Why Does My Faucet Aerator Keep Clogging Every Few Weeks? [Causes & Fix]

If you’re wondering why does my faucet aerator keep clogging every few weeks, the short answer is this: your water likely contains minerals, sediment, or rust that’s getting trapped in the tiny mesh screen. It’s not just you—it happens in homes with hard water, aging pipes, or unfiltered water supplies.

Now, here’s the annoying part: you clean it, the water runs great for a bit, then bam—it’s back to barely a trickle or spraying sideways like it’s having a bad day. Sound familiar? Yeah, we’ve been there too.

The truth is, this keeps happening because your aerator is doing its job—catching all the junk before it hits your sink. But that doesn’t mean you should have to deal with it every week.

In this guide, we’ll talk about what’s really going on, how to fix it step-by-step, and how to keep it from clogging again so often. No fluff. Just real help that actually works.

What Is a Faucet Aerator and Why Does It Matter?

So, you know that tiny little thing screwed onto the end of your faucet? That’s your aerator. It doesn’t look like much, but it actually does a lot behind the scenes.

Basically, it mixes air into the water stream to make it feel softer and flow smoother. Without it, you’d probably get blasted with a harsh stream every time you turn the faucet on—hello water everywhere.

It also helps cut down on splashing and saves water too. Neat little multitasker, right?

But here’s the not-so-fun part: it’s got a fine mesh screen inside. And that screen? Yeah, it catches everything. Sediment, little bits of rust, mineral flakes from hard water—it all gets trapped. Over time, that junk builds up and starts blocking the flow.

And once it clogs up even a little, you’ll notice. The pressure drops, the water starts spraying weird angles, and suddenly washing your hands turns into a splash battle.

Why Does My Faucet Aerator Keep Clogging Every Few Weeks?

Okay, let’s get real—this part’s frustrating.

You clean the aerator, get the water flowing again, feel like you won… and then two weeks later? Back to the same slow, sputtering mess. What gives?

Here’s what’s probably going on:

Hard water is a big one. It’s loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium—exactly the kind that cause scale buildup and clogging issues if you’re not using a faucet designed specifically for hard water. They love to stick to the mesh inside the aerator.

Then there’s sediment—tiny bits of dirt or sand that sneak in from older pipes or your well system. It might not seem like a lot, but even a little can mess with the flow.

Rust flakes are another troublemaker, especially if your plumbing’s on the older side. Those flakes break off and travel straight to—you guessed it—your aerator.

And sometimes it’s not even your plumbing. City water lines get flushed, construction nearby kicks up debris, or something in the system changes pressure… and boom, here comes the gunk.

Basically, your aerator’s just doing its job by catching all that mess. But it’s why you’re stuck cleaning it again and again.

What Are the Signs of a Clogged Aerator?

Let’s say you turn on the tap and the water’s just… weak. Barely trickling. First instinct? Something’s wrong with the pressure. But if it’s only happening on that one faucet, it’s probably the aerator.

A clogged one won’t always stop the flow completely—it’ll mess with the pattern. You might notice the water squirting off to one side, or spraying at weird angles. Sometimes it even comes out like a mist. Not ideal.

And if you unscrew it (most twist off by hand), you’ll likely find some not-so-pleasant surprises. Think: white crusty stuff from minerals, tiny orange rust bits, or grainy sediment like sand.

If it looks gross in there… well, it probably is.

And if this keeps happening every couple of weeks, it’s not a coincidence. You’ve got a recurring issue—and we’re about to tackle how to clean it the right way and keep it clean longer.

How Do I Clean a Faucet Aerator the Right Way?

So your faucet’s spitting and sputtering again, and you’re thinking, “Here we go again.” Don’t worry—cleaning the aerator isn’t hard. Actually, it’s a weirdly satisfying job once you know how to do it right.

Here’s the exact way we clean ours when the water starts acting up.

Step 1: Turn off the faucet and plug the drain

Sounds basic, but trust me—you don’t want any tiny parts falling down the drain. A simple dish towel stuffed in the sink works too.

Step 2: Unscrew the aerator

Try twisting it off by hand. If it’s stuck (which it probably is), use pliers—but wrap the jaws with a rag so you don’t scratch the finish. And if you’re not sure what kind of faucet you’re dealing with—widespread vs centerset styles can affect how the aerator is accessed.

Step 3: Disassemble the aerator

Once it’s off, you’ll probably see a few tiny parts inside—screens, rubber washers, maybe a flow restrictor. Lay them out in order. Take a pic if you’re forgetful (no judgment).

Step 4: Soak everything in vinegar

Drop all the parts in a small bowl of white vinegar. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. If the buildup’s stubborn, leave it overnight. Vinegar eats through mineral gunk like magic—without being harsh.

Step 5: Scrub and rinse the parts

Use an old toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush to scrub the pieces clean. Don’t go full Hulk—just enough to loosen any leftover crust. Rinse everything under warm water when you’re done.

Step 6: Flush the faucet without the aerator

Turn the faucet on without the aerator for 15–20 seconds. This helps flush out any extra debris hanging around in the pipe. You’d be surprised what comes out sometimes.

Step 7: Reassemble and screw it back on

Put everything back in the same order. Screw the aerator back onto the faucet, turn the water on, and enjoy that smooth, even stream. Feels good, right?

That’s it. Seven easy steps, no plumber needed. And once you’ve done it a couple times, you’ll be able to do it half-asleep (hopefully not while actually asleep though—that’d be weird).

How Can I Prevent My Faucet Aerator From Clogging So Often?

