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If the water flow has been reduced through your faucet spray head, the problem could be due to clogging inside the inlet screen or aerator. But before cleaning the aerator, you must know how to remove it without damaging it.
You can locate the aerator inside the spray head as a screen-like part at the end of the faucet spout, which breaks the solid water stream by adding air to the water flow. As it is properly screwed down its place, you can unscrew it easily. However, if it is stuck in its place, use penetrating oil or expose it to heat for removal.
In this guide, we have elaborated a step-by-step guide on removing the aerator from the pull-down faucet.
How to Remove Aerator From Pull Down Faucet?
Sometimes, removing the aerator from the faucet is easy if it is corrosion-free. You can pull it out from the spray head, as no pressure is required to apply. However, applying force will damage the faucet as well as the aerator. So, you must be careful during the process.
If it doesn’t come out, here are some efficient ways to help:
Remove Aerator By Hand
Removing an aerator from the pull-down faucet isn’t complicated, as you can do it with bare hands without using tools.
- Grab a towel to dry your hands and faucet. This way, you can easily grasp the faucet.
- Rotate the aerator counterclockwise and take it off.
Remove the Aerator Using Pliers
You need to grab a pair of pliers to accomplish this task. However, before starting, ensure the aerator is in good condition, as the weaker one will break when you remove it. If you are replacing it, there won’t be an issue, but if you want it intact, make sure it is in good condition.
- Make a tight grip around the aerator with the plier’s jaws.
- Do not put jaws on the faucet spout.
- Move the aerator counterclockwise to unscrew it.
- Turn pliers around the aerator to loosen the grip from its position.
Note: Be careful handling the aerator as it is a soft metal that can break easily by bending.
Use Rubber Wrench
A rubber wrench is highly useful in removing the aerator from the faucet easily due to its strong grip. Also, the soft nature of rubber won’t affect the faucet’s surface.
Put the wrench around the aerator and rotate it in the anti-clockwise direction. Keep rotating until the aerator comes out.
Remove It With Vinegar
Sometimes, the aerator gets stuck in its place, and moving it from the actual position becomes tough. This could possibly be due to rust or mineral deposition. Luckily, vinegar is ideal for reducing the trouble and also is a cheap source you can use.
- Just wrap the aerator with a piece of cloth soaked in vinegar.
- Leave it for one hour and remove the aerator.
- Once the rust is cleaned due to the chemical reaction of vinegar, the aerator will fall off easily.
Heat The Aerator
You can use some heat if the tools do not help remove the aerator from a pull-down faucet. By heat, it doesn’t mean you have to put your faucet on flame, as the hairdryer will be sufficient for this purpose.
The purpose of heat is to expand the metal so the pliers can easily loosen the aerator. Avoid overheating, as it will melt the plastic parts. Usually, the cheaper faucets have plastic screws that can not stand the heat.
Apply WD40
Any penetrating oil or a lubricant such as WD40 is useful to remove rust from the inside of the faucet and allow easy removal of the aerator.
- Just spray WD40 on the edges of the aerator.
- Leave it for a few minutes.
- Use the plier to remove the aerator, and you will notice the parts are coming out smoothly.
How to Remove Recessed Faucet Aerator Without Key?
A recessed or hidden aerator is attached to one end of the faucet spout. The manufacturer provides the key to open it, but what if you lose it?
Luckily, following some techniques, you can still remove the recessed aerator without a key.
- Try it with your hands, as removing the aerator by hand is possible.
- You can use bare hands or wear rubber gloves for a strong grip.
You can use tools like a screwdriver if the hands do not help remove this aerator. A screwdriver is the best alternative to the key as it can easily get inside the aerator groove.
- Put the tool inside the aerator and start loosening its grip.
- If the aerator doesn’t displace, apply some force but avoid exerting too much pressure.
- Take a hammer and tap it on the screwdriver. In this way, the aerator will come off.
How Often Should You Change the Aerator From the Faucet?
Whenever you notice the flow of water is reduced, too strong, or uneven, remember that now is the time to change the aerator. However, changing or replacing the faucet aerator is recommended once in six months.
But before heading to change the aerator, find out the possibilities of other problems. Sometimes, the debris or dirt build also affects the water flow. So, look into the matter carefully and change the aerator using our described method.
How Much Does An Aerator Cost?
On average, a faucet aerator costs between $5 to $12. However, the price can vary depending on the quality and material of the aerator. Some are too cheap to buy, while some are highly expensive to replace, including the replacement cost.
FAQs
How to Remove Aerator From Kohler Pull Down Faucet?
If your Kohler faucet has a standard aerator with the female thread, you can remove it simply by unscrewing it by hand or pliers. However, a cached aerator with male thread isn’t easy to unscrew as it hides inside the spout. You can remove it with the key or by applying some techniques.
How Do You Remove Aerator From Delta Pull Down Faucet?
Unscrew the aerator at the ending region of the spout. You can remove it by turning the counterclockwise by hand or with the help of some tools. But ensure you do not apply too much force as it will mold the aerator, or in the worst case, the aerator will break.
Wrapping Up
Removing the aerator from the pull-down faucet is quick and easy, but you must follow the tricks to avoid trouble. Simple, handy tools can help remove the aerator; if you have nothing, you can use your hands to loosen the grip.
Whatever method you use, follow safety measures and clean the aerator frequently. We hope the guidelines will help you keep the kitchen faucet spray head and aerator in good condition.
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