where the gasket sits, and make sure that it is snug on at least two sides (try a loose disc...very loud whistling).
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Reapply Teflon tape to the aerator, reinstall, and test the water flow. I doubt the little disc presents any danger of putting BPA into the water, but if you want to be safe, don't put one on the faucets used for drinking water.
All you need are the tools to remove your current aerator (I used slip-joint pliers), a type '2' plastic bottle with a flat panel (I used a Sunny D bottle), strong scissors, a 3/32" drill bit, and Teflon tape.
First, I removed the standard 2.5 GPM aerator and took out the gasket. Using that as a template, I cut out a plastic disc from the plastic bottle. The pictures are pretty bad because I couldn't get the lighting conditions right.
^ That disc was a rough first attempt. The jagged edges are fine, but make sure it will fit snugly into the aerator.
Using a 3/32" drill bit, drill a hole into the centre of the disc. Slip the disc in behind where the gasket sits, and make sure that it is snug on at least two sides (try a loose disc...very loud whistling).
Reapply Teflon tape to the aerator, reinstall, and test the water flow. I doubt the little disc presents any danger of putting BPA into the water, but if you want to be safe, don't put one on the faucets used for drinking water.
