Have you tried removing the stuck faucet aerator? Yes, you are, because it is not as easy as it seems, especially if you don’t know the steps well or are inexperienced. Before digging deep into how to remove the aerator that is stuck? Let’s start with what exactly the aerator is. An aerator is a small screw-type device that fits at the end of the faucet spout. The main purpose is to maintain or reduce the water flow by adding air to the solid stream of water. Aerators reduce water consumption or usage by 30 per cent or even more if it works properly.
I know that removing and cleaning the aerator is easy when not stuck. Because there is no chance of breaking, but when it is stuck, then you need to be very careful. When the aerator gets stuck, yes, of course, when you try to plug in or out in the faucet spout, there are so many reasons you need to remove the aerator; one most common reason is cleaning.
Faucet aerators are typically clean with an abrasive material like a toothbrush. Make sure that your toothbrush is not too soft.
Sometimes tap water contains lead, a heavy metal that can cause damage to your aerator and, in fact, the faucet. They get clogged there, and it to easy to get rid of them until you aerator.
Sometimes, when the aerator gets clogged, people call a plumber to replace the faucet. No, you need to clean the aerator, or if the condition is severe, you need to replace the faucet. That’s it.
It’s usually very easy to get the aerator out. Unscrew it from the water line. But in other cases, the buildup of minerals can clog up the aerator, making it hard to remove. Applying heat or penetrating oil can help.
Things you must have before starting your job.
Material
- Penetrating oil
- Calcium or mineral dissolving solution.
Tools you should have
- Pliers
- Masking tape
- Hair dryer (as needed)
- Stiff brush
STEP YOU NEED TO FOLLOW
Step 1:Unscrew
The first step is unscrewing. Start unscrewing the aerator by your hand first. It is very hard to unscrew by your hand, so you need to keep your faucet dry before unscrewing. So, you can have a good grip on it. When the surface is not so slippery, you can apply your hand pressure to it. Keep in mind that don’t apply much pressure that the aerator break in the faucet spout. If you feel that it is not easy to unscrew the aerator by hand, use tools to make your job easy.
Use Pliers
If removing by hand does not work, the next step is to try pliers. If the aerator is in good condition and you want to reuse it, wrap a rag or masking tape around the aerator to protect the metal surface against scratches before gripping it with the pliers. A small pair of channel-type pliers works best for this.
Try the pliers to unscrew the aerator now. If the aerator is in good condition and you want to reuse it, cover the metal surface with a rag or masking tape before using the pliers. This will protect the metal surface of the faucet against scratching. Or if you buy a new one, then Whether you’re buying an aerator online or in a store, make sure it’s in good condition and has no scratches on the metal surface before using the pliers to tighten the attachment.
Put the tool’s teeth against the aerator, keeping the tool only on the aerator.
Turn the aerator counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the spout.
If the tool does not work after trying a different position, or if you get frustrated and start breaking tools instead of fixing them, you may have an obstruction in the aerator, making it impossible to clean out the aerator. Try moving the aerator around until you find one that works without force.
Step 2: Heat the aerator
You may need to use pliers or even tweezers, but if even the pliers aren’t able to loosen the aerator, you might need to heat the part using a hair dryer.
To ensure the metal is secure, remove the aerator and hold a lit match to it. If the metal becomes loose, then reposition the aerator.
Aerators can get very hot, so be careful not to overheat them. Always apply heat in moderation, though, as it is easy to melt any plastic parts or rubber washers if the aerator overheated.
Inexpensive faucets may use a screw-on plastic aerator.
Step 3: Use penetrating oil
You need to take this important step if the aerator is stuck. If not, then there is an option you can apply the oil or not. But if the aerator is stuck, they must apply the aerator.
If you cannot remove the aerator, try using penetrating oil to loosen it. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try pliers or a heat gun to remove the aerator.
If the aerator is slippery, remove the cap to wipe off the oil from the inside, and then try to unscrew it.
Step 4. Clean the Aerator
With all of these hurdles, you will remove the aerator.
Once the aerator is removed, make sure the parts are separated. Also, note their arrangement.
There are many different components to an aerator, and most of them are tiny. They must go back together correctly, or otherwise, they won’t work.
It’s best to use a small stiff brush to clear all the mineral deposits and debris from your aerator assembly.
When there is an accumulation of mineral buildup on the body, soak the part(s) in a lime-dissolving solution, such as Lime-
Visit: How to Remove Calcium Deposits from Faucet?
Step 5. Replace the aerator
This is the optional step. Replace this aerator if needed. Yes, if the aerator is stuck, it is a great chance to break. And after the use of pliers, heat, and penetrate oil, it will break. First of all, check the old one if it can work properly and use it or if you think it can’t work properly and can cause a leak or blockage, then replace it with the new one.
You can either replace the screen or try to repair it if the metal part is rusted. It might be easier to buy a replacement part.
There are many aerator types available, including swivel-head types that improve the faucet’s functionality.
Step 6: Fix the aerator again
Yes, once you have done with your cleaning process, it needs to be fixed again. This means reassembling the faucet again. This will not need any particular tool. You need to tighten the aerator with the pliers very well.
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