But aerators may become clogged withmineral deposits, leading to low water flow or an erratic stream.

Do not squeeze the pliers too hard or you may damage the aerator.

Some aerators are made of plastic and can be easily cracked.

Sink faucet with clogged aerator with low water flow

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Tip

Wrap the pliers' jaws with masking tape to prevent scratching the aerator’s finish.

Also, clear out any deposits or debris from inside the spout.

Rinse off any large pieces of sediment.

Materials and tools to fix a clogged faucet aerator

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

you might also soak the aerator in CLR to remove mineral deposits.

Reassemble the aerator parts in their original order.

spin up the water to check for leaks.

Faucet aerator removed with pliers

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Screwdriver checking faucet spout for debris or mineral deposits

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Faucet aerator disassembled and cleaned with toothpick

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Faucet aerator and screen soaked in glass jar with vinegar

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Aerator rinsed under running faucet water

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Faucet aerator screwed back on faucet end

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault