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Flush Faucet and Rinse Aerator — Clean or Replace Showerheads and Faucet Aerators

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

Boost Low Water Pressure: A DIY Guide to Higher Home Water Flow · Step 3 of 3

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In this video

With the aerator removed, turn the faucet handles on to flush any remaining loose debris from the faucet body into the sink. Then, hold the aerator and its screen under the running water to thoroughly rinse away all the trapped sediment and mineral buildup.

Goal: Clear all debris from the faucet and aerator

  • For stubborn corrosion, use a small pin or brush to clean the holes, or soak the aerator in a descaling solution.
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FAQs

What's the most critical first step before starting this project, and what safety precautions should I take?

The most critical first step is to locate and fully open your main water shutoff valve, as a partially closed valve is a common cause of low pressure. Before working on the PRV, know how to shut off your home's main water supply and have towels ready for potential leaks to prevent water damage.

What specific tools are essential for this project, and is the listed Wilkins PRV the only option?

You'll primarily need pliers and a multi-head screwdriver for cleaning aerators and adjusting/replacing the PRV. While a Wilkins 1 in. PRV is listed as an example material, you must verify the size and type compatible with your home's existing plumbing before purchasing a replacement.

I've cleaned all my showerheads and faucet aerators, but my water pressure is still low. What should I investigate next?

If cleaning aerators didn't resolve the issue, the next step is to focus on your home's Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV). First, reconfirm your main water shutoff valve is completely open. If the problem persists, your PRV might be faulty or set too low, requiring adjustment or replacement.

How can I safely and effectively adjust my home's Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) without causing damage?

Locate the adjustment screw on your PRV (often on the bell-shaped top). Turn it clockwise slowly, making small adjustments like a quarter turn at a time, to increase pressure. Test the water pressure after each adjustment, avoiding overtightening, as excessive pressure can damage your plumbing fixtures and pipes.

Transcript
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So I got the aerator off and I've had a bunch of crap in my sink now on it. You can see if the water pressure is good here. So that tells me that it's probably just the aerator is bad. And look at the corrosion and stuff on the aerator. That's pretty nasty. So you've got a couple of quick fixes here, I'm just going to try to rinse this out. Sometimes you can just take a pin and clean that out. Otherwise you can throw this in a little glass of CLR cleaner or even vinegar and let it sit there and get some of that scale off. Or certainly you can go buy a new one, there are only a few bucks. Take the old one with you though so you can match up the size.

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