A faucet aerator is the small screen at the tip of your faucet, and you can unscrew and replace it by hand in most cases

The aerator is a threaded piece that screws onto the end of your faucet spout. It mixes air into the water stream to reduce splashing and save water. Over time, mineral deposits clog it, water pressure drops, or the screen tears. Replacing it takes about five minutes and costs $3 to $15 for a new aerator—no tools required for most faucets.

You do not need to turn off the water. straightforward unscrew the old aerator by hand, rinse it or replace it, and screw the new one back on. If it is stuck, a cloth or adjustable wrench will give you grip without damaging the finish.

Key Takeaways

  • Most aerators unscrew by hand counterclockwise; if stuck, wrap it in a cloth and use an adjustable wrench for grip.
  • Before you buy a replacement, measure the diameter of your faucet spout or bring the old aerator to the store to match the thread size.
  • Aerators come in standard sizes (M22 and M24 are most common), and buying the wrong size means a trip back to the store.
  • If the aerator spins but does not unscrew, the internal collar may be stuck; soak it in vinegar for 30 minutes and try again.

Identify your aerator size before you shop

Aerators come in two main thread sizes: M22 (22 millimeters) and M24 (24 millimeters). Most kitchen and bathroom faucets use one of these. The easiest way to know which one you need is to unscrew the old aerator and take it with you to the hardware store, or measure the outside diameter of your faucet spout with a ruler or tape measure.

If you cannot measure and do not want to remove the old one yet, M22 is more common in older homes and bathrooms, while M24 is standard in newer kitchens. When in doubt, buy the one that matches your faucet brand—most manufacturers list the size on their website or on the faucet itself. A mismatch will not damage anything, but the new aerator straightforward will not thread on.

Unscrew the old aerator by hand

Turn the aerator counterclockwise by hand. Most will spin off easily. Grip it between your thumb and fingers and rotate it toward you. If you are standing at the sink facing the faucet, you are turning it to the left. It usually takes three to five full rotations to come free.

Once it is loose, finish unscrewing it by hand and set it aside. Look inside the spout opening—you may see a rubber washer or a small screen. Leave these in place unless they are visibly damaged or crumbling. They help seal the connection and filter debris.

What to do if the aerator is stuck

If the aerator will not budge, mineral buildup is usually the cause. Wrap a cloth around it to protect the finish, then grip it with an adjustable wrench and turn counterclockwise. Use steady pressure rather than force—jerking can crack the spout or strip the threads.

If it still will not move, soak the entire faucet spout in white vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour. The acid dissolves mineral deposits. After soaking, try unscrewing by hand again. If the aerator spins in place without unscrewing, the internal collar is stuck; soak longer and try once more before resorting to a wrench.

Install the new aerator and test the flow

Thread the new aerator onto the spout by hand, turning it clockwise. Start slowly to make sure the threads align—if you feel resistance or grinding, stop and back it out. Reposition it and try again. Forcing a misaligned thread will strip it and ruin the connection.

Once it is hand-tight, turn on the water and check the flow. The stream should be smooth and even, without splashing or weak spots. If water leaks around the base of the aerator, tighten it a quarter turn more by hand. Do not use a wrench on a new aerator unless it is genuinely loose—hand-tight is the correct tension.

Clean or replace a clogged aerator

Before you throw away the old aerator, try cleaning it. Soak it in white vinegar for one to two hours, then scrub the screen with an old toothbrush under running water. Mineral deposits often come away easily. If the screen is intact and the flow improves, you can reinstall it instead of buying a new one.

If the screen is torn, rusted, or the flow does not improve after cleaning, replace it with a new one. New aerators are inexpensive and come in flow rates—standard (2.2 gallons per minute) and low-flow (1.5 gallons per minute). Low-flow aerators reduce water use without noticeably changing the feel of the stream, though some people prefer the stronger flow of a standard aerator.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not turn the aerator clockwise when removing it—you will tighten it instead. Counterclockwise is always the removal direction. Do not use pliers without a cloth; they will scratch or dent the aerator and spout. Do not force a stuck aerator with a wrench on the first try; soak it in vinegar first.

Do not assume all aerators are the same size. Buying the wrong thread size wastes a trip. Do not overtighten the new aerator—hand-tight is correct, and wrench-tight can crack the spout or strip the threads. If water leaks after installation, the threads may be misaligned; unscrew it completely and start over rather than forcing it tighter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn off the water before replacing an aerator?

No. Water will drip from the spout once you unscrew the aerator, but you do not need to shut off the main valve. Have a cloth or small cup ready to catch drips. If you are uncomfortable with any water spillage, you can turn off the water, but it is not necessary.

What if my faucet does not have a removable aerator?

Some faucets, particularly older or specialty models, have aerators that are glued or permanently attached. If you cannot unscrew it by hand or with a cloth-wrapped wrench after soaking, it is likely permanent. Contact the faucet manufacturer or a plumber for options specific to your model.

Can I use any aerator on any faucet?

No. Thread size must match—M22 and M24 are not interchangeable. Some faucets also have specialty aerators designed for that brand. Always check the size before you buy. If you bring the old aerator to the store or measure the spout diameter, you will get the right one.

How often should I replace or clean an aerator?

Clean it every six to twelve months if you notice reduced flow or splashing. Replace it every two to three years, or sooner if the screen tears or cleaning does not restore flow. In areas with very hard water, you may need to clean it more often.

Why is water pressure low after I install a new aerator?

You may have installed a low-flow aerator by accident, or the new aerator screen is clogged with debris from the spout. Remove it, rinse the screen under running water, and reinstall. If pressure is still low, try a standard-flow aerator instead of a low-flow model.