Quck answer
To fix a faucet aerator, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet using pliers or a wrench.
3. Disassemble the aerator by removing the various components.
4. Clean each component thoroughly, removing any mineral deposits or debris.
5. Reassemble the aerator and screw it back onto the faucet.
6. Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks.
7. If the problem persists, consider replacing the aerator with a new one.
By following these steps, you can easily fix a faucet aerator and improve the water flow in your faucet.
A faucet aerator is a small attachment that sits on the end of the faucet spout and serves multiple purposes. It helps to conserve water by limiting the flow and ensures that the water ends up where it’s needed. However, mineral deposits can block the aerator, reducing water flow and causing disturbance in the stream. This guide will help you fix your aerator without calling a plumber.
To determine if your faucet has an aerator, check the water stream when you turn on the faucet. If the water flows in a steady stream full of air bubbles, there is an aerator. If it sprays out like a mini firehose, there isn’t one.
Identifying Your Faucet Aerator
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Grigorev_Vladimir/iStock/GettyImages
A faucet aerator has male or female threads, depending on the faucet. Kitchen faucets with long spouts usually have spouts with male threads, while bathroom faucets have female threads that accept aerators with male threads. To remove the aerator, simply unscrew it. When you remove it, you’ll find several components:
- The outer casing is the metal or plastic housing that screws onto the faucet spout.
- The inner housing, usually plastic, slips into the casing.
- The screen is the main working part of the aerator and collects scale. It fits onto a ridge inside the housing.
- The screen bushing is a plastic part that keeps the screen in place.
- The washer is a rubber ring that seals against the faucet spout when you screw on the aerator.
Some aerators have two extra parts. The mixer is a disk with several holes that buffers the water flow, and the flow restrictor is a disk with a single hole that reduces water flow. Some states, like California, require flow restrictors.
Advice
Make sure to carefully check and replace any worn or damaged parts when disassembling your faucet aerator. Keep track of all the pieces to avoid leaks caused by forgetting to reinstall any of them.
How to Clean an Aerator
If the water flow from your faucet is weaker than normal, it may be due to a clogged aerator. Sediment and hard water deposits build up on the screen, gradually causing a blockage. Cleaning the aerator is a simple task that takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s how to do it:
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PAVEL IARUNICHEV/iStock/GettyImages
Items Needed
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Cloth
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Pliers
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Bowl
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Distilled white vinegar
- Turn off the faucet.
- Wrap a cloth around the aerator to protect it, then use pliers to turn it counterclockwise until it loosens. Once it turns freely, remove it with your fingers.
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Note:​ The aerator threads are standard and loosen by turning counterclockwise, but because you’re viewing from above the faucet (the reverse side of the connection), you will actually be turning the pliers clockwise. - Hold the aerator upside down, place it under the faucet and turn on the water. This will flush the screen and remove any lodged sediment.
- Take out the rubber washer and keep it safe. Put the aerator in a bowl of white vinegar and leave it overnight. The vinegar will dissolve hard water deposits that won’t come off by back-flushing.
- Put the washer back on the aerator and screw the aerator back onto the faucet. Use the cloth and pliers to tighten the threads to prevent water from leaking from the top of the aerator when you turn on the water. If water leaks, tighten the aerator a bit more.
Selecting a New or Replacement Aerator
If your aerator is damaged or you need to install one on a faucet that doesn’t have it, you’ll need to measure your faucet to ensure the aerator fits. Aerators come in standard imperial and metric sizes. The most reliable way to get a match is to take the old aerator to the store and buy an identical one. If you don’t have an old aerator, try this trick:
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New Resources Group
Hold a quarter, a nickel and a dime under the faucet opening. Choose the coin that most closely matches the opening and select an aerator with that size. The one matching the quarter is a regular-size aerator, the one matching the nickel is a junior, and the one matching the dime is known as a “Tom Thumb” aerator.
If your faucet doesn’t match any of these coins, it’s probably a metric size. Measure the diameter of the faucet opening with a ruler or tape measure and buy an aerator with that diameter.
Advice
Aerators are inexpensive, so replacing them won’t cost much. However, if the screen is damaged in your existing aerator, you can save a bit of money by removing it and replacing only that part. Use the same guidelines for measuring the size of the screen you need.
FAQ
1. What is a faucet aerator?
A faucet aerator is a small device that is attached to the end of a faucet. Its purpose is to mix air with the water flow, creating a steady stream of water that is less likely to splash and waste less water.
2. Why is my faucet aerator clogged?
Faucet aerators can become clogged over time due to mineral deposits and debris in the water. This can cause reduced water flow or uneven spray patterns. Hard water is often the main culprit for clogged aerators.
3. How can I clean a clogged faucet aerator?
To clean a clogged faucet aerator, start by unscrewing it from the faucet. Soak the aerator in a mixture of vinegar and water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, scrub the aerator with a toothbrush to remove any remaining debris. Rinse it thoroughly and screw it back onto the faucet.
4. What should I do if my faucet aerator is damaged?
If your faucet aerator is damaged or broken, it is best to replace it. Most aerators are inexpensive and easily available at hardware stores. Make sure to choose the correct size and type of aerator for your faucet.
5. Can I install a faucet aerator myself?
Yes, installing a faucet aerator is a simple DIY task. Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet. Unscrew the old aerator and clean the threads on the faucet. Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the new aerator to ensure a tight seal. Screw the new aerator onto the faucet and turn on the water supply to test for any leaks.