Save Water: Easy Faucet Aerator Replacement

Updated at: 21/03/2025

Water is a precious resource, and conserving it is crucial for a sustainable future. While large-scale water conservation efforts are vital, making small changes at home can significantly impact our overall water usage. One surprisingly effective and simple alteration is replacing your old faucet aerator. These inexpensive, readily available devices dramatically reduce water flow without compromising water pressure, leading to substantial savings over time. Think of the cumulative effect of millions of households making this tiny switch! Beyond the environmental benefits, replacing your aerator can also extend the lifespan of your plumbing fixtures by reducing wear and tear.

This seemingly minor upgrade offers significant returns. A worn-out aerator can leak surprisingly large amounts of water, unnoticed and unaddressed. Let's dive into a step-by-step guide on how to easily replace your faucet aerator, ensuring you can start saving water and money immediately. Follow the simple instructions below to make this quick and easy improvement.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Crescent wrench
Safety Guidelines
  • Always turn off the water supply to the faucet before beginning any work. Failure to do so could result in a sudden burst of water.
  • Use appropriate tools for your faucet type to avoid damaging the faucet or injuring yourself. If unsure, consult a plumber.
  • Pay close attention to the aerator's threads and carefully align them when reinstalling to ensure a proper watertight seal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Remove Old Aerator

    • Locate and remove the old aerator. It's at the end of the faucet spout. Use a crescent wrench to loosen it, then remove it by hand.
    Locate and remove the old aerator. It's at the end of the faucet spout. Use a crescent wrench to loosen it, then remove it by hand.
    Remove Old Aerator

  2. Clean Spout

    • Check for any washers or debris stuck in the spout and remove them.
    Check for any washers or debris stuck in the spout and remove them.
    Clean Spout

  3. Prepare New Aerator

    • Remove the old aerator from its housing. The new aerator may come with its own hosing, or you may be able to reuse the old one.
    Remove the old aerator from its housing. The new aerator may come with its own hosing, or you may be able to reuse the old one.
    Prepare New Aerator

  4. Install New Aerator

    • Install the new low-flow aerator. Slide it into place, add the washer (if necessary), and then reattach it to the faucet.
    Install the new low-flow aerator. Slide it into place, add the washer (if necessary), and then reattach it to the faucet.
    Install New Aerator

  5. Tighten and Check for Leaks

    • Hand tighten the new aerator. Align it with the spout and turn. You may need to adjust it slightly to catch the threads.
    • Check for leaks. If there's a drip, use your wrench to tighten gently, but don't overtighten.
    Check for leaks. If there's a drip, use your wrench to tighten gently, but don't overtighten.
    Tighten and Check for Leaks

Read more: Fixing a Leaky Toilet Tank: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Look for a green marking on the new aerator to indicate it's a water-saving model.
  • Don't overtighten the new aerator; hand-tightening is usually sufficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Aerator Selection

Reason: Choosing an aerator with the wrong threads or size for your faucet will prevent a proper fit.
Solution: Measure your existing aerator's threads and size before purchasing a replacement to ensure compatibility.

2. Over-tightening the Aerator

Reason: Applying excessive force during installation can damage the faucet threads or the aerator itself, leading to leaks or breakage.
Solution: Tighten the aerator by hand until snug; avoid using pliers or excessive force.

3. Ignoring the Washer or O-ring

Reason: A missing or damaged washer or O-ring can cause leaks, negating the water-saving benefits of the new aerator.
Solution: Inspect and replace the washer or O-ring if it's worn, damaged, or missing before installing the new aerator.

FAQs

What if my new aerator doesn't fit my faucet?
Faucet aerators come in various sizes and threads. Before purchasing, check your existing aerator to identify its size and type (usually 22.2mm or 24mm). If you're unsure, take a picture of your current aerator to the hardware store for assistance in selecting the correct replacement.