Check aerator if faucet’s dribbling

Advertisement

Advertise with us

YOU turn on a faucet and all you get is a trickle -- or streams squirting left and right. The problem might not be in your faucet at all; it might be the small device on the end of the spout called an aerator. It is there to mix air into the water stream and to provide an even, splash-free flow. But its screen traps all kinds of debris, from rust particles to calcium deposits. Over time, it gradually cuts the flow, leaving only a dribble or weak pressure.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$1 per week for 24 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.99/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/03/2006 (7338 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

YOU turn on a faucet and all you get is a trickle — or streams squirting left and right. The problem might not be in your faucet at all; it might be the small device on the end of the spout called an aerator. It is there to mix air into the water stream and to provide an even, splash-free flow. But its screen traps all kinds of debris, from rust particles to calcium deposits. Over time, it gradually cuts the flow, leaving only a dribble or weak pressure.

The solution is an easy one. First, unscrew the aerator (wrap it with masking tape first to protect the surface), then use pliers for a solid grip. Once it’s off, remove the gunk from the screen (soak overnight in vinegar, if needed) and screw it back on.

— Associated Press

Report Error Submit a Tip

Historic

LOAD MORE