The sink is one of the most vital elements in a home, providing the water needed to quench thirst, cook food and wash away grime. For all of the value it brings, the least that homeowners can do is to clean the faucet aerator every few months. If you Read more to learn about the best steps for cleaning and sanitizing your sink aerator.
The faucet aerator is a small and unseen component of your plumbing system that comes into play every time you use the sink. Without an aerator, the water that pours out of the faucet would try to force its way out as quickly as it can, resulting in unstable streams of water that splash into one another and just makes a mess. Once the aerator is installed, gaps of air between the streams help keep them from bumping into one another, reducing any splashing to what happens when the stream hits the basin or a dish. Besides the immediate and tangible benefit, forcing air into the stream cuts down on the amount of water used, effectively lowering your water bill every time it goes to work. It also helps remove small particulates from the water for a healthier drink.
Because the faucet aerator is similar in function to a filter, bits of dirt and other debris can build up around the openings and cause the water stream to redevelop the pressure issues that were fixed by the aerator. These contaminants can also impact the taste and smell of your water by steadily leaching into the stream right before it reaches your mouth.
In order to clean the piece, start by removing the aerator insert from the faucet’s end. Typically, this will consist of unscrewing the cap, taking out a rubber washer and then pushing the insert out of the cap. Make sure to place the washer and cap in a safe spot nearby. If your faucet end is more complex, you may need to review manufacturer documentation before attempting to remove the aerator.
You can use regular dish soap, but a solution of three parts water to one part vinegar can serve as a sanitizing and cleaning agent if you only have dishwasher detergent and hand soap.
Take a sponge or cleaning rag to the aerator, making sure to blast it with running water to push away particulates as you loosen them.
All that’s left now is to reassemble the faucet cap. Place the aerator into the cap, put the washer on the aerator and screw the cap back into place.
While scrubbing the aerator may seem like too small of a task for a professional plumbing company with more than 20 years in business, maintenance tasks like this are part of the service you can expect when you ask Crawford Mechanical Services to take a peek at your home’s plumbing. If you’d rather leave the cleaning to the pros, just give us a call.
