How to Remove Delta Faucet Aerator without a Tool


Removing a Delta faucet aerator without a tool is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, you can do it with just your bare hands.

First, let me explain what a faucet aerator is and why you might want to remove it. A faucet aerator is a small attachment that screws onto the end of the faucet. It’s designed to mix air with water, which can reduce splashing and increase water pressure while using less water overall.

However, over time, aerators can become clogged with debris, reducing water flow and pressure. So, removing and cleaning the aerator can help restore water flow and pressure.


how to remove delta faucet aerator without a tool

How to Remove Delta Faucet Aerator Without a Tool

Now, let’s get started on removing the Delta faucet aerator without a tool

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply 

Before you start, it’s important to turn off the water supply to your faucet. You can usually find the shut-off valve under the sink. Turn it clockwise until it’s fully closed.


Step 2: Examine the Aerator 

Take a look at the end of your faucet and locate the aerator. It’s typically a small, round attachment that screws onto the end of the faucet. Delta aerators usually have a series of notches on the outside, which can help you grip it.

Step 3: Use Your Fingers 

With the aerator in view, try to twist it counterclockwise using just your fingers. If it doesn’t budge, try gripping it more firmly or use a cloth to get a better grip. You can also try tapping it gently with the handle of a screwdriver to help loosen it.

Step 4: Remove the Aerator 

Once you’ve loosened the aerator, you should be able to unscrew it by hand. Turn it counterclockwise until it comes off. If it’s still difficult to remove, you can try using pliers to get a better grip.

Step 5: Clean the Aerator 

Once you’ve removed the aerator, you can clean it. Soak it in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for about an hour, then rinse it thoroughly with water. If the aerator is still clogged, you can use a toothbrush or a small brush to clean out any remaining debris.

Step 6: Reattach the Aerator 

Once the aerator is clean, you can screw it back onto the faucet by turning it clockwise. Use your fingers to tighten it as much as you can, but don’t over-tighten it, as this can damage the threads. Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to ensure that the water flow and pressure have been restored.

How to Maintain the Aerator

Maintaining your Delta faucet aerator is an important part of keeping your faucet functioning properly. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Regular Cleaning 

Cleaning your aerator on a regular basis can help prevent buildup and ensure that it’s functioning properly. You can clean your aerator using the following steps:

  • Remove the aerator from the faucet as explained earlier in the previous response.
  • Soak the aerator in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for about an hour.
  • Use a small brush or toothbrush to gently scrub any remaining debris.
  • Rinse the aerator thoroughly with water.
  • Reattach the aerator to the faucet.

Step 2: Preventative Maintenance 

There are a few things you can do to prevent buildup and keep your aerator functioning properly:

  • Install a water filter: Installing a water filter can help remove impurities from your water supply, which can reduce buildup in your aerator.
  • Use a faucet screen: A faucet screen can help prevent debris from entering the aerator in the first place. This can be particularly useful if you have hard water or other water quality issues.
  • Clean the aerator more frequently: If you’re experiencing frequent buildup, you may need to clean your aerator more often. Try cleaning it every few weeks to see if this helps.

How to Test the Delta Faucet Aerator

Testing your faucet aerator is an important step in keeping your water flowing smoothly and efficiently. It can help you identify any issues with your aerator and take the necessary steps to fix them.

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to your faucet

Before you start testing your faucet aerator, it’s important to turn off the water supply. This will prevent water from spraying everywhere and making a mess. Look for the shut-off valves under your sink and turn them off by turning the valve clockwise.

Step 2: Remove the aerator from the faucet

The next step is to remove the aerator from the faucet. Depending on your faucet model, this may involve unscrewing the aerator from the end of the faucet spout or using a tool to remove it. If you’re not sure how to remove the aerator from your faucet, consult your faucet’s instruction manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.

Step 3: Inspect the aerator for debris or damage

Once you’ve removed the aerator from the faucet, inspect it closely for any signs of debris or damage. Look for dirt, sand, or other particles that may have gotten stuck inside the aerator. If you see any debris, use a toothbrush or small brush to remove it.

If the aerator is damaged, you may need to replace it. Common signs of damage include cracks or chips in the aerator, as well as corrosion or rust.

Step 4: Clean the aerator

After you’ve inspected the aerator for debris or damage, it’s time to clean it. Fill a small bowl with vinegar or a cleaning solution designed for faucets, and place the aerator inside the bowl. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.

Once the aerator has soaked, remove it from the bowl and rinse it thoroughly with water. Use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub away any remaining debris or dirt.

Step 5: Reattach the aerator to the faucet

After you’ve cleaned the aerator, it’s time to reattach it to the faucet. Screw the aerator back onto the end of the faucet spout, making sure it’s snug but not too tight.

Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the faucet

Finally, turn the water supply back on and test the faucet to make sure everything is working properly. Turn on the faucet and check the water flow. If the water flow is smooth and steady, and the aerator is not making any strange noises, then you’ve successfully tested your Delta faucet aerator.

If you notice any issues with the water flow or aerator, you may need to troubleshoot the problem further or contact a professional plumber.