How to Replace a Faucet Aerator
Updated February 25, 2026
Swap a clogged or damaged faucet aerator in 2 minutes -- restore full water flow, fix sputtering, and choose the right GPM rating for your fixture.
Overview
The aerator is the small screen at the tip of your faucet spout. It mixes air into the water stream, reduces splashing, and controls flow rate. When it clogs with mineral deposits or sediment, you get low pressure, uneven spray, or sputtering. Replacing it takes 2 minutes, costs $3-$8, and instantly restores full flow. It is the simplest plumbing fix that exists -- unscrew the old one, screw on the new one.
What You'll Need
Safety First
- No need to turn off the water. The aerator screws onto the outside of the spout tip -- removing it does not open the water path any wider than normal flow.
- Wrap the aerator housing with tape before using pliers to avoid scratching the faucet finish. Scratches on chrome and brushed nickel are permanent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Remove the Old Aerator
Grip the aerator housing at the tip of the spout and turn counterclockwise. Most unscrew by hand. If it is stuck from mineral buildup, wrap a rubber jar opener or tape around it for grip. Still stuck? Wrap a vinegar-soaked rag around it for 15 minutes to dissolve the mineral bond, then try again. As a last resort, use pliers with tape-wrapped jaws to protect the finish.
Tip: Some modern faucets have a recessed (cache) aerator that requires a special removal key. The key is a small plastic tool that fits inside the spout opening. It is usually included with the faucet or available for $3-$5 from the manufacturer. Moen, Delta, and Kohler each have their own size. - Identify the Size and Thread Type
Aerators come in three common sizes: standard (15/16-inch male thread for most kitchen and older bathroom faucets), junior (55/64-inch male thread for newer bathroom faucets), and cache/recessed (fits inside the spout). Male-thread aerators screw into female threads on the spout. Female-thread aerators screw onto male threads on the spout. Bring the old aerator to the hardware store to match the size. Or measure the outside diameter of the spout opening.
Tip: If you cannot find the exact replacement, a universal aerator adapter kit ($5-$8) includes multiple thread sizes and a swivel adapter. It fits most faucets regardless of brand. - Choose the Flow Rate
Aerators are rated by gallons per minute (GPM). Kitchen faucets: 1.5-2.2 GPM is standard. Bathroom faucets: 0.5-1.5 GPM. WaterSense standard for bathrooms is 1.5 GPM or less. Higher GPM = more flow for filling pots and rinsing. Lower GPM = water savings for handwashing. Choose based on how you use the fixture. A 2.2 GPM kitchen aerator fills a pot fastest. A 1.0 GPM bathroom aerator saves water without any noticeable difference for handwashing.
Tip: If you feel like your faucet has lost pressure after a renovation or plumbing work, check whether someone installed a low-flow aerator (0.5-1.0 GPM). Swapping to a 1.5-2.2 GPM aerator restores the flow you are used to. - Install the New Aerator
Thread the new aerator onto the spout by hand. Turn clockwise until snug. Do not use pliers -- hand-tight is sufficient. The rubber washer inside the aerator creates the seal. Turn on the faucet and check for leaks around the aerator housing. If it drips, tighten another quarter turn by hand. If it still drips, check that the rubber washer is seated correctly.
Tip: Run the water for 10 seconds after installing to flush any debris. New aerator screens sometimes have tiny plastic burrs from manufacturing that rinse out on the first use.
Pro Tips
- Cleaning vs replacing: if the screen is intact and just mineral-clogged, soak it in white vinegar for 30-60 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, and reinstall. If the screen is torn, corroded, or the housing is cracked, replace it.
- Keep a spare aerator for each faucet in the house ($3-$8 each). When one clogs beyond cleaning, swap it immediately instead of running to the store.
- An aerator with a flow restrictor (1.0-1.5 GPM) on a kitchen faucet saves 20-40% on hot water use vs a standard 2.2 GPM aerator. The savings add up over a year.
- Aerators clog faster in hard water areas. If you clean aerators every 2-3 months, a water softener eliminates the problem across all fixtures.
- Swivel aerators ($5-$10) direct the water stream at an angle -- useful for shallow sinks where a straight-down stream splashes.
When to Call a Pro
You do not need a plumber for an aerator replacement. If the spout threads are damaged and the aerator cross-threads or will not seal, the faucet spout may need replacement -- that is still typically a DIY job depending on the faucet type.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call a plumber to replace a faucet aerator?
You do not need a plumber for an aerator replacement. If the spout threads are damaged and the aerator cross-threads or will not seal, the faucet spout may need replacement -- that is still typically a DIY job depending on the faucet type.
What are some expert tips to replace a faucet aerator?
Cleaning vs replacing: if the screen is intact and just mineral-clogged, soak it in white vinegar for 30-60 minutes, scrub with a toothbrush, and reinstall. If the screen is torn, corroded, or the housing is cracked, replace it. Keep a spare aerator for each faucet in the house ($3-$8 each). When one clogs beyond cleaning, swap it immediately instead of running to the store. An aerator with a flow restrictor (1.0-1.5 GPM) on a kitchen faucet saves 20-40% on hot water use vs a standard 2.2 GPM aerator. The savings add up over a year. Aerators clog faster in hard water areas. If you clean aerators every 2-3 months, a water softener eliminates the problem across all fixtures. Swivel aerators ($5-$10) direct the water stream at an angle -- useful for shallow sinks where a straight-down stream splashes.
What tools do I need to replace a faucet aerator?
You will need: Replacement aerator ($3-$8, matched to your faucet thread size and desired GPM), Pliers with tape (only if the old aerator is stuck -- hand removal preferred), White vinegar (for dissolving mineral bond on stuck aerators), Rubber jar opener (for grip on stuck aerators without scratching).
When should I call a professional instead of doing this myself?
You do not need a plumber for an aerator replacement. If the spout threads are damaged and the aerator cross-threads or will not seal, the faucet spout may need replacement -- that is still typically a DIY job depending on the faucet type.
How difficult is this project?
This project is rated easy. Most homeowners with basic tools can complete it.
How long does this take?
Plan for approximately 2 - 5 minutes. First-timers may need extra time.
How much will this cost?
The estimated cost is $3 - $8. Costs vary by location and materials chosen.