Restore a strong water stream to your faucet by clearing mineral buildup from the aerator screen.
15-30 minutes
Free
Diagnosis
If your faucet's water flow has weakened, it's likely due to a blockage. The most common culprit is the aerator, a small screen located at the faucet's tip. Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can accumulate, reducing the water flow to a mere trickle. This can be quite inconvenient when you need a good stream for tasks like washing dishes or filling pots.
Tools Needed
- Adjustable wrench
- Rag or cloth
- Old toothbrush or small brush
- White vinegar
Warnings
- Always turn off the main water supply to the faucet before starting any work.
- Be gentle when unscrewing the aerator to avoid damaging the faucet threads.
- Ensure the aerator is reattached securely to prevent leaks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Shut off the hot and cold water supply valves located beneath your sink.
- Place a cloth or rag under the faucet spout to catch any potential drips.
- Using an adjustable wrench, grip the faucet's aerator (the tip). Place the rag between the wrench and the aerator to avoid scratching the finish.
- Carefully turn the wrench counter-clockwise to remove the aerator.
- If the aerator is difficult to unscrew, try running hot water over the faucet head for a few minutes, then attempt removal again.
- Once removed, examine the aerator for any visible debris or mineral buildup.
- Submerge the aerator in a small bowl filled with white vinegar for at least 30 minutes. For stubborn buildup, you may need to soak it longer.
- Use an old toothbrush or a small brush to gently scrub away any remaining particles from the aerator.
- Rinse the aerator thoroughly under running water.
- Check the faucet opening for any obvious obstructions and clean if necessary.
- Reattach the clean aerator to the faucet, tightening it by hand until snug.
- Slowly turn the water supply valves back on and check for any leaks. Finally, turn on the faucet to test the water pressure.
Troubleshooting
- If pressure is still low, check the faucet cartridge for blockages. This may require removing the handle and faucet body, which is a more complex repair.
- Ensure that the shut-off valves under the sink are fully open. Sometimes they are only partially opened after maintenance.
- Consider flushing the water lines. Turn off the main water supply, disconnect the supply line from the faucet, and briefly turn the valve on to flush out debris.
Preventive Tips
- Clean the faucet aerator every 3-6 months to prevent mineral buildup.
- Consider installing a whole-house water filter if you have very hard water.
- Periodically check your water pressure to catch issues early.
Brief Summary
Is your faucet's water pressure less than it used to be? Often, this is caused by a simple clog in the aerator, the small screen at the very end of the faucet. Mineral deposits from hard water can build up, restricting the flow. Fortunately, fixing this is usually straightforward. This guide will walk you through cleaning and restoring your faucet's water pressure.
Content Details
Keywords: low water pressure, faucet, aerator, clogged, fix
Meta Description: Troubleshoot and fix low water pressure in your faucet by cleaning a clogged aerator. Simple steps to restore strong water flow.
Guide Confidence: High