Low-flow aerators definitely make a difference, especially if you're dealing with older fixtures. One thing I've noticed though—some tenants complain about weaker water pressure afterward. Did you run into that issue at all, or was it smooth sailing?
- Totally get what you're saying about the pressure issue—I've had a few clients mention the same thing after switching to low-flow aerators.
- Usually, it's more noticeable in older buildings where the plumbing isn't exactly top-notch to begin with.
- One workaround I've found helpful is testing out different brands or models; some aerators seem to handle pressure better than others.
- Also, sometimes tenants just need a bit of time to adjust...after a week or two, they barely notice the difference.
- Did you try checking the water lines for sediment buildup? That can really mess with pressure, especially in older fixtures.
- Anyway, you're definitely not alone—sink fixtures can be surprisingly tricky to get right. Hang in there, sounds like you're on the right track.
Had the same issue recently in an older apartment reno—tried a few different aerators before landing on one that felt decent. Honestly, tenants grumbled at first but after a couple weeks, crickets...guess they adapted quicker than I did, haha.
I've gotta be honest, I'm not entirely convinced "adapting" to a sub-par fixture is really the goal here. Sure, tenants might quiet down after a bit, but is silence really satisfaction? I've seen this happen plenty of times—people just get used to minor inconveniences because it's easier than complaining, but it doesn't mean they're happy about it.
I had a similar experience recently with a custom build where the homeowner initially insisted on a certain stylish aerator for aesthetic reasons. Looked great, but the water flow was weak and uneven. Yeah, they stopped mentioning it after a while too...but when we revisited later for some unrelated work, guess what? They quietly asked us if there was something better available. Turns out they'd been tolerating something they weren't thrilled about, simply because they didn't want to "make a fuss."
My point is, just because complaints fade doesn't mean the issue does. Fixtures are something people use every single day—multiple times a day—so shouldn't we aim higher than just "decent"? I'm all for balancing budget and aesthetics, but in my experience, spending a little extra effort or even money upfront on fixtures that feel genuinely good tends to pay off in the long run. People appreciate the attention to detail, even if they don't explicitly say it.
Have you considered stepping outside the usual big-box options and trying something a bit higher-end or specialized? Sometimes smaller plumbing suppliers have options that aren't significantly more expensive but perform noticeably better. Might be worth exploring before settling for something that folks just have to get used to...
Totally get where you're coming from, but I'm wondering if tenants really notice the difference between mid-range and higher-end fixtures as much as homeowners do. I've seen some pretty pricey fixtures go unnoticed, while a simple, reliable one gets praised. Maybe it's less about price and more about finding that sweet spot between functionality and feel? Could be worth testing out a few mid-tier specialty brands before jumping straight to premium options...
