How to Fix a Kitchen Faucet That Drips From the Aerator

A dripping aerator is usually clogged.

The faucet aerator on a kitchen sink reduces the amount of water that comes out of your faucet by adding air to the water. The added air also increases the pressure of the water, which makes it easier to wash dishes. The aerator has a mesh filter that catches large bits of debris and hard water sediment can build up inside it over time. The built-up debris and sediment causes the aerator to leak. Cleaning the aerator will fix the problem.

Things You'll Need

• Pin

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Instructions

1. Turn off the water on the sink and close the drain to avoid losing a piece of the aerator.

2. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet. Remove the pieces inside the aerator in the order they come out in and set them in a line. The order should be like this: rubber ring, small white circular piece, black circular piece, mesh filter and aerator shell.

3. Turn on the water and rinse the debris from each piece. Use a pin to push any debris stuck in the black or white circular pieces' holes.

4. Place the aerator back together in the correct order: aerator shell, mesh filters, back circular piece, small white circular piece and rubber ring.

5. Screw the aerator back onto the faucet with your hands until it's tight. Turn on the water to test it.

References

• Pathnet: Faucet Aerators Save Water, Energy, Money
• "How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding & Maintaining Your Home;" Charlie Wing; 2007
• Acme How To: How To Clean or Replace a Faucet Aerator