How To

How to Fix A Sink Aerator

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

If your sink's water faucet is not functioning well, there is probably something wrong with the aerator. This would include water trickling, dripping, shooting out in all directions, or coming out in an uneven stream. Luckily, fixing a sink aerator is a pretty easy repair.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Pliers or wrench
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Pin
  • Old toothbrush
  • Old towels
  1. Step 1

    Plug your sink with its stopper so you don't drop any pieces down the drain or garbage disposal.

  2. Step 2

    Lay an old towel next to the sink. This will keep it from making a mess on your counter, and also provide a non-slip surface so your pieces don't go rolling away.

  3. Step 3

    Unscrew the aerator from the faucet. You may need to use pliers or a wrench to get it off.

  4. Step 4

    Disassemble the aerator by tipping it upside down into the palm of your other hand, so the pieces come apart. Lay the pieces out on the towel, in the order in which they go (makes it easier to reassemble later).

  5. Step 5

    Soak the aerator screen and aerator disks in separate cups of 100 percent pure distilled white vinegar. Leave them in the vinegar for at least an hour, then take the pieces out of their cups and lay them in the correct order on your towel.

  6. Step 6

    Hold the aerator screen in one hand, and sprinkle baking soda over it. Then pour some vinegar over. Take an old toothbrush and scrub the screen while the baking soda and vinegar is fizzing. Repeat with the other pieces of the assembly.

  7. Step 7

    Use a pin to poke out any remaining deposits out of the screen. Reassemble the aerator, and set it away from the sink.

  8. Step 8

    Remove the stopper plug from the sink, and run the faucet at full force for about a minute to flush any deposits out of the faucet area. Shut the water off.

  9. Step 9

    Screw the newly fixed aerator back onto the faucet. If using a wrench or pliers to reattach it, turn it only a quarter turn past where you feel resistance.

Tips & Warnings
  • If the mineral deposits are extremely heavy, you can leave them to soak in the vinegar overnight.
  • Make sure the water is OFF when you are removing the aerator from the faucet or putting it back on.

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