How to Fix a Faucet That's Spraying
The last thing you want to happen when you turn on a faucet is to get an unexpected dousing. Faucets that spray from the sides rather than flow downward likely have a broken aerator. Aerators control water flow by splitting the downpour into smaller droplets, rather than the steady gush you see in a garden hose, for example. Within the body of the aerator, there is a screen, mixer, washer and other parts to regulate the water flow. If these parts are dirty or broken, your faucet could spray at you. Replacing the aerator should solve your faucet woes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Place a stopper in the drain so no faucet parts accidentally fall in.
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Unscrew the aerator by hand by turning it clockwise. If it's stuck, use a wrench. The wrench will likely scratch or squash the aerator if it's too tight, but this isn't a concern if you plan to replace the aerator.
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Stick your finger into the faucet and pull down the gasket, a small rubber ring lodged just inside the faucet. The new aerator won't screw into place if the gasket isn't removed.
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Purchase a new aerator that is the same size as the old one. Ensure that the ridges are the same on both models. For example, if the old aerator's screw threads are on the outside -- also known as a male aerator -- be sure to purchase another male aerator. Screw threads on the inside make it a female aerator.
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Screw the new aerator into the faucet counterclockwise. Tighten it as much as possible by hand, but do not use a wrench, which can damage the new aerator. Test the faucet to ensure it's leak-free.
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Tips & Warnings
Put a thin layer of silicone grease inside the faucet before replacing the aerator to make the replacement easier next time. Silicone grease doesn't dry and will act as lubrication when you need to unscrew the aerator.
References
Resources
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