The faucet’s aerator can conserve water and reduce bills with each move of the faucet handle. But, it will require a hand in the maintenance and cleaning department from time to time.
If the water flow from the faucet isn’t the highest level, you’ll need to take it off the faucet’s spout to clean or replace it; however, you might not have the tool or key needed to accomplish this task.
This guide will assist you in maintaining your aerator by cleaning it regularly to ensure it is in good condition.
Table of Contents
Why Does An Aerator Get Clogged?
If you’ve ever glanced at the faucet’s opening faucet and thought about what the mesh cover is, then that’s your Aerator. Aerators add air to your water stream and then create smaller streams, which helps prevent splashing and increase the perceived pressure of the water.
Mineral deposits and debris can cause blockages in the water, which means regular cleaning is necessary for your Aerator. If you reside in an area with hard water, you might need to regularly clean your aerator due to the limescale or calcium in the water.
Benefits Of Keeping Your Faucet Aerator Clean
A clean faucet has many advantages, such as:
- Conserving water by using less
- Shaping your faucet stream
- The perception of pressure in the water is increased.
- Payless for bills
- Even water that is pressured
These components all work together to ease your life without much effort. Cleaning your aerator frequently will save you time later on.
How To Clean A Moen Kitchen Faucet Aerator
Learning to take off and clean your faucet’s aerator is crucial, but it isn’t always easy. This step-by-step guide will ensure you’re able to do the job as simple as it can be. We recommend that you clean your aerators at least twice a year.
Step 1: Removing The Faucet Aerator
Removal of the faucet aerator is usually a straightforward procedure. It is usually possible to unthread it counterclockwise using your hand following the blockage of the drain. You may require an instrument for aeration designed specifically for you or pliers.
Make a note of the order in which the parts of your aerator are in and reverse the order in the process of assembling. If you’re using a Kohler, Hansgrohe, Moen, Delta, or another brand, you might have to perform a few different steps.
The items you might need might include:
- Pliers
- A Cloth
- Electrical tape
- Adjustable wrench
- Toothpick
- White vinegar
- Toothbrush
- Penetrating oil
Step 2: Cleaning The Faucet & Aerator Unit
After you’ve removed the threads and taken out your aerator, you can wash it off using warm water, then scrub using a small brush coated with soap to get rid of the debris.
If you’re experiencing more severe build-up on your aerator, put it into three portions of water with one tablespoon of vinegar over up to 1-2 hours before trying to pick at it using a toothpick or safety pin.
Look for calcium build-up under the faucet after the aerator is removed. Clean it to avoid the build-up from happening again. Clean it using a toothbrush or toothpick.
Your aerator could contain one or more of the following elements:
- Washer
- Restrictor of flow
- Mixer
- Bushing
- Screen
- Housing with an exterior
- Aerator body
Keep track of the order they were set up when you lay them out to ensure that they are reassembled after cleaning a simple procedure.
Step 3: Rinsing & Reassembling The Aerator
Once you’ve cleaned the entire system, take the time to inspect each part when putting them back together. You were reversing the procedure you used to remove the aerator to make the process as simple as possible.
The process of reassembly may appear somewhat different from brand to brand. For instance, it should be simple between Moen or Delta to Kohler. It is possible to consult a manual or visit the brand’s site in case you are unsure.
When Should You Replace Your Faucet Aerator?
If you inspect your parts, there are these:
- Mineral build-up or excessive corrosion
- Screen damaged or missing components
- More than 12 months old
These problems could suggest that your aerator will require replacement rather than being cleaned. It is recommended to replace the aerator, or even the whole faucet, as soon as possible, based on the severity of the damage.
How Do You Remove The Aerator Of A Faucet That Is Stuck?
If the aerator is difficult to remove and unscrew, the aerator may be clogged with lots of limescale or sediment built up. The cleaning solution you choose (white vinegar is also effective) can help dissolve the accumulation within the faucet’s faucet spout and the aerator.
You can soak a little cloth in the solution and put it over the region for at least an hour, giving it the time to break down the build-up. You can also purchase bags, fill them with the cleaning solution you prefer, and then submerge the aerator and spout. Let it sit for at minimum an hour before trying to pull the aerator.
Spray between the screw that holds the aerator to the faucet’s spout. Wait for a few seconds, let it work its magic, and then loosen and unwind the Aerator.
A little heat to the aerator could aid. Use a hairdryer or candle to warm the aerator to around 10- 20 seconds. This will let it expand to remove any accumulation. Once it has cooled, you can loosen it with any of the techniques discussed earlier. Be careful not to overheat the device because the aerator could comprise a plastic that you don’t want to harm or risk replacing!
Conclusion:
Once you’ve figured out the best methods to get your faucet’s aerator clean and continue reaping the benefits of having a spotless home, be sure to check and clean your aerator regularly to stay in good shape and avoid broken or replacement parts.
