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James and Morris Carey: Aerators: A Tap Tip

June 28, 2009 @ 12:00 AM

The Associated Press

 

You turn on a faucet and all you get is a trickle - or streams squirting left and right. The problem might not be in your faucet, at all; it might be the small device on the end of the spout called an aerator. It is there to mix air into the water stream and to provide an even splash-free flow. But its screen traps all kinds of debris,from rust particles to calcium deposits. Over time, it gradually cuts the flow, leaving only a dribble or weak pressure. The solution is an easy one. First, unscrew the aerator, wrap it with masking tape first to protect the surface, then use pliers for a solid grip. Once it's off, remove the gunk from the screen (soak overnight in vinegar, if needed) and screw it back on. And that's the On The House tip for today.

James Carey and Morris Carey, known as the Carey Bros., are nationally-recognized experts on home building and renovation. They share their 55+ years of experience as award-winning, licensed contractors with millions of people nationwide through a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column both titled On The House.