How to Repair a Kitchen Faucet Aerator

Most faucets have aerators at the end of the spout that filter out sediments. When you begin having low pressure from the faucet it is often due to a clogged aerator. Repairing a kitchen faucet aerator requires removing the aerator from the faucet and disassembling everything inside the aerator. All aerators consist of the same components. Full replacements are available at home improvement centers. Before heading out to the hardware store, take a few minutes to clean the aerator and save yourself a few dollars in the process.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Slip joint pliers
• Rag
• Vinegar
• Container
• Toothbrush

Instructions

1. Wrap tape around the upper and lower jaws of a pair of slip joint pliers. The tape protects the finish of the aerator while removing it with the pliers. Place a rag into the sink drain to avoid losing small parts down the drain.

2. Rotate the aerator counterclockwise with the slip joint pliers until it is loose enough to turn by hand. Unscrew the aerator completely from the faucet with your fingers and place it on the counter.

3. Turn the aerator over in the palm of your hand so that the pieces inside drop into your palm the way they go into the aerator. Separate each piece one by one in the order they go into the aerator.

4. Pour a cup of vinegar into a shallow container. Place a piece into the container and allow it to sit for five minutes. Pull the piece out and scrub it with an old toothbrush and run it under the faucet. Set it back down in its order and clean the remaining pieces in the same way except for the washer. Dirt and sediment usually settles on the screen and mixer.

5. Reassemble the aerator. Insert the outer housing, which resembles a sleeve, into the aerator first. Insert the screen into the housing and the small bushing. The bushing is a thin plastic ring that is slightly larger on one side. The larger side should be pointing toward you.

6. Insert the mixer and the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is a disc with a hole in the center. Place a new washer inside the aerator last.

7. Thread the aerator onto the faucet until it is as tight as you can get it by hand.

References

• Family Handyman: Unclog A Kitchen Faucet Aerator
• Ask The Builder: Low Water Pressure In Faucets