How to Install or Replace a Faucet Aerator

An aerator is the small screen or mesh insert at the tip of your faucet that mixes air into the water stream, saving water and reducing splashing. When water pressure drops, flow becomes uneven, or you see sediment coming out, the aerator is usually the culprit—and it's the easiest part of your plumbing system to fix yourself. Replacing one costs a few dollars and requires no special skills or tools you don't already have in a kitchen drawer.

1. Unscrew the Old Aerator. Turn the faucet handle all the way off. Grip the aerator (the chrome or metal tip) with your fingers and turn counterclockwise to unscrew it. If it's stuck, wrap a thin cloth around it to improve grip or use an adjustable wrench, turning gently to avoid scratching the finish.
2. Map the Pieces Before Reassembly. Once removed, lay the aerator on a clean surface. You'll see it has several parts: an outer shell, a screen or mesh, and sometimes a rubber gasket. Note how the pieces stack—take a photo if you're unsure. Look for sediment, mineral deposits, or debris on the screen.
3. Dissolve Mineral Buildup Gently. If you're just cleaning rather than replacing, soak all parts in vinegar and use an old toothbrush to scrub the mesh screen gently. Rinse thoroughly under running water. Check the rubber gasket for cracks or hardness; if it's degraded, replace the whole aerator.
4. Wipe the Spout Threads Clean. While the aerator is off, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any debris, mineral deposits, or old tape from the male threads on the spout itself. A quick vinegar wipe helps dissolve stubborn mineral buildup.
5. Screw On Hand-Tight Only. If replacing, unpack the new aerator and check that it comes with a gasket. If reassembling the old one, stack the pieces in reverse order from how they came apart—shell first, then screen, then gasket. Screw the entire assembly onto the faucet spout by hand, turning clockwise until snug.
6. Verify Spray and Check for Leaks. Turn the faucet on slowly and run water for 10 seconds. Feel the spray pattern and listen for any unusual sounds. Check underneath the sink or around the base of the faucet for drips. If water leaks around the aerator body, turn it off and tighten it by another quarter turn.
7. Flush the Entire Line Through. With the aerator installed, run hot and cold water separately for 20 seconds each to flush out any manufacturing debris or residual mineral particles from the faucet line. You may see a slight cloudiness in the first few seconds—this is normal and will clear.