cleaning the kitchen sink aerator UPDATE fixed, and plumber was an idiot

[nanette1985]

Landlord finally (took 2 years) got a plumber to replace the formerly leaking sink. We now have a nice new sink, faucet and countertop.

However, kid was washing hands when suddenly there was a thump and the water stopped coming out.

The water does still come out the spray thing.

After a bit of searching it seems that it might be a clogged aerator AND that it's an easy thing to clean.

Anything I need to know about cleaning the aerator other than put tape on the vise grips and keep track of all the parts?

Any other suggestions?

I asked the landlord to contact the plumber but it might be a LOOOOOOONG time


UPDATE new faucet installed by me & friend - see later post.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

There's only two parts. Some ancient cheap plumbing only has one part. Do it yourself before you post again.

 

[Rumpltzer]

Shouldn't be any surprises unless you break the spigot off the sink while doing it. Depends on how old and crusty things are.

We should have a home improvement and plumbing sub-forum.

 

[iGas]

Head to the hardware store or plumbing shop and buy the below key & aerator for less than $5. Or, wrap a dry towel around the base of the spout and unscrew the aerator holder.

It also could be slot less, or 2 slot areator or 4 slots as below.

 

[nanette1985]

Head to the hardware store or plumbing shop and buy the below key & aerator for less than $5. Or, wrap a dry towel around the base of the spout and unscrew the aerator holder.

It also could be slot less, or 2 slot areator or 4 slots as below.

I tried but it doesn't budge.

Looks like that picture you posted only no slots - it's not one of those little things on the end of the spout. It's a nice shiny new Glacier Bay faucet from home depot.

Is there some other thing I need to know to take it off, or do I just need to contact one of my big, strong guy friends to come over and use manly strength?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I tried but it doesn't budge.

Looks like that picture you posted only no slots - it's not one of those little things on the end of the spout. It's a nice shiny new Glacier Bay faucet from home depot.

Is there some other thing I need to know to take it off, or do I just need to contact one of my big, strong guy friends to come over and use manly strength?

You just need more leverage. Remember, the threads are upside down so, you're trying to turn it from right to left (clockwise).

 

[nanette1985]

You just need more leverage. Remember, the threads are upside down so, you're trying to turn it from right to left (clockwise).

That did it.

The aerator thing looks exactly like the picture of the key & aerator thing, except that it's red. Will head to the hardware store in the morning and get one of those.

Thanks.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

We aims to please.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

P.S. If you've got any descaler, you can probably save yourself a trip. Just put it in and let it soak for half an hour.

 

[eldorado99]

P.S. If you've got any descaler, you can probably save yourself a trip. Just put it in and let it soak for half an hour.

Vinegar even works in a pinch.

 

[nanette1985]

I use vinegar (& water) to descale the coffee maker, teakettle etc - will that work?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Vinegar even works in a pinch.

Very true, it'll just take a little longer.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Lime deposits from hard water are most likely the culprit. Just use straight vinegar and let it sit over night.

 

[nonameo]

Did you check to see if water flows without the aerator in? If it doesn't, then there is some other problem.

 

[nanette1985]

Did you check to see if water flows without the aerator in? If it doesn't, then there is some other problem.

Duh.

(goes to check)

a little trickle of water is now coming out when I turn on the cold water handle.

Back to the drawing board.

That's why I love you guys.

 

[nonameo]

Does water flow in the rest of the house? Are there cutoff valves under the sink? Unscrew, check hot, cold. Might want some pans or something to catch water with.

 

[Squisher]

Well, you're at the point of taking the faucet back apart so I'd say it's landlord time.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Duh.

(goes to check)

a little trickle of water is now coming out when I turn on the cold water handle.

Back to the drawing board.

That's why I love you guys.

Hmm, a washer may have blocked the valve or, if it's a single handle washerless sort, the plumber could have installed the valve cartridge upside down. I've seen that once before, at low pressure some water comes out but, wide open, nothing.

 

[Squisher]

Does water flow in the rest of the house? Are there cutoff valves under the sink? Unscrew, check hot, cold. Might want some pans or something to catch water with.

The water does still come out the spray thing.

She's saying the spray wand is working fine.

 

[nanette1985]

Water's fine in the rest of the place.

What's involved in checking the cutoff valves? Exactly where am I going to be catching water with pans?

 

[nonameo]

Water's fine in the rest of the place.

What's involved in checking the cutoff valves? Exactly where am I going to be catching water with pans?

Don't worry about it. THere's water flowing to your faucet so it's not backed up passed that.

 

[iGas]

Duh.

(goes to check)

a little trickle of water is now coming out when I turn on the cold water handle.

Back to the drawing board.

That's why I love you guys.

It could be a clog at the supply tube & stop valve under the sink.

Turn off valve and undo nut on the supply tube then slowly turn on the valve to clear the debris. Check the underside of the faucet connection where it is connect to the supply tube as well for debris.

It could be that the stop valve gasket has failed if there is a black rubber chunk that came out when you open the valve. Turn off water main to house and undo the stop valve packing nut to replace the rubber gasket.

If debris are gritty white/grey chunks, then check the hotwater heater to make sure that the heating elements is okay.

Turn valve at bottom of water heater on and let it run for about 30 seconds, and check to see if there are whitish debris in it. Check and replace element/s if there are whittish debris in the tank water.

It could also that there is some kind of contaminate that came up from the city water main or your well pump.

Come back and let us know the result.

 

[iGas]

She's saying the spray wand is working fine.

That suggests that there is a clog in the faucet valve cartridge or faucet supply tube.

Undo the valve handle with a hex wrench can't remember size but it is some where around 1/8" wrench. Will need a screw driver & cresent wrench to undo valve assembly.

 

[BoomerD]

iGas, this sounds like it's a bit past the skill level of a girl...she needs a man to fix it for her...her landlord.


Seriously, this is not something that a renter should have to mess with if it's beyond their skill set.
Homeowners...sure, it's YOURS, but a renter...bitch to the landlord. Have him send the plumber back to do it right.

 

[iGas]

iGas, this sounds like it's a bit past the skill level of a girl...she needs a man to fix it for her...her landlord.


Seriously, this is not something that a renter should have to mess with if it's beyond their skill set.
Homeowners...sure, it's YOURS, but a renter...bitch to the landlord. Have him send the plumber back to do it right.

I have a couple of months off work at the moment, and I would be more than happy to come down and fix her plumbing

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