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How to replace a kitchen faucet aerator

The small screen at the tip of a kitchen faucet that shapes the water stream. Clogs from mineral buildup and needs periodic cleaning or swapping.

Replacement cost
$2–$12
Typical lifespan
2 yrs
Maintenance
every 3 months
Difficulty
Easy

Why the aerator matters

The aerator is the small screened insert at the tip of your faucet. It mixes air into the stream so the tap feels full while using less water. Over months of use, mineral deposits from hard water and tiny debris chip away at that job: the stream turns lopsided, sprays sideways, or the flow gets noticeably weaker even though the supply valve is fully open.

Before shopping for a new one, try a cleaning pass — in many kitchens a vinegar soak restores the screen, and the swap below works either way since removal is identical.

What you need

The steps

This is an easy, hand-tools job — no plumbing disassembly involved.

  1. Unscrew the aerator counter-clockwise from the faucet tip; use a strap wrench if it's stuck.
  2. Soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes, then scrub the screen with a toothbrush.
  3. Rinse, reinsert any washers, and screw it back on hand-tight.
  4. Run water for 10 seconds to flush debris and check for leaks.

Clean or replace?

Scrub first when the screen still looks intact and the problem started gradually. Replace when the mesh is visibly warped, corroded or torn, or when a cleaning pass does not bring the stream back to shape. New aerators are inexpensive and most hardware stores stock a small multi-size kit if you are not sure which thread your faucet takes.

If you are on hard water, plan a quick descale once a season rather than waiting for the stream to degrade — the catalog notes quarterly vinegar descaling, more often with hard water.

Related

General guidance for typical US household fixtures — not professional advice. Cost figures are typical US parts-only ranges for orientation; actual prices vary by brand and region. If a fitting is seized, a leak persists after resealing, or you are unsure at any point, stop and consult a licensed plumber.