Maintaining Your Faucet’s Aerator

Picture this: You turn on the faucet to wash dishes, but the water seems to have unusually low pressure. You Google your problem and learn that your aerator is clogged.

Now, at this point, you’re saying to yourself, “What’s an aerator?” Guess what? You’re not alone! But luckily, even if you’re not an expert in kitchen faucet repair, this common household problem can be easily solved in minutes. Here’s what you need to know!

What is an Aerator?

An aerator is a mesh screen that is attached to the tip of your faucet. It can easily be unscrewed from the faucet head. The aerator helps conserve water and filter out debris, but it also performs a number of other tasks. It muffles faucet noise, prevents splashing, and helps create a more consistent flow of water by shaping the stream and increasing the perceived water pressure.

How do you Maintain an Aerator?

You’ll need:

An old rag
Pliers or a wrench
Masking tape
A bowl
Vinegar
An old toothbrush

Steps:

Block off the drain with an old rag. This acts as a safety net in case you drop a part or piece in the sink.
Wrap a couple strips of masking tape around the head of the faucet; this helps protect the finish and avoid scratches.
Using the pliers or wrench, unscrew the faucet head by turning counter clockwise.
Once the faucet head is detached from the main fixture, you’ll notice a screen attached to the outer housing. On top of that are two circular pieces called a bushing and a mixer (the mixer looks similar to a bottle cap). There’s also a disc-shaped piece called a flow restrictor and a rubber washer.
Take all of these pieces apart and put them in a bowl; cover them with vinegar and let them soak for 30 minutes.
After soaking the parts in vinegar gently scrub them with a toothbrush then rinse them with water.
Reassemble the parts in reverse order and reattach it to the faucet head twisting counterclockwise to tighten.

Happy Fixing!

By following these simple steps, you’ll have your faucet’s aerator in top shape, restoring proper water flow and pressure in no time. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the aerator every few months, can prevent clogs and ensure your faucet continues to function efficiently. Not only will this help conserve water and reduce your utility bill, but it will also keep your faucet looking and performing like new. With just a little effort, you can extend the life of your faucet and enjoy consistent water pressure every time you turn on the tap.