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Clean and Refit a Faucet Aerator When Flow Becomes Uneven

Clean buildup from an accessible faucet aerator using the maker's directions and remember the parts' order.

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A faucet aerator is the small screen assembly at a tap's outlet. EPA and CDC advise checking and cleaning visible buildup. Only remove parts intended for user servicing and follow the faucet's manual.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Check for uneven flow or deposits. If pressure has fallen throughout the property, do not assume the aerator is the only problem.
2. Confirm the aerator is removable in the manual; cover the drain or set a tray below to catch small parts.
3. Turn off the tap and remove only the accessible aerator that can be unscrewed safely. Never force a seized part or one needing a special tool.
4. Photograph part order, rinse and gently brush debris away. Use vinegar for scale only when permitted by the maker.
5. Refit components in their original order, tighten gently and run water to inspect flow and leaks.
6. Seek utility or plumbing advice if discolored water, grit or low pressure continues. Cleaning an aerator does not make contaminated water safe.

U.S. EPA WaterSenseHome Maintenance ↗EPA advises looking for scaling on faucets and aerators and cleaning or replacing where flow is restricted.U.S. CDCPreventing Waterborne Germs at Home ↗CDC specifically recommends cleaning faucet aerators when visible buildup appears.U.S. EPAAdvice to Chicago Residents About Lead in Drinking Water ↗EPA describes safe aerator disassembly, part order, brushing and rinsing; location-specific warnings are not generalized to other users.Wikimedia CommonsFile: Faucet aerator xfd5.jpg ↗Creator Olgrans and license CC BY-SA 4.0 verified on exact file page; original direct URL image visibly opened.Wikimedia CommonsCommons: Reusing content outside Wikimedia/technical ↗Official permission for hotlinked Commons images separate from file-level license and attribution requirements.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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