How to Remove a Aerator From a Moen Faucet

If you’re experiencing low water flow from your Moen kitchen faucet, the culprit may be a clogged aerator. The aerator is the small screen at the end of the faucet spout that helps regulate water flow and prevent debris from entering the faucet spout.

Over time, mineral deposits and other debris can build up in and around the aerator, causing the water flow to slow down or become uneven. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to remove the aerator from a Moen faucet to clean or replace it, restoring the water flow to your kitchen faucet.

We’ll cover different techniques and tools you can use to remove your new faucet aerator easily and safely, from bare fingers to specialized removal tools. By the end of this post, you’ll have a good grip on how to remove your Moen faucet aerator and keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Signs Your Aerator Needs Replacing

The aerator is a small mesh screen that fits onto the end of your faucet and helps to reduce water consumption by adding air to the water flow. If you’re noticing that your water pressure has decreased or that your faucet is constantly leaking, then it may be a sign that your aerator needs replacing.

Over time, the aerator can become clogged with silt and debris, which can cause issues with your faucet. So, if you’re experiencing any of these problems, it may be time to replace your aerator to ensure that your faucet is working properly again.

Related: How to Fix  Low Water Pressure

Moen faucet aerator removal tool

Tools Required to remove Moen faucet aerator

• Aerator key or vandal key
• Flat blade screwdriver and hammer

How to Remove a Moen Faucet Aerator  

One way to remove the aerator is by using the key that comes with the faucet, which is specifically designed to fit into the recessed aerators of Moen faucets.

And, If you don’t have the key, you can try using your bare fingers, needle-nose pliers, or a flathead screwdriver to loosen and unscrew the aerator.

To protect the aerator and improve your grip, you can cover it with masking tape or a rubber glove. Another trick is to soak the aerator or plastic part in a lime-dissolving solution, such as vinegar or a commercial spray, for a few hours before attempting to loosen or remove it.

If the aerator is stubbornly stuck, you can try applying heat from a hair dryer or lightly tapping it with a hammer to loosen it. Once you remove the old aerator, you can replace it with a new one to restore the proper flow of water.

Remember to screw the new aerator on tightly, but not too tightly, to avoid damaging the threads. If you’re not comfortable with aerator screw removal or the faucet needs a full replacement, it’s best to consult with a plumbing professional to avoid causing damage to the faucet.

Remove an Aerator From a Moen Bathroom Faucet

If you’re experiencing a low flow of water or uneven water pressure from your Moen bathroom tap, the aerator may be clogged with mineral deposits or debris. Removing the aerator from a Moen bathroom faucet can be a bit trickier than removing it from a kitchen faucet, as the aerator is often recessed, hidden, or tightly screwed onto both the faucet and spout.

However, with the right tools and techniques, you can easily remove the aerator without damaging the tap or the aerator.

How to Remove It

The easiest way is to grip the protruding aerator at the end of the spout with your hand and twist it counterclockwise. This should unscrew the aerator and allow you to remove it easily.

However, if the aerator is recessed and difficult to grip, you may need an aerator removal tool. Many bathroom faucets come with an aerator removal tool that fits over the aerator and allows you to unthread and remove it easily. If you don’t have the removal tool, you can try using needle-nose pliers or two small flat-nosed screwdrivers to grip the recessed edges of the aerator and twist it counterclockwise.

If none of these methods work, you can also purchase a universal key that fits most faucets. This key can be used to remove and replace aerators on a variety of different faucet brands and models.

Remember to be gentle when removing the aerator to avoid damaging the sink faucet. Once you have removed the aerator, you can clean it or replace it with a new one to improve the flow in your bathroom sink.

Related: How to Remove a Moen Kitchen Faucet

How Do You Remove A Moen Aerator Without A Tool?

If you need to remove a Moen aerator but don’t have a tool, there are still several methods you can try to unscrew it. The easiest way is to use your fingers to unscrew the aerator. If you can’t get a good grip with your fingers, try using your fingernails to anchor your grip between the ridges built into the aerator.

You can also try wedging a kitchen knife between the metal ridges to get a better grip and act as a lever. Once you have a grip on the aerator, turn it in a counterclockwise motion until it comes free.

Another way to remove an aerator without a tool is to use vinegar or WD-40. Soak the aerator in vinegar for 30 minutes or spray it with WD-40 and let it sit for 15 minutes before attempting to unscrew it. The vinegar or WD-40 will help loosen any buildup that may be holding the aerator in place.

How Do You Clean The Aerator of Moen Kitchen Faucet?

Cleaning the aerator on your Moen kitchen faucet is easy and can help improve the flow. First, turn off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the aerator by twisting it counterclockwise with your fingers or using pliers if needed.

Next, clean any debris from around the aerator by wiping it with a sponge or cloth. For stubborn buildup, you can soak or wash the aerator in vinegar or a cleaning solution for about 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the aerator thoroughly and wipe it dry.

If the buildup is still hard to remove, you can use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently push it out. Be careful not to damage the aerator or the faucet while doing this.

Once you have cleaned the aerator, reinstall it by threading it back onto the faucet in a clockwise direction. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to make sure the water is flowing smoothly.

Different Types of Faucet Aerators

There are a variety of different aerators available to meet different needs. The most common types of aerators include regular, small, junior, and tom thumb aerators. These aerators come in different sizes to fit different models.

In addition to these standard aerators, there are also specialized aerators available for specific purposes. Low-flow aerators are designed to reduce water usage and promote water conservation. Aerator adaptors can be used with water filtration systems to help improve water quality. Laminar aerators are used in healthcare facilities to produce a clear, non-splashing stream of water.

Related: Types of Kitchen Faucets That You Probably Don’t Know

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that removing an aerator from a Moen faucet is a simple task that can be accomplished by following a few easy steps.

Now, I know that some of you may be feeling a bit intimidated by the thought of tinkering with your faucet, but trust me, it’s not as difficult as it may seem.

FAQ

How to remove the hidden aerator?

To remove a hidden aerator from a faucet, there are several methods you can use. One option is to use the aerator removal tool that comes with the faucet. Simply insert the tool into the aerator and turn it counterclockwise to unthread and remove it.

Are there two types of Allen keys?

Yes, there are different types of Allen keys, including L-shaped, T-shaped, P-shaped, folding hex key, ratcheting drivers, torque wrenches, and ball Allen keys.