How to Replace a Clogged or Broken Faucet Aerator

A faucet aerator is a small mesh screen that screws onto the end of your spout. It mixes air into the water stream, saves water, and reduces splashing. When it gets clogged with mineral deposits or debris, your water pressure drops to a trickle. When it cracks or the screen tears, water sprays everywhere. The good news is this is the cheapest and fastest plumbing fix you'll ever do—no tools required, no shutoffs needed, no mess. You're not replacing the faucet. You're replacing a three-dollar part that takes longer to describe than to install. A clogged aerator usually means you live with hard water or old mineral buildup. You'll notice the water coming out of your kitchen or bathroom faucet has lost its force, or it's spraying sideways instead of straight down. A broken one is obvious: water shoots out the sides, or you can see a crack in the plastic. Either way, the fix is identical.

1. Look Before You Unscrew. Turn on the faucet and look at the spout tip. The aerator is the removable part at the very end—usually a ribbed or honeycomb-patterned insert. You don't need to shut off the water for this job, but running the faucet first helps you see if the aerator is truly clogged or broken before you start.
2. Hand-Twist It Off. Place your thumb and forefinger on the ridged collar or base of the aerator where it meets the spout. Twist counterclockwise. Most aerators unscrew easily without tools. If it turns freely, keep going until it comes completely off. Set it aside—you'll need to look at what came out to decide whether cleaning or replacing makes sense.
3. Wrench It Loose Gently. If the aerator is stuck, wrap a wet cloth around the base collar to give yourself grip without damaging the finish. Position an adjustable wrench or channel-lock pliers on the ridged collar and turn counterclockwise with steady, moderate pressure. Don't overtighten on the way out—just enough to break the seal. Once it starts moving, switch back to your fingers and finish unscrewing by hand.
4. Check Each Component. Once it's off, look at the parts. Most aerators have a metal or plastic collar, a rubber washer or seal, and one or two screens made of mesh. The screen is what catches debris and mineral buildup. If the screen is intact but clogged with white or brown crusty deposits, you can clean it. If you see cracks, tears, or a missing screen, replacement is the answer.
5. Dissolve Mineral Buildup. If the mesh is intact but clogged with mineral buildup, fill a small cup or bowl with white vinegar and submerge the screen for 15 to 30 minutes. The acetic acid dissolves calcium and lime deposits. While it soaks, use an old toothbrush or soft brush to gently scrub away any loose debris on the other parts.
6. Flush Out the Deposits. After the vinegar soak, hold the screen under warm running water and rinse away all the dissolved deposits and any loose debris. Let water run through the mesh from both sides. If it's still clogged, put it back in vinegar for another 15 minutes. Once water flows freely through the mesh, you're ready to reassemble—or move on to replacement if the screen is cracked or torn.
7. Match Size at the Store. If the screen is cracked, torn, or so clogged that vinegar didn't clear it, replace the whole aerator. Take the old one to your hardware store or home center in a small bag. Bring it to the plumbing aisle and find an identical or compatible match. Most are universal and cost two to five dollars. If you can't match it exactly, ask a staff member—they can usually find a compatible size. Check that the new one fits your spout diameter before you leave the store.
8. Clean the Threads First. Before you install the replacement, look at the threads inside the spout where the old aerator was. If you see debris, mineral buildup, or dust, wipe it away with a dry cloth or use a paper towel to clean the inside. Make sure the threads are smooth and clean—this helps the new aerator seat properly and prevents leaks.
9. Screw It Back Snug. If you cleaned and reassembled the old one, screw it back on. If you're installing a new one, just screw it on by hand. Hold the spout steady with your other hand and turn the aerator clockwise. Hand-tighten only—you want it snug but not cranked down. Stop as soon as you feel solid resistance. If it's too tight, you risk stripping the plastic threads or cracking the collar.
10. Verify Water Flow. Turn on the faucet and let water run for five seconds. Look at the spray pattern—it should be even and straight, not dribbling or spraying sideways. Hold your hand under the stream and feel the pressure. It should feel normal again. If you replaced a clogged aerator, the water pressure will be noticeably stronger. If the new aerator still sprays sideways or the pressure is weak, unscrew it and check that it's installed correctly.
11. Put It Back Together. If you took your old aerator apart for cleaning, reassemble it in reverse order before screwing it back on. Start with the collar, then add the washer, then screw on the screen. Make sure each part seats flush and the collar threads smoothly. If the threads feel rough or the parts don't align, clean the threads again with a dry cloth.