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If the flow from your kitchen or bathroom faucet isn’t what it used to be, the aerator is probably plugged. An aerator can clog slowly as mineral deposits build up, or quickly after plumbing work loosens debris inside pipes. Usually, a quick cleaning solves the problem. Remove the aerator and disassemble it. You may need a small screwdriver or knife to pry the components apart. Scrub away any tough buildup with an old toothbrush and rinse each part thoroughly. Gunk can also build up inside the faucet neck, so ream it out with your finger and flush out the loosened debris.
If the mineral buildup resists scrubbing and you have a standard cylinder-shaped aerator, you can replace it (about $5). Take your old aerator along to the home center or hardware store to find a match. If your aerator has a fancy shape (like the one shown here), finding a match won’t be as simple. So try this first: Soak the aerator parts in vinegar overnight to soften mineral buildup. If that doesn’t work, go to any online search engine and type in the brand of your faucet followed by “faucet parts.” With a little searching, you can find diagrams of your faucet and order a new aerator. Expect to spend $10 or more for a nonstandard aerator.
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