A faucet aerator is the small screened cap on the spout tip, and changing one takes about ten minutes. Unscrew the old cap, bring it along to match the thread type, then fit the new one by hand. No water shut-off is normally needed for this job.
Know What You Are Replacing
Aerators mix air into the water stream, which gives a softer flow and can reduce splashing. They come in a few thread styles, and sizes vary by maker, so do not guess.
- Outside thread: a cap that covers the spout tip
- Inside thread: a small insert that sits within the spout
- Hidden style: a flush insert that needs a small key, often supplied with the faucet
The easiest way to get a match is to keep the old part and compare it at the store. Check the maker’s guide for the exact type your faucet uses.
Swapping It Out
- Put a folded cloth in the basin so small parts cannot fall into the drain.
- Try turning the old aerator counterclockwise by hand. If it will not move, wrap a cloth around it and use pliers with gentle pressure.
- Take the parts out in order and lay them on the cloth: screen, washer, insert and housing. Note how they stack.
- Rinse the spout opening and brush away grit or mineral flakes.
- Check whether cleaning alone solves the problem. A soak in vinegar and water often clears blocked holes, and then no new part is needed.
- Fit the new aerator with its washer in place and turn it clockwise by hand until snug.
- Run the tap and look for spray in odd directions or a drip at the rim.
When the Result Looks Wrong
- Sputtering stream: a part is stacked in the wrong order, or debris is still inside.
- Water dribbles down the outside: the washer is missing or sitting crooked.
- Cap will not thread on: the thread type does not match, so stop forcing it.
- Weak flow after a fresh fitting: flush the line by running the tap for a minute with the aerator off.
If the faucet body itself leaks, or the problem is at the supply valves under the sink, that is a different repair. Work connected to the main water supply should go to a qualified plumber.
FAQ
How often should an aerator be cleaned or replaced?
There is no fixed schedule. Check it when the flow weakens or the spray turns uneven, and follow the maker’s care notes for your faucet.
Can I fit any aerator on any faucet?
No. Thread size and style differ between makers, so match the old part or check the faucet’s instructions before buying.
The Short Version
Keep the old cap, clean what you can, match the thread style, and hand-tighten the new one with its washer. Follow the maker’s guidance, and ask a qualified professional about anything beyond the spout tip.