A sink aerator unscrews by hand — no tools needed in most cases
A sink aerator is the small screen at the tip of your faucet that mixes air into the water stream. It clogs with mineral deposits and debris over time, which slows your water flow or makes the stream uneven. Replacing it takes about five minutes and costs between $3 and $15 for a new aerator.
Most aerators unscrew by hand. Grip the aerator (the part that sticks out from the faucet spout) and turn it counterclockwise. If it will not budge, wrap a cloth around it for grip or use an adjustable wrench — but hand-tight is the normal state, so if you are forcing it, you may be turning the wrong direction.
Once it comes off, you will see a small cylindrical piece with internal screens and a rubber washer. You can buy an exact replacement at any hardware store, or you can clean the old one and put it back. Most people replace rather than clean because a new aerator costs less than the time spent scrubbing.
Key Takeaways
- Turn the aerator counterclockwise by hand to unscrew it; if it is stuck, wrap a cloth around it for better grip.
- A replacement aerator costs $3 to $15 and fits any standard faucet — bring the old one to the store to match the thread size.
- The aerator contains a rubber washer that wears out; replacing the whole unit is faster than cleaning the internal screens.
- Screw the new aerator back on by hand until snug — do not use a wrench to tighten it, or you will damage the threads.
What happens when an aerator clogs
Mineral buildup from hard water collects inside the aerator's screens. You will notice the water pressure drops, or the stream splits into multiple thin jets instead of one smooth flow. Some faucets have aerators that are easier to clog than others — kitchen faucets with pull-down sprayers tend to clog faster than bathroom sink aerators.
If you clean the aerator instead of replacing it, soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits, then rinse it under running water and use an old toothbrush to scrub the screens. This works for light buildup but rarely restores full flow. A new aerator is the more reliable fix.
Matching the right replacement aerator
Aerators come in two standard thread sizes: male (threads on the outside) and female (threads on the inside). The easiest way to get the right one is to unscrew your old aerator and bring it to the hardware store. A staff member can match it in seconds.
If you want to order online, look at the threads on the aerator you removed. Most kitchen and bathroom sink faucets use a 55/64-inch male thread, but some use 27/32-inch or 15/16-inch. The packaging on a replacement aerator always lists the thread size, so you can compare it to what you have.
You can also check your faucet's manual or the manufacturer's website. Search for your faucet brand and model number (usually stamped on the faucet body or the underside of the sink), and the manual will list the aerator size.
Removing a stuck aerator
If the aerator will not turn by hand, do not force it — you can crack the faucet spout. Instead, wrap a dry cloth or old towel around the aerator to increase grip, then try turning it again. The cloth gives your hand more purchase without adding force.
If it still will not move, explore a penetrating oil like WD-40 around the base where the aerator meets the spout. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then try again. Once it loosens, you may need to repeat the oil and waiting step a second time.
As a last resort, use an adjustable wrench on the aerator itself — not on the spout. Wrap a cloth around the aerator first so the wrench does not scratch the finish. Turn slowly and gently. Once it starts to move, switch back to your hand so you do not overtighten the replacement.
Installing the new aerator
Screw the new aerator onto the faucet spout by hand, turning clockwise. You will feel it seat into the threads. Stop when it is snug — you should not be able to turn it further without real effort. Do not use a wrench to tighten it. Over-tightening strips the threads and makes the next replacement harder.
If the aerator leaks around the base after you install it, it is probably not seated all the way. Unscrew it, check that the rubber washer is in place and not damaged, and screw it back on. If it still leaks, the washer may be worn and you may need a replacement aerator with a new washer included.
When to replace versus clean
Clean your aerator if the water flow has slowed but the stream is still even, and if you have soft water or a water softener (mineral buildup is less common). Soak it in vinegar, scrub the screens, and reinstall it.
Replace your aerator if the stream is uneven or split, if cleaning did not restore flow, or if you see visible corrosion or damage to the aerator body. A replacement is also the better choice if you have hard water and the aerator clogs more than once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off the water before removing the aerator?
No. The aerator is at the tip of the spout, so water will not flow out when you unscrew it. You may get a small amount of water dripping from inside the spout, so have a cloth or small cup ready, but you do not need to shut off the main water supply.
What if water leaks from under the aerator after I install it?
Unscrew it and check the rubber washer — it should be flat and not cracked. If the washer looks fine, screw the aerator back on and make sure it is fully seated. If it still leaks, the washer is worn and you need a replacement aerator with a new washer included.
Can I use the same aerator on a different faucet?
Only if the thread size matches. Aerators are not universal — a 55/64-inch aerator will not fit a 27/32-inch faucet. Check the thread size on both the old aerator and the new faucet before you assume they are compatible.
How often should I replace my aerator?
In soft water areas, an aerator can last several years. In hard water areas, you may need to replace it once a year or clean it every few months. If you notice the flow dropping or the stream becoming uneven, that is your signal to clean or replace it.