How to remove recessed faucet aerator without key

If your recessed faucet aerator is stuck, there are a few ways to remove it without a key.

Your faucet is having flow issues, so you decide to remove the aerator to eliminate mineral deposits from your list of potential culprits. However, when you go to start the process, you discover your faucet has a recessed aerator. The worst part? You have absolutely no clue where the tiny plastic key went. So, now what? The key is nowhere to be found, and the aerator needs to come out. Is it possible to remove the aerator without a key?

How to remove recessed faucet aerator without key

On the occasion when the water flow out of the faucet is not at its best you will need to remove it from the faucet spout to either clean or replace it, but you may not have the specific key or aerator wrench to do it. There are 2 types of aerators found in majority of household taps kitchen or bathroom ; a hidden also known as cache or recessed for which you need Keys like these , or housed aerator aerator encased in metal housing for which you need Aerator removal wrench such as this. Depending on the design of your faucet it will be obvious visually which type of aerator you will have. If you have a housed aerator you may notice two flat edges coming from your tap. The aerator is within that housing. Please follow these steps:. Alternatively, you may have a round aerator housing with no flat edges. Generally you should be able to loosen and take it off by hand and with a damp cloth for extra grip if needed. But if it is hard to remove, you can again use a pair of pliers and cloth to help loosen it and then unscrew the rest by hand. If you have a hidden aerator, which is directly screwed into the end of your faucet spout. This usually requires a special key such as this i. Delta key, Moen key etc — Depends on manufacturer of aerator in order to remove it. But if you do not have this key there are some other options which you can remove it by. You may be able to just unscrew with your bare fingers but if aerator has been in use for a while you may not be able to.

Most faucet aerators have been threaded on by hand, and often you can unscrew it the same way. Please follow these steps:. Using your chosen cleaning solution white vinegar also works will help dissolve the build-up between the faucet spout and aerator.

When the water pressure at a single faucet is very low, the solution is often remarkably simple: an issue with the aerator. An aerator is a screw-on screen fitting at the end of a faucet spout. The purpose of the aerator is to break up the solid stream of water and add air to the water flow—a function that can reduce water usage by as much as 30 percent. When faucet aerators get clogged with grit or mineral buildup, they need to be cleaned to restore proper water flow. This is a common problem in regions where there is a heavy mineral content in the water supply. Many people do not even know this fitting is there and often call a plumber to make a repair that is extremely easy. In most cases, a simple cleaning of the aerator will do the trick, though sometimes you may need to replace the aerator fitting.

A faucet aerator is one of the most important components of your faucet. It regulates the water flow and prevents issues with your water. But sometimes you need to remove the aerator to do basic maintenance, or you need to inspect it due to an issue with water flow. Some faucet aerators can be removed easily by hand. But there is a type of aerator called a recessed or hidden aerator. The steps might vary slightly depending on the brand and the type of aerator that you have. With recessed faucets, the manufacturer often has specialized keys for removal. When the faucet was first installed, the plumber probably screwed the aerator in by hand.

How to remove recessed faucet aerator without key

An aerator is one of the important parts of the faucet. It reduces water splashes and makes water flow smoothly. But with time, aerator holes are filled with mineral deposits.

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A variety of aerator heads are available, including swivel-head types that improve the functionality of the faucet. Table of Contents. If your kitchen faucet has a hidden aerator and the tool is nowhere to be found, there are a few ways you can remove it. You may have to get into small slots in order to remove the aerator. Recent Comments. You can also buy different size removal keys from Amazon. How to! Be sure to provide the make and model number when ordering. It is best if you can remove and clear the deposits to fully clean it. You can try turning the aerator with your fingers if you have no key. More from The Spruce. You can also tap the screwdriver against a hammer to loosen any mineral deposits that may be clinging to the screw. Alternatively, you can use a pair of pliers to grab the aerator for easy removal once it loosens.

When the water pressure at a single faucet is very low, the solution is often remarkably simple: an issue with the aerator. An aerator is a screw-on screen fitting at the end of a faucet spout.

Alternatively, get a bag and fill it with your chosen cleaning solution and submerge the aerator and spout, leaving it for at least an hour before trying to unscrew the aerator out. Ensure the screwdriver is angled to allow you to tap the aerator counterclockwise. A tamper proof aerator is designed slightly differently to the hidden and housed aerators to remove it from the faucet. While the branded cache aerator tool is ideal, many knock-offs will do the trick. When viewed from underneath the faucet, where the aerator is screwed in, the threading is normal i. Cheaper faucets may actually use a plastic screw-on aerator—never use heat on plastic parts. Grip the aerator between the jaws of the pliers, taking care to keep the jaws only on the aerator, not the faucet spout. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Usually, the aerator is screwed on tight and can simply be unscrewed and removed quite easily. You can try turning the aerator with your fingers if you have no key.