DIY guideFaucet
Clean a faucet aerator
Bring back a weak or sputtering faucet by soaking the little screen at its tip.
- 20 to 45 min
- 4 steps
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4 steps
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Close the sink's stopper or lay a cloth over the drain, so no small part can fall in.
Turn the tip of the faucet counterclockwise by hand. If it's stuck, wrap it in a cloth and turn it gently with pliers. If it has no grip at all, it may need the small key that came with the faucet.
Lay the pieces out in the order they came apart, then soak them in white vinegar for 15 minutes or more. Scrub the screen with an old toothbrush and rinse.
Put the pieces back in the same order and screw the aerator on hand-tight. Run the water to check the stream.
What you need
- A small bowl of white vinegar
- An old toothbrush
- A cloth, and pliers if it's tight
Call a pro if
- The faucet still runs weak after cleaning
- It drips, or leaks at its base or handle
Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.
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