Article_Clean_Aerators

Cleaning Faucet Aerators

If you turn on a faucet and not a whole lot of water comes out, keep reading and you might just learn
something. What would you say if I told you that, in just a couple of minutes, I could help you fix your
problem, give you a wonderful sense of accomplishment, and it wouldn’t cost you one single dime? Are
you with me, boys and girls? Alright then, let’s talk aerators!

An aerator is the round thing at the end of most of your indoor plumbing fixtures. Its job is to mix air and
water together for a nice smooth flow. Inside the aerator is a little round screen. Whether your home’s
water supply comes from a well or a municipal source, it contains minerals and other solids. These solids
have a tendency to build up behind the aerator screen. The next thing you know, your faucet runs slow!
(Yes, I know that I just made a rhyme. I do that sometime) While not all showers have aerators, they
almost always have some type of screen or flow restrictor, that causes the same problem- reduction of
functional flow to the fixture.

Cleaning out a clogged aerator is simple and doesn’t cost a cent! Simply unscrew the aerator from the
sink faucet. Quite often, you’ll be able to do this with your fingers or with a little help from a handy-dandy
rubber jar opener. If it’s really tight, you may need a wrench or pliers. You can protect the metal finish by
wrapping a little duct tape around the aerator before using the pliers.

On the newer pull-out kitchen faucets you may have two screens- one where the water comes out and
another where the hose connects to the faucet. On showers, the screen or flow restrictor is located
where the showerhead screws into to the neck that comes out of the wall. Tubs, in many cases, don’t
have aerators.

Now that you have the aerator disconnected, the screen part should just pop out of the collar. Make
sure you remember which way it came out! Use a small screwdriver, or even an old toothbrush, to
gently clean the mineral deposits off of the screen. Be careful not to damage the screen.

If the aerator is badly corroded, soak it in white vinegar or any household lime removal product for a few
hours. If that won’t do the trick, you can probably get a replacement at the local hardware store, for a
buck or two.

Now just put it back together, screw it back on the faucet and presto! You’ll be amazed at how much
better flow you’ll have. Once you complete the first one, why don’t you go and clean up every fixture in
the house…or not. No pressure!

Quick tips
1.        Cleaning your aerator can increase flow by 50% or more
2.        Cleaning your aerator is quick and easy
3.        Badly corroded aerators can be cleaned with vinegar or replaced for just a few bucks
4.        Pull out sink faucets sometimes have another screen located where the hose meets the handle
5.        Low flow in the shower? It may be just a clogged flow restrictor