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If you have had to replace faucet aerators in your commercial or residential rental properties, you understand the importance of vandal-resistant faucets with tamper-proof aerators. People remove them for various reasons, probably without understanding why aerators are important.
Bachli Herman and Harry S. Shapiro invented faucet aerators in the 1940s. The purpose was to give faucets a more even flow but offer additional benefits.
If you want to stop constantly replacing aerators, check out these solutions to help ensure people don't damage the faucet aerators at your facilities.
Key Takeaways:
- Vandal-resistant fittings and fixtures make it difficult for users to remove the aerator. These faucets and aerators are best in schools, hotels, healthcare facilities, and institutions.
- Benefits of faucet aerators include water conservation, reduced energy consumption, enhanced water pressure, improved water taste, and reduced faucet noise.
- There are three faucets perfect for settings where vandal-resistant fittings are necessary to ensure public safety.
- Requires tamper-proof aerator and key to remove it when needed. This allows you to do repairs or replace parts.
What are Vandal-Resistant Faucets and Tamper-Proof Aerators?
These are specialty fittings and fixtures that make it difficult for anyone to damage (or remove) the faucet aerator. They require a custom key to remove and are more durable than standard models.
Property owners, landlords, and facility managers use tamper-proof faucets to prevent people from removing the aerators. They are useful in any property, including:
- Schools
- Public housing
- Apartment buildings
- Hotels and motels
- Healthcare facilities
- Institutions
When water flow is low, people think removing the aerator will make the water flow faster. They don't realize they remove all the benefits of an aerator with it.
There are DIY fixes people could attempt instead of removing the aerator. These will clear any sediment from the aerator that could be causing the low water flow.
If you are a landlord, replace or clean aerators for rentals before new tenants (residential or commercial) move in and encourage them to continue maintaining the aerators throughout their lease.
Benefits of Faucet Aerators
Faucet aerators are easy to install, and vandal-resistant models ensure that tenants, visitors, or facility patrons won't remove them. Here are some reasons you want to make sure no one can mess with the aerators on your sinks:
- Water conservations: You can reduce water usage by 20-30% (the equivalent of 45 showers) annually.
- Reduced energy costs: Reducing water flow also reduces energy bills, like the costs of heating water while washing dishes.
- Filters out debris: Debris may flow through waterlines. Aerators filter that sediment out.
- Enhances water pressure: In homes with low water pressure, an aerator will make it seem like more pressure is running through the faucet.
- Reduces faucet noise: An aerator provides a constant stream, making the faucet seem quieter.
- Improves taste: The bubbles increase the enjoyment of drinking water because they improve the taste.
Top 5 Vandal-Resistant Faucets and Aerator Fittings
If property owners replaced existing faucets and aerators with WaterSense models, the EPA states that Americans would save nearly $1.3 billion in water and energy costs. That equals 69 billion gallons of water each year, enough to meet the water needs of more than 680,000 American households.
Commercial buildings can save even more. Regardless of the type of facility your own, manage, or operate, you will want vandal-resistant fittings. Many of these fittings work for commercial and residential applications. Here are a few of the top faucets and aerators.
1. EVR Series Touchless Faucets
Facility managers and building owners are swapping out manual faucets and opting for touchless models to improve public health and reduce germ transmission.
Unfortunately, most touchless faucets do not tend to handle heavy use and do not hold up well in high-traffic buildings. The EVR series from Chicago Faucets is the solution for heavy-use restrooms. It can handle the wear and tear that high-traffic restrooms get every day. They are durable and made with a heavy-duty, one-piece cast brass body.
Feature and specifications:
- Holes: 4" fixed centers
- Weight: 7.35 lb
- Finish: Polished chrome
- Pressure balancing Econo-Flo™ non-aerating spray with 0.5 GPM outlet
- Includes 4 "AA" alkaline batteries
- Stainless steel supply hose included
2. Alpina Series
If you are looking for a sleek, modern faucet that combines superior performance with high style, consider durable Alpina series faucets. These vandal-resistant models ensure the faucet aerators remain in place and working properly.
Feature and specifications:
- Holes: single
- Weight: 8.614
- Finish: Polished chrome
- Aerator for Alpina® Series touchless faucets, 0.5 GPM
- Alento spout for Alpina® Series faucets
- Includes 2 "AA" alkaline batteries
- Stainless steel supply hose included
3. ELR Series
This faucet focuses on safety and is ideal for mental health facilities and institutions. However, they are also excellent for elementary schools and daycares.
The ligature-resistant faucet is tamper-proof and is safe for anyone to use. They never have sharp corners where children (or anyone else) might hurt themselves.
Feature and specifications:
- Holes: 4" fixed centers
- Weight: 7.088 lb
- Finish: Polished chrome
- Pressure balancing Econo-Flo™ non-aerating spray with 0.5 GPM outlet
- Includes 4 "AA" alkaline batteries
- Stainless steel supply hose included
4. Vandal-Proof Aerator Key
If you opt for a vandal-resistant faucet, make sure you have the aerator key. If you need to work on the sink (or decide to hire a plumber), the key will easily remove the aerator without damaging the piece.
Note: The key itself is not vandal-proof. It works with vandal-resistant faucets to remove the tamper-proof aerators.
Feature and specifications:
- Weight: 0.022 lb
- Dimensions: 7 x 6 x 1 (in inches)
- Vandal-proof: No
- Finish: Rough chrome
5. Softflo Aerator 2.2 GPM
This aerator attaches effortlessly into place at the end of your spout. It requires the aerator key to remove to ensure that no one tampers with the fitting.
With a 2.2 GPM, users won't feel like there isn't enough water pressure, making them less likely to be removed by those looking for increased water flow.
Feature and specifications:
- Weight: 0.054 lb
- Dimensions: 7.25 x 6 x 0.75 (in inches)
- Vandal-proof: Yes
- 2.2 GPM (8.3 L/min), aerating
Find Vandal-Resistant Faucets, Aerators, and other Fittings at Chicago Faucets
Whether the act is vandalism or a tenant thinks they can improve water flow, having people tamper with the faucet aerators is frustrating for owners and property or facility managers. These components are there for a reason and need to remain in place.
Consider installing tamper-proof faucets and aerators. At Chicago Faucets, we offer vandal-resistant plumbing fixtures and fittings to help keep your facility eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safer for everyone.
Is it time to vandal-proof your facility's restrooms and commercial kitchens? Contact us to discuss the next steps.
