Aerator clogging is a common problem in single-handle kitchen faucets, usually caused by limescale, sediment, or impurities, leading to reduced water flow or abnormal splashing.
Before disassembly, turn off the water supply valve to avoid splashing during operation. Some single-handle kitchen faucets have the aerator directly threaded onto the faucet end. In this case, use an adjustable wrench or large pliers to grip the outer edge of the aerator and unscrew it clockwise. If the aerator surface is smooth and difficult to grip, wrap several turns of rubber band or plastic wrap around the contact point between the pliers and the aerator to increase friction and prevent scratching. For aerators with tight threads or rust, gently tap around the faucet with a wrench or wrap a hot towel around it for a few moments to expand the metal and make it easier to loosen. If it still cannot be removed, try applying a small amount of rust remover or lubricant, wait a few minutes, and then try to rotate it.
Some single-handle kitchen faucets have a more unique aerator design, requiring special tools or clever methods for disassembly. For example, some aerators have two symmetrical small holes on their surface. You can use needle-nose pliers or a special disassembly tool to insert into these holes, align them with the slots, and then loosen them by rotating counterclockwise. If you don't have a special tool, you can try prying it open with a thin wire or toothpick, but be careful not to damage the slots. In another case, the aerator may be encased in a plastic shell. In this case, you need to first use a thin blade or your fingernail to pry open a gap along the edge of the shell, then peel it off by hand or with a tool to expose the aerator body for disassembly. For pull-out single-handle kitchen faucets, the aerator may be located at the end of the pull tube. To disassemble, first pull out the pull tube, locate the aerator's position, and then loosen it by aligning it with the slots with a tool.
After removing the aerator, you can observe that its internal structure usually consists of multiple layers of filters. These filters can filter impurities such as sediment and rust from the water, but they are prone to clogging after prolonged use. During cleaning, soak the aerator in warm water for a short time to soften the attached limescale. Then, gently scrub the filter screen surface with an old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to remove accumulated impurities. For stubborn limescale, soak it in white vinegar or citric acid solution; the acidic substances will react with the calcium carbonate in the limescale, dissolving it. If the filter screen pores are clogged with small impurities, gently unclog them with a needle or thin wire, being careful not to damage the filter screen structure. After cleaning, rinse all parts of the aerator with clean water to ensure no cleaning agent or impurities remain.
When reinstalling the aerator, ensure all parts are properly installed and the threads are aligned. Reinstall the cleaned filter screen into the aerator in sequence, then align the aerator with the water tap thread and tighten it counterclockwise. Use moderate force during installation to avoid damaging the threads or deforming the aerator. After installation, turn on the water supply valve to check if the water flow is normal and if there are any leaks around the aerator. If the water flow is still not smooth, the filter screen may not be installed properly or there may still be a blockage inside the faucet. It needs to be disassembled and checked again.
To prevent the aerator from clogging again, regularly clean the faucet surface and surrounding environment to prevent sediment from entering the faucet. If the local water quality is poor, a pre-filter can be installed on the main water pipe to filter out large particles in the water, reducing the filtering burden on the aerator. In addition, avoid using inferior cleaning agents to clean the faucet, as this may corrode the metal surface or damage the aerator structure.
