Another article in our ongoing water pressure series, this time we will look at poor faucet pressure and aerator issues. Poor water pressure is a frustrating and often difficult to solve problem. Fortunately, if insufficient pressure is present in only one of the faucets in your home, there is a good chance you can fix things by simply cleaning the aerator. Learn to fix poor faucet pressure with this quick remedy.
By and large, aerators are a good thing. They help to reduce the flow of water from your faucets, thus helping to keep your bill within reasonable limits. Over time the screen inside of the aerator tends to accumulate mineral deposits. Eventually, these deposits will lead to flow reductions and poor faucet pressure. At that point, they are no longer beneficial and become an issue instead. These deposits are naturally occurring, as the result of “hard” minerals such as magnesium and calcium, which can be found in most water.
To restore proper flow to your faucet, you will simply need to disassemble and clean your aerator assembly, specifically the tiny mesh screen. Removing the aerator is easy: you just need to unscrew it counterclockwise with a pair of pliers. However, before you do so, be sure to wrap a rag or piece of rubber around the aerator to avoid scratching its surface with your pliers.
Once you have taken the aerator off, carefully disassemble its components. Be sure to pay attention to what order they came out in so that you can later reassemble it; here it is helpful to take a photograph or two. Now scrub any deposits off of the screen using an old toothbrush. If the deposits prove stubborn, try soaking it for an hour or so in a glass of vinegar, which will help to dissolve the minerals. Then reassemble the aerator, and you should be good to go.
If you believe your home’s pressure issues are caused by a problem requiring professional assistance, contact the plumbing experts at Kew Forest Plumbing.
