6 Easy Steps to Descale a Faucet Aerator

Contents

    – The different methods to descale a faucet

    – Step 1: Descale the outside of the faucet

    – Step 2: Unscrew the aerator from the faucet

    – Step 3: Remove the aerator from the faucet

    – Step 4: Descale the aerator from the faucet

    – Step 5: Reassemble the aerator from the faucet

    – Step 6: Screw the aerator back on

Descaling a faucet aerator is easy and accessible to everyone. Moreover, it does not require expensive equipment.

Loss of pressure, splashing, over-consumption of water, even leakage: the accumulation of scale causes many inconveniences and deteriorates your faucet. Generally, scale is deposited in the faucet orifice.

It is also necessary to descale the seats of the faucet heads inside the faucet itself. Here the scale prevents the faucet from closing properly and dripping.

The different methods of descaling a faucet

There are several methods to descale a faucet:

    – the natural method: with vinegar alcohol, white vinegar, or lemon;

    – the chemical method: with a descaling product.

The use of a natural product avoids toxic waste in nature.

Whatever product is used, wear household gloves when handling it.

Tip: use hot water to descale the tap: it will facilitate the action of the product used, whether natural or chemical.

1. Descale the outside of the faucet

Faucet Aerator

Whatever the product you use (vinegar alcohol, white vinegar, lemon, descaling agent), the procedure is the same.

    – With a sponge soaked in hot water and the product, rub the faucet’s surface (spout, handles, and base of the tap).

    – Leave for a few minutes.

    – Rinse with water.

For the lemon, cut it in half and scrub the faucet with one half.

2. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet

The aerator is where scale accumulates the most. To remove all traces of scale, you must unscrew it.

        ◦ Protect the faucet aerator by wrapping it with a cloth.

        ◦ With a pair of pliers or a wrench, unscrew the aerator ring.

Tip: Plug the sink or basin. That way, if you drop any part of the aerator, it won’t fall down the drain.

3. Remove the aerator from the faucet

The aerator consists of several parts: a ring, a filter aerator, and a gasket. Separate these parts.

Tip: If you are unable to remove the aerator, use tweezers to separate the different parts.

4. Descale the aerator from the faucet

To descale the aerator, immerse its parts in a bowl with the descaling agent of your choice.

For the descaling chemical, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct dosage.

    – Fill a bowl with the chosen product.

    – Immerse the different parts of the aerator in it.

    – Leave it on for one to two hours.

    – Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Take this opportunity to check the seal and the aerator filter condition: if they are damaged, do not hesitate to replace them.

Tip: If the chosen product’s action has not removed all the scale, scrub the aerator parts with a toothbrush.

5. Reassemble the aerator from the faucet

Dry the parts of the aerator that you descaled with a lint-free cloth; they will be easier to handle.

        ◦ Place the aerator filter in the aerator ring.

        ◦ Then lay the gasket on the aerator filter.

6. Screw the aerator back on the faucet

Faucet Aerator

Screw the aerator to the spout of the faucet by hand.

Tip: do not overtighten the aerator; you may damage it.

Materials to descale a faucet