Fixing an Aerator: So Simple Even a… Well, You Know

A kitchen faucet aerator helps reduce water flow, thereby conserving water. Most plumbing fixtures come equipped with this useful device, so most likely yours does too. Aside from conserving water, this device also keeps the water coming out of the spout from splashing all over.

As time passes, this part of the fixture gets clogged due to water pressure and sediment. When this happens, the fixture’s spout may either spray water or become obstructed, producing no flow at all. The good thing, however, is that this part of the fixture can be easily replaced. Anyone can remove and replace it in a matter of minutes, as long as you have all the necessary tools handy.

What You Need

You will need a pair of pliers, a dish towel, some masking tape, a bowl, a toothbrush, and white distilled vinegar.

How to Replace the Aerator

• First, clear the sink of any dishes and plug the drain with the stopper. For a work surface, place a dish towel on the countertop. Get your bowl and pour about half an inch of white distilled vinegar into it.
• Proceed to remove the aerator from the fixture by twisting it clockwise to unscrew it. You may need a pair of pliers if you encounter difficulty doing this by hand. If you use pliers, protect the finish by wrapping some masking tape around the edge first.
• Disassemble the device and make sure you remember the order each piece is in so you won’t have difficulty reassembling it later. To help you remember, lay the pieces across the dish towel — top pieces on the left side and bottom pieces on the right.
• Soak the pieces in white distilled vinegar for about an hour. Vinegar dissolves hard mineral and water deposits, so placing the wire mesh and other clogged pieces in this solution will clear any obstruction and restore proper function.
• If there are any remaining deposits on the components, use a toothbrush to remove them before rinsing the pieces with water.
• Reassemble the unit and screw it back in place. Turn the fixture on to test it.

If you find your kitchen faucet aerator to be worn out or damaged, you may need to buy a new one. You can find a replacement at the nearest Toronto home improvement shop.

If replacing the aerator does not alleviate the problem, it would be a good idea to contact your Toronto plumber. They can identify the problem and provide a solution quickly and efficiently.