How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet Aerator

Faucet aerators are small parts with a major functionality. They regulate the flow of water to bring you the ideal stream of water without waste. An aerator is easy to install, clean, and replace. All you need is a couple of tools and a few minutes.

If you've never replaced an aerator before, you need to go over several simple instructions and review common aerator issues that may interfere with a smooth installation.

This blog post will teach you how to replace an aerator on your kitchen faucet.

Importance of Regular Aerator Replacement

Aerators can control water usage and flow, prevent splashing, and help conserve water. However, to get their job done properly, they have to be in top shape.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, replacing an old aerator with a WaterSense-labled model can save an average household around 700 gallons of water annually.

A high-quality aerator can maintain consistent flow, provide a steady stream, and reduce clogs. It doesn't just decrease your water wastage but also improves your kitchen experience.

How to Replace Aerator on Kitchen Faucet: Step-by-Step Instructions

Replacing an aerator on the kitchen faucet is an easy task. Here are the step-by-step instructions for beginners. Need a video? See our helpful resources and videos. 

Step 1: Gather Tools

In many cases, you can unscrew the aerator by hand. But sometimes, you may need pliers or a wrench to do it. You may also need a cloth to prevent the metal slippery surface from being scratched.

Step 2: Identify the Type of Aerator

• Aerator with Housing: This common type of aerator comes with a protective casing, making it easy to install and replace while offering a sleek, finished look.
• Aerator without Housing: A plastic insert sold separately from it’s external shell.
• Hidden Threaded Aerator: This aerator is discreetly threaded inside the faucet spout, providing a clean, streamlined appearance without visible components.

Step 3: Removal Process 

• Turn off the water supply
• Grip the aerator by hand or use pliers or wrench (if it's too tight). If using pliers or a wrench, wrap the aerator in a towel so you don’t accidentally scratch your faucet. 
• Twist counterclockwise to unscrew.
• Remove the aerator and separate its parts carefully

Step 4: Cleaning the Aerator

Place the aerator in a bowl filled with white vinegar and let it soak for about five minutes. Use a sponge to scrub it gently. This can help restore the aerator threads and ensure smooth reinstallation.

Step 5: Reinstalling the Aerator

• Align parts in the correct order
• Place aerator on to faucet spout
• Twist clockwise by hand until snug
• Ensuring a watertight seal, turn on the water to check for leaks and tighten slightly if needed.

Common Problems When Replacing a Faucet Aerator

You can run into these common problems when replacing a faucet aerator. Don't worry, they are all easy to handle.

Problem 1: Aerator Stuck or Hard to Remove

Solution: Use pliers or a wrench for better grip. To prevent scratches, cover the aerator with a cloth before using tools. A few drops of vinegar can also help loosen mineral deposits.

Problem 2: Water Flow Reduced After Aerator Replacement

Solution: Check for debris that may have entered during installation. Make sure the aerator sits correctly on the faucet, as an aerator that is not seated correctly can restrict proper water flow.

Problem 3: Damaged Aerator Gasket

Solution: Replace a worn gasket. Before reinstallation, inspect the gasket's condition to make sure that the fit is watertight.

Problem 4: Leaking After Aerator Replacement

Solution: Tighten the aerator carefully to avoid leaks. Check the threads on both the aerator and faucet for any damage that could cause water to escape.

Problem 5: Wrong Size Aerator Replacement

Solution: To find the correct aerator size, take advantage of our simple 3-step process on Aerator.com. Only a correctly sized aerator will perform its job seamlessly.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Replacing a Faucet Aerator

Some of the common mistakes beginners make when replacing a faucet aerator are:

• Not Turning Off Water Supply: Before starting, turn off the water supply to prevent any accidental leaks.
• Failing to Prepare Proper Tools: Use a wrench or pliers with a cloth wrap to avoid scratching or damaging the aerator
• Forgetting to Clean Faucet Threads: Wipe down the faucet threads to remove debris or mineral buildup. This will help prevent cross-threading and ensure a snug fit for your clean faucet aerator.

Keeping these possible mistakes and their solutions in mind can help you enjoy a simple aerator replacement process.

Knowing When It's Time to Call a Plumber

In rare cases, it may not be possible to replace the aerator on your own. These situations include:

• Damaged threads on the faucet
• Persistent leaks and low pressure despite correct installation
• Old plumbing and faucet, particularly if you're working with modern faucets that have unique fittings

If any of the above occurs, you need to call a professional plumber who can repair lines, remove a clog, or replace faucet parts if necessary.

DIY Success: Replacing Your Kitchen Faucet Aerator Made Easy

Now that you know how to replace an aerator on your kitchen faucet, you can see that it's an easy DIY task. Aerator.com has many similar articles that share professional tips to make kitchen faucet maintenance a breeze.