[retiredguy123]

If you haven't removed your faucet aerators in a long time, good luck, especially if you have a plastic "hidden" recessed aerator. These come with a round plastic tool for removal, but I spent several days trying unsuccessfully to remove two aerators. I had a plumber at my house doing another project and I asked him to remove it. He couldn't and suggested that I buy a new kitchen faucet. Today, I received this Danco tool from Amazon, and the aerator came right off.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWM4PBX...roduct_details

[Toymeister]

In 40 years of home ownership and DIY experiences, I have never had an occasion to remove one.

I have a softner to avoid these hardwater problems.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Toymeister

In 40 years of home ownership and DIY experiences, I have never had an occasion to remove one.

Welcome to Florida. The hard water can absolutely clog aerators, and frequently removing and cleaning them is beneficial to water flow.

[Keefelane66]

If that Plummer didn't remove it trying to get you to buy a new faucet. Personally I would NOT hire them again.
Hope your recommendation will help others.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by Keefelane66

If that Plummer didn't remove it trying to get you to buy a new faucet. Personally I would NOT hire them again.
Hope your recommendation will help others.

I've destroyed aerators in the process of trying to remove them. They are plastic, and can be a beyotch to remove. That being said, in most cases, they can be replaced, assuming the plumber (or homeowner) has the correct replacement.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Keefelane66

If that Plummer didn't remove it trying to get you to buy a new faucet. Personally I would NOT hire them again.
Hope your recommendation will help others.

I don't think he was trying to sell me a faucet. I was not going to pay him to replace the aerator or the faucet. But, I was happy to find a tool that provides enough torque to remove the aerator. The round plastic ones do not.

[RPDaly]

////

[Michael G.]

On the same subject I soak our shower head over night in vinegar
and what a difference it made.
It made the stream so much softer then before.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Michael G.

On the same subject I soak our shower head over night in vinegar
and what a difference it made.
It made the stream so much softer then before.

Another way to do it is to use a 2 inch sewing needle. Stick the needle into each hole in the shower head and wiggle it. It takes about 2 minutes, and you will be amazed at how it improves the flow.

[Laurawilcox]

Never know when I might need one and haven’t made the add a water softener or not decision yet Toymeister, so one is on its way to tape under my sink as well. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Remembergoldenrule]

Thank you for letting us know about this tool. Also, thank you for needle and vinegar tips too!

[Blackbird45]

I'm not handy, but I sent for a replacement kit from Amazon, they sent me a replacement kit with a little plastic tool and a number of filters of different sizes. Once I found the size, I needed I replaced it within minutes and now just order the aerators I need for the bathroom and kitchen faucets. What I did find even though I have an expensive water filter for the whole house and my aerators do not get cloaked they do seem to get dirty. Call me delicate, but I don't want to be drinking that dirt water, so I change these aerators occasionally need it or not.

[dolphin]

Originally Posted by photo1902

Welcome to Florida. The hard water can absolutely clog aerators, and frequently removing and cleaning them is beneficial to water flow.

I agree. IMPOSSIBLE to remove. Same with plumber. Had new one installed. Bought identical faucet from Amazon. Discounted price.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Blackbird45

I'm not handy, but I sent for a replacement kit from Amazon, they sent me a replacement kit with a little plastic tool and a number of filters of different sizes. Once I found the size, I needed I replaced it within minutes and now just order the aerators I need for the bathroom and kitchen faucets. What I did find even though I have an expensive water filter for the whole house and my aerators do not get cloaked they do seem to get dirty. Call me delicate, but I don't want to be drinking that dirt water, so I change these aerators occasionally need it or not.

The plastic tool is fine as long as the aerator is not stuck. You can buy a set of 4 different sizes from Lowes. But, if the aerator is stuck, the plastic tool doesn't provide enough torque to unscrew the aerator.

[petsetc]

Before you try to remove, try spraying/splashing some vinegar on.