What an aerator is and why you'd replace one

A faucet aerator is the small screen or mesh piece screwed onto the tip of your faucet. It mixes air into the water stream, which saves water and reduces splashing. Over time, mineral deposits clog the aerator, the screen tears, or the threads wear out. When water comes out in a weak spray instead of a steady stream, or sprays sideways, the aerator usually needs replacing.

Replacing an aerator takes about five minutes and costs between $3 and $15 for the part itself. You do not need a plumber. Most aerators unscrew by hand or with a wrench you likely already own.

Key Takeaways

  • Most aerators unscrew counterclockwise by hand; if stuck, wrap the base with a cloth and turn with an adjustable wrench or pliers.
  • Write down or photograph the aerator size and thread type before you buy a replacement, or bring the old one to the hardware store.
  • Standard sizes are 15/16 inch and 55/64 inch for kitchen faucets, and 13/16 inch for bathroom faucets, but some older or specialty faucets differ.
  • If the aerator spins but does not unscrew, the internal collar may be stuck; soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes, then try again.

Removing the old aerator

Turn off the water at the sink or main shutoff if you prefer, though it is not required. Grip the aerator body (the part you see at the faucet tip) with your fingers and turn counterclockwise. Most aerators unscrew easily by hand. If it does not budge, wrap a cloth around the base to protect the finish, then grip with an adjustable wrench or pliers and turn counterclockwise.

Once loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and set it aside. Look inside the faucet opening. You may see a small rubber washer or screen still attached to the faucet itself. Leave it there unless it is visibly damaged or crumbling. If it comes out when you remove the aerator, keep it—you will need it when you install the new one.

Identifying the size and type

Aerators come in different sizes and thread types. The most common kitchen faucet size is 15/16 inch (also called 55/64 inch on some packages—these are the same). Bathroom faucets are usually 13/16 inch. Some older faucets or specialty brands use different sizes.

The easiest way to get the right replacement is to bring the old aerator to a hardware store and match it against stock aerators. If you cannot do that, measure the diameter of the opening at the faucet tip with a ruler or caliper, or look for a size marking stamped on the aerator body itself. Write down the size before you shop.

Buying the right replacement

Standard replacement aerators are sold at any hardware store, home center, or online. They cost $3 to $15 depending on flow rate and finish. A basic chrome aerator is the cheapest option and works on nearly any faucet. If your faucet is brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or another finish, you can match the color, though it is not necessary—the aerator sits inside the faucet opening and is barely visible.

Check the package for the flow rate if water pressure matters to you. Standard aerators flow at 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM). Low-flow aerators are 1.5 GPM or less and save more water. High-flow aerators are 2.5 GPM or higher. Most homes use standard 2.2 GPM without noticing a difference.

Installing the new aerator

Screw the new aerator onto the faucet tip by hand, turning clockwise. Tighten it firmly but do not force it—you should not need a wrench to install it. If the aerator does not thread smoothly, stop and check that you are turning clockwise and that the threads are aligned straight. Misaligned threads can strip and ruin both the aerator and the faucet.

Once hand-tight, turn on the water and check for leaks around the base of the aerator. A small drip usually means the aerator is not quite tight enough. Turn it another quarter turn clockwise by hand. If water sprays sideways or comes out weak, the aerator may be installed backward. Remove it, flip it around, and reinstall.

Troubleshooting a stuck aerator

If the aerator spins in place but will not unscrew, the internal collar is likely stuck to the faucet threads. Fill a small cup with white vinegar and soak the aerator in place for 30 minutes. The vinegar dissolves mineral buildup. After soaking, try unscrewing again with a cloth and wrench.

If it still will not budge, soak for another 30 minutes. Do not force it with excessive wrench pressure—you risk cracking the faucet body or stripping the threads. If the aerator remains stuck after two soaks, the faucet threads may be damaged and you may need a plumber to remove it safely.

When to replace instead of clean

If your aerator is clogged but not damaged, you can clean it instead of replacing it. Unscrew it, soak it in white vinegar for one hour, then scrub the screen with an old toothbrush and rinse. This often restores water flow. However, if the screen is torn, the rubber washer is cracked, or the threads are stripped, replacement is the only fix.

A torn screen cannot be patched, and a damaged washer will leak no matter how tight you turn it. Cleaning works best as preventive maintenance—do it every year or two to keep mineral buildup from getting severe. Once damage appears, a new aerator is cheaper and faster than trying to repair the old one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any aerator on my faucet?

No. Aerators must match the faucet opening size and thread type. A 15/16 inch aerator will not fit a 13/16 inch opening. Bring the old aerator to the store or measure the opening diameter before you buy.

What if water leaks around the base after I install the new aerator?

Tighten it another quarter turn by hand. If it still leaks, remove it and check that the rubber washer inside the faucet opening is seated flat and not twisted. Reinstall the aerator and tighten again. If leaking continues, the washer may be damaged and needs replacing.

Do I need to turn off the water before removing the aerator?

No. Water will not flow out when you unscrew the aerator because the faucet valve is closed. You may get a small drip, so have a cloth ready. Turning off the water is optional and makes no difference to the job.

Why does my new aerator spray water sideways?

The aerator is likely installed backward. Remove it, flip it around so the screen faces down into the faucet, and reinstall. If it still sprays sideways, the aerator may be the wrong size or the faucet opening may be damaged.

How often should I replace an aerator?

Aerators usually last three to five years depending on water quality. Hard water clogs them faster. If cleaning with vinegar no longer restores flow, or if the screen tears, replace it. Many people replace them every two to three years as routine maintenance.