Clearing a clogged tap aerator in 3 simple steps

Water flows from taps in tip top shape with a simple turn of your wrist. But a clogged aerator on your tap can cause that easy flow to sputter. Here's how to repair your faucet's aerator in three simple steps.

• Old toothbrush
• Vinegar
• Replacement parts, as needed
• Multi-grip pliers with padded jaws (if required)

• Some modern taps have water-saving devices that limit water pressure.
• Be sure not to confuse one of these devices for a clogged aerator.

• Gently unscrew your tap's aerator by hand.
• If it's more than finger tight, use a pair of multi-grip pliers with padded jaws.
• Once the aerator's been removed, scour the tap neck thoroughly with an old toothbrush and then flush it generously with water.

• Some newer aerators are not designed to be taken apart, so you'll need to replace the entire assembly.
• If your aerator can be taken apart, do so carefully, laying out the parts on a clean cloth or towel.
• Make sure you lay out the parts in the sequence and orientation in which you removed them.
• Laying the parts out like this will make re-assembly quicker and easier.
• When you're finished taking apart the aerator, there should be two or three screens, a perforated nylon disc and an O-ring.

• Use an old toothbrush to scrub all the parts and remove any sediment.
• Make a vinegar bath in a small bowl and soak the screens to remove minor corrosion.
• If a screen is too corroded or damaged, replace it or the entire aerator.
• To reinstall your aerator, follow these steps in reverse.

Follow these three simple steps and you'll be able to clean a clogged aerator. And, in doing so, you should be able to make a sputtering tap one that flows easily again.