Hard water is loaded with minerals that build up over time and eventually clog aerators and sink sprayers. So if the water flow from your faucet seems slower than normal, cleaning the aerator and sink sprayer may bring things back to normal. The aerator screws onto the end of the faucet spout and typically have two screens inside that the water flows through. The fix is easy: Simpy unscrew the aerator, disassemble it, clean it, and reinstall. For this type of repair, you usually don’t need any new parts. The following steps apply to both faucets and sprayers.
Before you start, place an old towel on the counter next to the sink. This is the best way to keep track of all the parts when you disassemble the aerator.
1.
Wrap some masking tape around the jaws of the groove-joint pliers or around the aerator to prevent scratching the surface of the aerator. Grip the outside of the aerator with the pliers, and turn the pliers clockwise to loosen the aerator. You don’t need to apply much pressure to the aerator; in fact, too much pressure can crush the aerator housing.
2.
Disassemble the aerator by pushing the internal parts out of the aerator housing. A small paper clip might help. If the components are stuck, soak the aerator in white vinegar or lime-dissolver solution (one part vinegar/lime dissolver to one part water) for about 30 minutes or until the deposits are loosened.
3.
Clean the parts using an old toothbrush and a gentle touch. Be careful not to bend the screens or you’ll have to replace them.
4.
Reassemble the aerator parts by inserting the screen, disk, washer, or O-ring (depending on your aerator’s design) in reverse order of disassembly.
5.
Reinstall the aerator on the faucet by screwing it in by
hand in a counterclockwise direction. Use the pliers to tighten securely but there’s
no need to overtighten. Snug is good!
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