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Unclog A Kitchen Faucet Aerator

Disassemble and clean out aerators for stronger water flow

By the experts at The Family Handyman

From The Family Handyman

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If you get weak water flow when you turn on the faucet, don’t assume your water pressure has suddenly gone bad. You could simply have a filter screen, or aerator, that’s clogged. Remove the aerator as shown in the photo, rinse it out and reinstall it. If it’s corroded or worn, take it to a home center and pick up a new one ($3 to $5). Most stores have a slick gauge you can screw your old aerator onto to determine which replacement to buy. If you can’t find a replacement for your aerator, soak the parts in vinegar overnight, scrub them with an old toothbrush and reinsert into the faucet (make sure to reassemble the parts in the same order you removed them).

FIG. A AERATOR PARTS

Dirt usually collects on the mixer and screen.

Click image to enlarge.
1. Wrap the jaws of a pliers with tape to keep them from scratching the aerator. Unscrew the aerator body from the faucet and remove all the internal components. Clean and reassemble.

From The Family Handyman - October 2002

• How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet
• Lots of useful tips and step-by-step advice on how to install a new kitchen faucet, including how to avoid common problems.
• 
• How to Repair a Kitchen Faucet
• Fix a dripping kitchen faucet with replacement parts.
•