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Cleaning an aerator
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How do I take out and clean a faucet aerator.
Cleaning an aerator
Replacing an aerator is one of the easiest things you'll ever do. No need to call a plumber or handyperson or your uncle Bob. You don't even need to turn off the water supply. Just follow these easy steps.
- Close the drain so you don't lose any parts.
- Locate the aerator. That's the is the screw-in thingamabob at the end of the faucet spout.
- Make sure both the spout and your hands are dry before trying to remove it with your fingers.
- Unscrew the aerator in a clockwise direction. If it doesn't want to cooperate, then you will need to use adjustable pliers. Before you do that, wrap masking tape or a rubber band around the aerator so you don't leave teeth marks on your nice finish.
- Once you get the aerator off, you will see it has a few small parts inside. These are the guts of your aerator. As you disassemble the aerator, note the order and orientation of the parts.
- Rinse the pieces with water and brush off the debris. If you still have stubborn deposits sticking around, soak the parts in white vinegar for a few minutes and scrub with a toothbrush. Replace any cracked and broken parts, or hardened washers.
- After de-gunking, reassemble the aerator. Using your fingers, screw it back onto the faucet. Test your work by turning on the water. If you get leaking around the threads, give the aerator a slight turn with the pliers, then remove the masking tape.
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