Replacing a Faulty Aerator

Have you ever noticed how the aerators on most faucets will simply go wonky at some point? While you can always do a bit of cleaning, often times it is simply easier to just replace the problematic part. Good thing that replacing a faulty aerator is a rather easy task. All you really need to do is follow these simple instructions, and you will soon have a faucet that is working properly again.

1. Close the drain. Once you are ready to begin replacing the faulty aerator, you need to prepare the work area. The easiest way to do this is by simply closing the drain, or in some way stoppering the drain. By doing this, you won't accidentally loose any pieces when you begin working. In addition, you may want to turn the water off so that you can work completely with a dry faucet.
2. Pad the lip. Considering how tightly many aerators are placed into faucets, you may need to use some pliers to help remove it. Before you do this, you should place some masking tape around the lip of the faucet so that you don't damage it. After all, you will more than likely be reusing the lip when you are finished changing out the aerator.
3. Remove the aerator. With the lip of the faucet properly padded, you can begin removing the aerator. Simply tighten the pliers around the tape, and then begin turning the spout to the right. After loosening up the spout, finish removing it with your fingers. Yu will want to be sure that you dry off your fingers (as well as the spout) since some water will leak out.
4. Remove all of the parts. Just because you have removed the spout doesn't mean that you are finished. Take out the remaining parts that are contained within the spout. As you do this, make sure that you note which parts come out, and in which order.
5. Grab the new aerator. If you don't already have one, you will need to grab a new aerator. One way that you can ensure that you get the proper size of aerator is to take the lip with you to the store. As you are walking around make sure that you are careful and that you don't loose it. Simply match the aerator up to the lip, and you will be good to go.
6. Put the new aerator in. Take your new aerator home, and begin putting it in. all you really need to do is place all the new pieces back in the reverse order of how you removed them. When you have all the pieces back in place, reinstall the lip tightening it with your fingers first. With the lip finger tight you can then use the pliers to give them another quarter turn to really ensure it is nice and tight.
7. Test your work. Restore the water to your faucet, and remove all the pieces of your old aerator from the sink. Open up the drain, and then turn the faucet. If you have done the work properly, there will be no leaks, and the water should flow freely. In the event that you do notice any leaks, fix them and you will then be done.

Once you have finished testing the work you just did, you are pretty much finished. All that you have left to do is clean everything up. Make sure that you have removed any and all tape that you may have applied to the lip to help protect it. Keep an eye out for the performance of your new aerator. If you notice that it is slipping in the future, you can then remove it and clean it, or replace it again.