There are several times that faucets get clogged due to dirt and grit. Thus, you need to make sure to clean them regularly. Otherwise, if you ignore this, it can be a huge problem later on. However, it is a significant issue in several places where the mineral substance is high in water.
Mostly, doing a simple cleaning is enough. But it is also important to replace the aerator fitting. Yes, you can easily unscrew and remove the aerators easily. Then, you can replace them with new ones from time to time.
How To Remove Aerator from Moen, Delta, Kohler Pull Down Faucet?
The method to remove the aerator from Moen, Delta, Kohler pull-down faucet lies in the key that comes with it. Using the teeth of the right key, you can grasp the aerator easily. Then, you can remove it.
How To Know If the Faucet Has an Aerator?
It is simple. When the water from the faucet comes out as small bubbles, then it has an aerator. There are various types of aerators. So, if you are not able to see the aerator in the faucet, then it is called a cache aerator. This aerator is fitted inside the sport. Hence, to remove this, you must use a wrench.
The cache aerators are mostly common among delta faucets. So, if you are looking to remove the aerator, you must have the right set of tools.
What Is the Purpose of an Aerator?
However, as you can understand through the name, the aerator oxygenates water that emerges from the spout. As a result, it reduces the flow, which eventually helps in saving water. The other side of the aerator has several tiny holes that help in increasing the pressure. So, instead of a strong flow, you get a soft and even spray.
Thus, these holes have an additional screen that collects the mineral deposits. Along with that, it is easy to clean. Moreover, if you want to clean it properly or replace it, you have to start by removing it.
How To Remove Aerator from Moen Pull Down Faucet?
Firstly, to start with, several types of Moen aerators are considered male. Do you know why? It is because the springs are located on the aerator. That’s why the Moen aerator remains inside the faucet. Therefore, you will require several unique instruments to remove it.
What Is Aerator Key?
A removal tool for any aerator is the “Key.” Moen and Delta aerators are fixed inside the faucet. Hence, it is difficult to remove them if you don’t have the right key. This key is made of plastic and has a rounded end. Along with that, it also has teeth that line up with the aerator’s teeth. In this way, you get a good grasp of it and unscrew the faucet.
You will find various manufacturers that sell keys of different sizes. Moreover, the most useful and versatile key is the flat key. So, if you have a cache aerator, these keys are really powerful and efficient.
How To Remove Aerator from Delta Pull Down Faucet?
Now, you know that if the water comes out as small bubbles, then it has an aerator. Also, if you are unable to see it on the spout, then it is called the store aerator. Hence, store aerator is mainly common among Delta faucets. You can use the Delta key to remove the delta aerator.
Apart from the Delta key, you can also use other keys to open Delta faucets. But, if you still don’t have anything, you can opt for the DIY method. For that, you can use a knife or a screwdriver.
This will help you to remove the tip with little pressure. Additionally, tap the aerator with the screwdriver and a hammer. This will help in releasing the cluster of minerals that builds up in the aerator.
Furthermore, you can also use pliers with a needle nose. To do this, you need to open its jaws and then hook the tips with notches and spin it anti-clockwise.
How To Remove Aerator from Kohler Pull Down Faucet
When you buy a Kohler faucet, you get a store aerator with it. But don’t forget to get the key which helps remove that for cleaning from time to time. The key for the Kohler pull-down faucet is small, and it may get lost. So, store this key carefully.
Do you think you cannot remove the faucet on the Kohler Pull down without the key? Don’t worry. Hence, you can easily replace the aerator without much hassle with some simple tricks.
Remember that the store aerator comprises male strings. So, whenever you screw it, it will get inside. Moreover, you can look through a mirror and check if it is there or not. It is best to wear an elastic glove and then put the finger inside to take it out.
After that, you must turn your fingers anti-clockwise to unscrew. Thus, you can also use nose pincers on the sides of the aerator to turn it. Apparently, it is better to buy a removal key from Kohler from any outlet. This will make the task easier.
Important Tips to Clean and Remove the Faucet Aerator
First, removing any faucet aerator is not a hard task. Moreover, it is also important to know some precautions while removing it. Along with that, you also need to clean the aerators properly. Therefore, these are the following steps that can help you out.
Step 1: Use The Pliers
First, if you don’t have the right tools, you can try by using the pliers. Secure the aerator with a cloth that will protect it from scratches. After that, you can use pliers to remove it properly. Furthermore, you can also use pincers for this.
Step 2: Try The Hard Way
Secondly, if you want to try without the tools, you can do that too. Most aerators are fitted manually. So, you can try unscrewing it that way. Remember to dry your hands and faucets to get a strong grip.
Step 3: Heating The Aerator
Thirdly, when you observe that the above steps are not working, then this step is useful. To heat the aerator, you can use a hairdryer.
This will help in relieving the metal forceps. After that, you can apply the pressure with pliers to remove the faucet. But, if you have plastic faucets, then skip this method.
Step 4: Cleaning It Properly
Additionally, after removing the aerator, separate the parts. This will help you to understand how to fix them the right way. But, before that, you must take a firm brush to clean it properly. If the minerals and grit are much higher, you can dip them in a vinegar solution.
Step 5: Applying Lubricant
Subsequently, you can also use a lubricant to clean up the aerators. You can apply the lubricant to the string and wait for some seconds. Then, you can apply the forceps. After that, you can wipe the oil outside the aerator and then start unscrewing. You will find that you will put less pressure while removing the aerator.
Conclusion
Henceforth, if you notice that the water pressure decreases, it’s time to clean the aerator. Follow the above steps to remove the aerator carefully and clean all the grit. But, if you see that there is a lot of damage, you need to replace it completely.
Moreover, if you are unsure how to do it, it will be best to call a professional plumber.
James is an organic fertilizer professional who owns a successful organic fertilizer company in new jersey. He is an expert in waste management in both houses and community cases. In his free time, he loves to write about his experiences in the field.
