Most modern water faucets are equipped with an aerator, a disc shaped wire mesh screen or plastic disc installed at the tip of the faucet that the water flows through as it comes out of the faucet. An aerator is designed to conserve water by creating the appearance of higher water pressure at the tap. They also reduce splashing. Unless they very old, your bathroom and kitchen faucets probably have an aerator installed.
Aerators are a simple, inexpensive way to conserve water but over time they can collect rust, scale, and other debris and become clogged. When this happens, you may notice a decrease in the water pressure at the faucet or an irregular flow pattern.
Fortunately, fixing the problem is usually not a very difficult faucet repair. With the tap turned off, remove the aerator by unscrewing it counter-clockwise. Try unscrewing it by hand first, but if it is too tight, carefully use a pair of plier to loosen it. Be sure to protect the finish on the aerator with a rag or a couple layers of masking tape to avoid scratching it.
Once the aerator is off, separate the parts paying attention what order they go back together and which way each part faces. Rinse off the debris or if necessary use a rag or even a wire brush to clean the screen or plastic disc. If it is very corroded or clogged, replacements are usually easy to get at your local hardware store or home improvement center. Take the old one with you to make sure you get the right replacement.
Put the aerator back together in the same order you took it apart and screw it back onto the faucet. If there is still a problem with the water pressure or flow pattern in your faucet or if your aerators frequently become clogged, you may have other issues such as excessive contaminants in your water. Talk to your plumber about installing a whole house filter to remove these contaminants.
