Having aerators on your faucets can save you water as well as the cost of heating that water by as much as 50%. And they eliminate a lot of unwelcome splashing water, too.

You may already have aerators on the end of some of your faucets, but check to see if they are marked “2.75 gpm” (which indicates the design flow rate in gallons per minute). Any larger number suggests that they should be replaced by aerators with a lower gpm rating; the cost savings will pay for the better aerators in short order.

The openings of most modern faucets are threaded so that you can easily remove and replace aerators. Some faucets have threads on the inside (female) while others have threads on the outside (male); take note of this and the diameter of the faucet ends when you get your new aerators.

(If you are replacing old aerators, take them with you to the hardware store to make it easier to get the right size replacements.)

You may be able to remove an existing aerator by unscrewing it by using just your fingers. If not, use a set of piers or a small pipe wrench. Then apply a layer of white pipe sealing compound to the threads, be sure the washer for your new aerator is securely in place and screw it on tightly – again using just your fingers. If a little leak appears when you turn the water on, tighten a bit more with a pliers or a small pipe wrench, being sure to protect the finish of the aerator by first wrapping it with a damp cloth and not gripping it with a tool so tightly that you mar the finish.