Delta kitchen faucets are popular for their sleek look and convenient usage. These faucets help to maintain hygiene and freshness in your kitchen. If you know how to clean a Delta pull-down kitchen faucet aerator, you can keep them well-functioning for a long time.
To clean a Delta pull-down kitchen faucet aerator, begin with taking out the internal parts of the faucet head. Use any mild solution, such as vinegar water to clean the aerator. Finally, reassemble the aerator once you’re done cleaning.
Delta pull-down kitchen faucets may be difficult to deal with if you don’t know the proper technique. So, keep reading to know the proper cleaning process.
Contents
- 1 What is a Faucet Aerator?
- 2 Why Cleaning Faucet Aerators is Important?
- 3 How Do I Take the Aerator Out of a Delta Pull-down Faucet?
- 4 How to Clean a Delta Pull-down Kitchen Faucet in Easy Steps
- 5 Benefits of Cleaning the Faucet Aerator
- 6 How Often Should You Clean Your Faucet Aerator?
- 7 FAQs
- 8 Bottom Line
What is a Faucet Aerator?
The faucet aerator consists of a metal or plastic shell with a screen or mesh inside. It works like a tiny filter that mixes air into the water stream and reduces splashing.
Thus, an aerator can save water without affecting the water pressure. However, your faucet aerator can be clogged due to the minerals and dirt present in the water supply.
Why Cleaning Faucet Aerators is Important?
Cooking can be a messy process as you have constantly clean utensils and ingredients. The dirt and debris might create a buildup in the aerators. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for any residue that can potentially harm your faucet.
Besides, the water flowing through the faucet usually contains calcium. This is also responsible for the stains around the faucet head and aerator. If your aerator isn’t clean, you may experience –
- Reduced flow of water
- Less water pressure
- Dirty or odd-smelling water
Make sure to throw away any noticeable leftovers on the utensils before cleaning them under the faucet. The particles stuck on the aerator can affect the quality of the water.
How Do I Take the Aerator Out of a Delta Pull-down Faucet?
Aerators can have two types of mechanisms.
- In the first type, the aerator connects to the outside of a faucet with screws that you can loosen with pliers or a wrench.
- Secondly, the aerator is attached to the faucet using a specialized key or tool that is specifically designed to fit it.
The first step to cleaning a kitchen faucet is disassembling the integral parts. You can take the aerator out using a wrench or pliers. Here are some easy steps you can follow to do it safely –
- To begin, manually unscrew the aerator in a counterclockwise direction.
- Use an adjustable wrench or pliers covered in a towel to prevent scratching the aerator’s surface if it is difficult to remove.
- Turn the aerator counterclockwise while applying light pressure until it separates.
You may face difficulty taking the aerator off if the buildup hardens around it. Consider using a mixture of vinegar-water to loosen it up. Avoid putting too much pressure on the aerator to make sure it stays in place.
How to Clean a Delta Pull-down Kitchen Faucet in Easy Steps
Even though disassembling and cleansing an aerator may seem like a daunting task but once the parts are taken out, the process is fairly simple –
Step – 1: Preparation
Before beginning the process, make sure to run the water flow off. Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until the flow stops. It’ll prevent any water leakage and ensure a smooth process.
You can also place a towel or rug on the sink to make sure any small part doesn’t fall inside.
Step – 2: Disassembling
Following the previously mentioned steps, carefully take the aerator out. If you can’t do it manually, use a wrench or pliers with gentle hands to take the device out. Once it’s removed, take note of the integral parts.
Usually, a Delta pull-down kitchen faucet comes with the following parts –
- The outer housing
- A rubber washer
- A flow restrictor
- A screen
- And an aerator insert
Step – 3: Cleaning the Aerator
To clean the aerator, soak the parts in a bowl filled with vinegar water. You can also use baking soda mixed with water or even lemon juice.
Allow the components to soak for about 30 minutes to make sure the buildup of dirt is dissolved.
Vinegar effectively dissolves the mineral buildup whereas a cleansing mixture focuses on the stubborn debris.
Step – 4: Rinsing the Residue
After soaking, gently scrub the parts with a little brush or an old toothbrush. As these are the locations where mineral deposits are most likely to gather, pay particular attention to the screen and aerator insert.
Use a toothpick or a needle to gently remove any difficult deposits. Finally, rinse the parts thoroughly with a clean stream of water to ensure no residue is left.
Step – 5: Drying the Parts and Reassembling
After all the components are cleaned and dried, it’s time to put them back together. Follow the reverse order to reassemble the parts to ensure they’re joined correctly.
Always clean the faucet with gentle hands and avoid harsh tools. The aerator is an essential part of the faucet and keeps the water stream flowing properly.
Benefits of Cleaning the Faucet Aerator
Cleaning the aerator on a Delta pull-down kitchen faucet is a simple but vital maintenance job that has multiple benefits –
- Cleaner and Fresher Water
The dirt and mineral buildup around the aerator can affect the quality of the water. You can ensure that the water you use for drinking, cooking, and cleaning is clean and safe by cleaning the aerator, which gets rid of these impurities.
- Improved Faucet Performance
Cleaning the aerator can restore the faucet’s original functionality, such as smooth and consistent water flow, uniform spray patterns, and lessened splashing. This makes daily tasks in the kitchen simpler and more effective because you have more control over the water stream.
- Better Water Flow
Mineral deposits, sediment, and other debris can build up in the aerator over time, reducing water flow. Cleaning the aerator properly will make the water stream flow more freely.
- Extending the Lifespan of Faucet
Frequently cleaning the aerator helps maintain the overall health of the faucet. By preventing mineral buildup and debris accumulation, you can reduce the risk of damage to internal components and extend the lifespan of the faucet.
This can save you money in the long run as you won’t need replacements or repairments as much.
- Saving Water
A clogged aerator can cause excessive water loss by splashing it unevenly or with reduced pressure. Once you’ve cleaned the aerator, it will restore the balance and ensure an even stream.
How Often Should You Clean Your Faucet Aerator?
Depending on the excessive usage and daily tasks, the cleaning time may vary. However, it’s recommended to clean your faucet aerator at least once every 6 months to keep it functioning properly.
FAQs
Can I clean my faucet aerator without removing it?
Although you can clean the aerator without removing it, it’s recommended to take it out for a deeper cleanse.
What can I use to clean the aerator?
Vinegar is commonly used to dissolve the minerals and debris but you can use any store-bought cleanser. Make sure the mixture is hygienic and safe.
Can I use bleach as a cleansing ingredient for my faucet aerator?
It’s not recommended as bleach is a strong chemical that can damage the aerator’s components and may have harmful residues.
How long should I soak the parts in the cleansing solution?
Usually, 30 minutes is enough for the mineral buildup to dissolve, but depending on the dirt – you can extend the duration.
Is it possible to prevent mineral buildup in the aerator?
To reduce mineral buildup in your faucet aerator, consider using a water softener if you have hard water. Regular maintenance and cleaning also help in this regard.
Bottom Line
Water is needed in every step of the cooking process, so a properly functioning kitchen faucet is important. To have healthy water at your home, you must know how to clean a Delta pull-down kitchen faucet aerator.
The steps for cleaning a faucet aerator are easy and anyone can do it. Take apart the components safely, clean using vinegar water or a solution of your choice, rinse thoroughly, and put the faucet together again!
Consult a professional if you face difficulty as you don’t want to compromise with such crucial equipment.
