How to Remove a Faucet Screen

Faucet aerator screens are easily removed.

A faucet screen provides a smooth even flow of water through the aerator, or faucet cap. Often they can be clogged, and need to be removed to be cleaned, or if attaching a water filter unit to your faucet, they must be removed completely as the filter will now do the same job. Removing the screen is an easy process, and requires minimal tools to get the job done.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Cloth or masking tape

Instructions

1. Test the aerator body on the tip of your faucet to see how tightly it is attached. Often you can remove it simply by using your hand to loosen it. Twist in a counter-clockwise motion (to the left) and see if it begins to unscrew. If it does, continue to unscrew the cap until the entire aerator assembly comes free.

2. Remove the aerator assembly with pliers if the body is attached too tightly to remove by hand. Cover the aerator body with the cloth, or wrap a strip of masking tape around the unit to avoid scratching it with the pliers. Turn in a counter-clockwise motion to remove the aerator body.

3. Turn the aerator upside down onto the cloth. Tap gently until the inner pieces slide out. The washer, restrictor plate (if there is one) and bushing should be on top of the screen. Pull the screen out of the assembly.

4. Clean the screen, and if returning to the unit, place back into the aerator body, and return the remainder of the parts in the order in which you removed them.

5. Leave the screen out of the aerator if you do not wish to return it, however, keep in mind if you are not installing anything to even out the flow of water, it may now splatter and spray unevenly.

References

• Do It Yourself: How to Clean a Faucet Aerator