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Uneven faucet spray: when is cleaning the aerator enough?
Reduced flow or a spray that comes out unevenly can point to debris in the faucet aerator, but I wouldn’t assume that’s the cause without checking whether the change affects both hot and cold water or just one setting. What would you look for in the aerator after removing it to tell ordinary buildup from a damaged screen or other part that’s unlikely to clean up?
I’d also appreciate tips for cleaning it without scratching the faucet finish or losing the small pieces. If the aerator looks intact and cleaning makes little difference, what other flow restrictions would be worth considering before replacing parts?
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3 replies
Loose grit or mineral scale on an otherwise flat, complete screen may rinse or brush away. A split or warped screen, corrosion, or a missing or distorted insert is physical damage; cleaning won’t restore its shape or missing parts, so replacement may be needed.
Before removing it, cover the drain or place a towel in the basin so small pieces can’t disappear. Use the removal method for that aerator style; if a tool is needed, protect the finish with a soft cloth and avoid gripping the faucet itself. Lay the parts out in order as they come out (or take a quick photo), then rinse or gently brush them and reassemble in the same order.
If cleaning the aerator changes little, compare hot and cold flow, then check whether other nearby faucets are also weak. If only this faucet is affected, a partly closed shutoff valve or kinked supply line could restrict flow; if one temperature is much worse, a faucet valve or cartridge may be involved. Those clues help narrow the cause before replacing parts.
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