Removing the water restrictor is sometimes necessary to clean sediment from the filter screen, or aerator. It might also be necessary if your home has low water pressure. The flow restrictor is designed to restrict water flow and cut water usage. Over time, sediment from your water supply builds up causing a drop in water pressure coming from the faucet. Removing a water restrictor from a faucet depends upon the type of aerator your faucet uses.
Instructions
1. Place a stopper or rag in the sink drain. This helps prevent losing small parts down the drain as you remove the water restrictor. Examine the aerator on the end of the faucet to determine how it removes from the spout. Most aerators have a visible seam between the spout and unscrew with a hand or pliers. Others have an aerator that is inside the spout requiring a different approach for removal.
2. Wrap masking tape around the aerator if there is a seam between the aerator and spout. The tape protects the finish on the aerator from the pliers. Grab the aerator with the pliers, and turn it counterclockwise until it is loose enough to turn by hand. Finish unscrewing it from the faucet spout with your fingers.
3. Insert a quarter in the two opposite notches on the aerator, of your aerator is inset in the spout. Special aerator keys are also available from the faucet manufacturer. Twist the aerator counterclockwise with the quarter until it is free of the faucet.
4. Place the aerator over the counter top. Pull out each piece inside the aerator, and lay them on the counter top in the order you remove them. The flow restrictor is the plastic disc with either a single hole in the center or several small holes.
Tips Warnings
If reassembling the aerator without the restrictor, insert a rubber flat washer the same thickness as the restrictor in place of the restrictor disc. This helps prevent leaks around the aerator and also keeps the remaining pieces tight inside the aerator.
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