Did you know that you have to remove and clean your faucet aerator every year in order to keep it in good working order? When it is stuck, it is difficult to get rid of, but some WD-40 can fix that.
How can an aerator be cleaned when it is stuck? Let’s look at how we can fix it. The use of a faucet aerator can reduce water usage and lower bills. With faucet aerators, you can save up to 16 gallons of water a day!
For continued efficiency, make sure you clean and replace your faucet aerator every year. Cleaning or replacing your faucet aerator will require you to remove it. If the faucet aerator is stuck, you can remove it by hand or with pliers or a rubber wrench. If the faucet aerator does not come off with force, you can also heat it or use vinegar or WD-40.
How to Remove a Faucet Aerator?
It can be tricky to remove a faucet aerator, especially if it gets stuck at the end of your faucet. If your faucet aerator becomes stuck, you have a few options for removing it.
If you plan on removing the faucet aerator, make sure you plug the sink first. The aerator consists of small components. If you’re trying to clean your faucet aerator rather than replace it, you might lose a piece down the drain.
Remove a Faucet Aerator By Hand
You should first attempt to remove a stuck aerator by hand. Be sure to dry your hands and the faucet before unscrewing it. It’s now easier to get a firm grip for (hopefully) easy removal.
You’ve got to unscrew the faucet aerator in a counterclockwise direction. If you need more leverage, use a gripper pad. Aerators were most likely screwed on by hand, so they should be easy to take off by hand. However, if you meet with lots of resistance, it’s time for the next approach.
Removing a faucet aerator with pliers
If your hands couldn’t accomplish the task, a pair of pliers might! To perform this method, you will need a pair of small tongue-and-grip pliers. If you need to remove the aerator to clean it, tape or rag it. This will prevent the grip of the pliers from damaging the faucet aerator.
To do this, place the pliers around the screw section and turn counterclockwise. To make this easier, move the pliers around. Furthermore. By turning the faucet aerator in different places, you can loosen the aerator.
Note: Don’t hold the pliers too tightly. You may damage the faucet aerator if the metal bends easily.
Remove the faucet aerator using a rubber wrench
If you’re having trouble gripping pliers, try a rubber wrench. As a rubber wrench will get a firmer grip than pliers and won’t slip off easily, it is more likely to get a tight grip. Tip the rubber wrench in one direction while pulling on the faucet aerator. The faucet aerator will not move if you pull it in the opposite direction.
Remove a Faucet Aerator with Heat
If the faucet aerator still won’t move, apply heat. You can apply heat to the faucet aerator using a heat gun or a hairdryer. To begin, gently heat the metal component to loosen it. Then, use rubber tools or pliers to tighten it again.
It would have been ideal if the heat had made turning the faucet aerator easier.
Note: Remember to only use heat on metal aerators. Several of the cheaper faucet aerators are made of plastic and may melt. If you aren’t sure what the material of your faucet aerator is, avoid heating it.
Remove a Faucet Aerator with Vinegar
You can add vinegar to your faucet aerator if sheer force does not work to remove it. The aerator of your faucet can corrode over time and accumulate debris. This can cause the faucet aerator to get stuck and make it difficult to remove.
Pour white vinegar into a ziplock bag. Place the bag over the faucet and completely submerge the aerator in vinegar. Attach the bag to the faucet and let it soak for several hours. If debris and corrosion have built up over several hours, flush the faucet to remove them. To remove the faucet aerator, try using pliers or a rubber wrench again.
Remove a Faucet Aerator with WD-40
After using vinegar to remove all debris, clean the faucet aerator with WD-40. Be sure to open a window for proper ventilation before using WD-40. The aerator screw should be sprayed with WD-40 for three to five seconds. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes. After a few minutes, wipe down the faucet to improve its grip. With the pliers, twist off the faucet aerator.
Call a Plumber
If none of these methods work, you will have to call a plumber to remove the faucet aerator. Most likely, the faucet aerator has corroded too much and rusted to the faucet. Generally, this is not something that can be undone with a DIY fix. A plumber should be able to remove the faucet aerator and install a new one. The worst-case scenario is that you may have to replace the entire faucet if the two pieces have become that corroded.
When to Replace Your Faucet Aerator
The primary purpose of a faucet aerator is to add air to your water stream to conserve water in your kitchen. You need to replace your faucet aerator if you notice these signs.
Mineral Buildup
The aerator of your faucet can build up mineral deposits over time. Nothing to worry about. However, these deposits will obstruct water flow through the aerator. This may result in low water flow.
You should remove and thoroughly clean your faucet aerator in order to restore its normal performance. You can also soak the faucet in vinegar to remove mineral buildup. The vinegar will break up the minerals, which can then be flushed out.
Corrosion
Corrosion can develop over time, especially if it has been a while since you cleaned or replaced your faucet aerator. A metal unit is bound to deteriorate over time. In the case of corroded faucet aerators, you should remove and replace them.
Low Flow
Despite limiting water flow, faucet aerators provide adequate water pressure. The aerator needs to be cleaned or replaced if water is barely trickling out of your faucet.
Water Coming Out of One Side
The water should flow fully from the spout whether an aerator is present or not. When water only comes out of one side of the fixture, clean or replace the aerator.
Your Faucet Aerator Is One-Year-Old
In general, faucet aerators last about one year. This can be a problem if it’s been more than a year since you last replaced the aerator. The longer you have your aerator, the more likely you are to experience low flow, mineral buildup, and corrosion.
Aerators’ lifespans, however, are affected by water quality and how often they are used. Therefore, you may need to clean or replace your faucet aerator more often.
The Best Recommended Kitchen Sink Aerator
1. Waternymph NSF Certified Dual-function 2-Flow Kitchen Sink Aerator
The Waternymph NSF Certified Dual-function 2-Flow Kitchen Sink Aerator looks gorgeous anywhere it is used. There are two different flows you can enjoy: a soft bubble stream that sprays 1.8GPM and a strong spray that also sprays 1.8GPM.
With the 360° rotating and swiveling super sprayer, you will be able to use your hose inside of your sink. Make sure that you clean out any gunk or leftovers that may have trickled into your sink. You can install this on your kitchen taps, bathroom faucets, and lavatory faucets.
You will save up to 70% of energy and water by using this instead of standard bubblers. It features a simple design that is easy to install. Sizes are available in different choices.
Key Features:
- Saves between 30% and 70% on energy and water
- Two flows
- Rotates 360 degrees
2. WINBOB 360 Rotate Swivel Water Saving Tap Aerator
This WINBOB 360 Rotate Swivel Water Saving Tap Aerator is a cost-effective option for an aerator. This can be set to two different positions and used as both a jet and an aerator spray.
It has a built-in fine particle strainer to remove dirt and sand. In addition, the champagne effect prevents pooling of water in the basin while improving wetting.
Fits all types of M22 external threads as well as M24 internal threads. Ensures savings between 30% and 70% in energy and water consumption.
Key Features:
- Cost-effective
- Champagne effect that negates any splash back
- Built-in fine particle strainer