What the aerator does
The aerator is the small screw-on tip at the end of the spout. It has a fine screen that mixes air into the water so the stream comes out smooth. Over time, mineral scale and little bits of debris from the pipes collect on that screen. When it clogs, the stream gets weak, sprays sideways, or splashes all over the counter.
Clean it in five minutes
- Put a towel in the sink so no small parts go down the drain.
- Unscrew the aerator by hand, turning it counterclockwise. If it's tight, wrap it in a rag before using pliers so you don't scratch the finish.
- Note the order of the little pieces as they come apart.
- Rinse the screen and parts under water and brush off scale with an old toothbrush. A short soak in white vinegar loosens heavy buildup.
- Put it back together, screw it on hand-tight, and run the water.
Take a quick phone photo of the aerator parts before you take them apart. It makes putting the pieces back in the right order easy.
When it still drips
A clean aerator fixes a weak or crooked stream, but it won't stop water dripping from the spout when the handle is all the way off. That drip comes from inside the valve. Don't crank the handle harder or force the valve apart to stop it. If water is leaking under the sink, close the shutoff valves under the cabinet and keep a bowl under the leak. For a faucet that still drips, call me at (470) 999-7395 or book online for a $79 diagnostic.
