If you have a drippy faucet and are wondering how to remove and clean a faucet aerator, this article can help you. You’ll learn how to use the correct tools to remove and clean a faucet aerator. To begin, place the aerator in the spout and twist it counterclockwise until it is snug. Use pliers to tighten the aerator if it is loose.
To remove and clean an aerator, you’ll need a pair of tongue and groove pliers and a cleaning cloth. If the aerator is on the outside, you may need pliers or a vice grip to remove it. Be sure to cover the aerator with a towel to prevent any damage to the finish. For “hidden” aerators, you’ll need to buy a specialized tool known as an aerator key. These keys can be bought at home improvement stores or online, or you can request a key from the faucet’s manufacturer. Be sure to give them the model number of the faucet to ensure a proper match.
If the aerator is stuck, you may need to soak it in a solution of white vinegar or citric acid. This solution will loosen up any mineral deposits and will clean out the faucet aerator. Be sure to use gloves and a bucket of water when using the solution. After an hour, the vinegar should have cleaned the entire aerator. If the aerator is stuck, reheat the solution every 10 to 15 minutes to remove any remaining deposits.
You’ll need a pair of pliers or rubber wrenches to remove the aerator. This wrench should be able to get a better grip than pliers. The aerator should unscrew easily if the pliers can reach the screws on the faucet. To loosen a stubborn aerator, move the pliers around a quarter turn. However, remember to be gentle with the aerator because it’s made of plastic.
While removing and cleaning a faucet aerator is usually an easy process, recessed aerators can be tricky. Most aerators are installed by hand. If you don’t have a key or a wrench, you can use your fingers to remove it. If the aerator is damaged, call a plumber. They can advise you whether you should replace the aerator, or simply clean it.
Aerators can be clogged with sediment, calcium deposits, and other particles. Keeping the screen clean will help prevent clogs and maintain constant water pressure. However, it’s important to remember that clogged aerators are common after a plumbing repair or after a water shutoff. To remove and clean a faucet aerator, you’ll need a wrench or pliers to remove the aerator. If you don’t have the tools, you can also use electrical tape to protect the area.
If you’re having trouble cleaning the aerator, you can also soak it overnight in vinegar or lemon juice. The acidity in the vinegar will break down any buildup of calcium or lime. Then, you can reinstall it. Be sure to thoroughly clean the aerator, so that the water will flow freely. This will keep the water filtering system running properly.
While water pressure is a fantastic cleaning tool, it won’t clear stubborn clogs. A strong stream of hot water can often clear up a slow-moving faucet, but most people don’t leave the water on the highest temperature setting for more than a few minutes. To prevent the aerator from getting clogged, soak it in vinegar to dissolve the deposits.
If you’ve recently had a water main replaced or had a service line replaced, it’s important to remove and clean the aerator. Lead particles from pipes can get trapped in the faucet’s screen. Then, you can use a toothbrush to scrub off the lead particles, and your faucet will run as clean as ever! If you’re not a fan of scrubbing, consider having it replaced.