The truth is, you can totally reduce how often your faucet gets clogged. You don’t need to be a plumber or spend a fortune either. Most of this stuff is low-effort and works long-term if you just set it up once.

• Install a water filter — If you’re getting sand, grit, or mystery particles in your faucet, there’s probably no filter between your water line and the tap. A good filter—whether it’s a small one right at the faucet or a bigger one at the main line—catches a ton of junk before it ever reaches the aerator. It’s like giving your water a security check before it enters the kitchen.
• Add a water softener — Hard water is brutal on everything. It doesn’t just make your soap less foamy, it clogs up pipes, coffee makers, showerheads—and yes, aerators. That’s one reason why pairing it with a high-end faucet built to resist mineral buildup can make a noticeable difference.
• Update old plumbing — This one’s a bit bigger, but if you live in an older home and you constantly find rust flakes in your aerators, your pipes might be corroding on the inside. It’s not always visible until things start clogging or turning your water brown. If the problem is that bad, replacing a few key sections of pipe might actually save you money (and frustration) in the long run.
• Set a reminder to clean monthly — Don’t wait for the water to slow to a dribble before you act. A once-a-month quick cleaning takes five minutes and can keep buildup from getting out of hand. Honestly, it’s like brushing your teeth. Do it before things go downhill.
• Try a better-designed aerator — Not all aerators are created equal. Some newer models are made with larger mesh openings or even self-cleaning features. If yours is a cheap factory one from years ago, it might be time to upgrade to something that’s built to handle rougher water conditions.

When Should I Replace the Aerator Instead of Cleaning It?

Okay, let’s talk about the moment when cleaning just isn’t cutting it anymore. You’ve soaked it in vinegar overnight. You’ve scrubbed it with a toothbrush like you’re trying to win a prize. You put it back on… and the water still trickles out like it’s half-asleep.

Sometimes, it’s not you. It’s the aerator.

There’s no shame in letting go. These things aren’t built to last forever, especially if they’re battling harsh water day in, day out. Here’s how you know it’s time to call it quits:

• The mesh is rusted, bent, or torn — This happens more than you’d think. If it looks like something chewed on it, or the metal has started to flake off, it’s already past its expiration date. No amount of vinegar is bringing that back to life.
• You’ve cleaned it multiple times and nothing changes — You go through the whole process—soak, scrub, rinse, reinstall—and the water pressure still sucks. That’s usually a sign there’s deeper internal blockage or wear that’s just not visible.
• It won’t screw on right anymore — If the threads are stripped or it keeps popping off or leaking, it’s not worth trying to “make it work.” You’re going to waste more time re-adjusting it than you would spending a few bucks on a new one.
• Speaking of money… it’s cheap to replace — Like, really cheap. Most standard aerators cost $5 to $10 tops. Some are even less. For that price, there’s no need to keep wrestling with one that clearly wants to retire.
  

Let’s be real—your sink isn’t supposed to be a source of stress. If an old aerator’s making your faucet frustrating to use, replacing it is one of the easiest home fixes you can make. Five minutes, a quick twist, and boom—back to smooth, satisfying water flow.

Can Frequent Aerator Clogging Be a Sign of Bigger Issues?

If your aerator keeps clogging no matter how clean your hands are or how many vinegar baths you give it, there might be more going on behind the scenes. Sometimes, it’s not just about the faucet—it’s about what’s coming through it.

Here are a few bigger-picture problems that might be hiding in plain sight:

• Aging or corroded pipes – Old galvanized pipes tend to flake rust and sediment, which ends up right at your aerator. You’ll see orange specks or even black gunk. If it keeps showing up, your plumbing might be trying to tell you something.
• Water heater issues – If hot water is clogging faster than cold, there’s a chance your heater has a sediment buildup problem. In some cases, that sediment ends up in nearby fixtures and hoses—like your dishwasher or faucet—which is why knowing the difference between faucet and dishwasher hoses can help when diagnosing the issue.
• Well water problems – Wells can bring in more grit and minerals if filters aren’t maintained. It could also point to a failing sediment trap or pre-filter setup.
• City water contamination – Occasional construction, flushing of city lines, or pressure shifts can all stir up junk in the system. If it’s a neighborhood-wide thing, it’s probably not just your house.
• High iron or hard water levels – If you’re constantly scrubbing white chalk or brown flakes, it might be time to test your water. A simple home kit can give you the numbers.

If you’re seeing these signs pop up again and again, it’s worth looking past the faucet. A few small changes to your plumbing setup can save you tons of time, money, and stress in the long run.

Wrapping It Up!

So, why does your faucet aerator keep clogging every few weeks? In most cases, it comes down to what’s riding along with your water—minerals, rust, or sediment that settle right into that tiny mesh screen.

But knowing the cause gives you the power to stop the cycle. Whether it’s hard water, old pipes, or just neglected filters, there’s always a way to fight back. Start with a proper cleaning. If it’s happening too often, check your water quality and consider small upgrades like a filter or softener.

Don’t wait until the flow is a slow drip or you’re getting splashed sideways every time you wash your hands. If weird behavior like spontaneous dripping shows up—especially at night—it might not be your aerator at all, and a nighttime-only faucet drip could be the real culprit.

Bottom line? You’re not alone in this. Many of us deal with the same annoying issue—but now, you’ve got the knowledge (and some real solutions) to fix it for good.

FAQs: Common Questions About Constant Faucet Aerator Clogs

Why does my faucet aerator keep clogging even after cleaning it?

If it keeps clogging right after cleaning, the problem is likely with your water source. Hard water, sediment, or rust in your pipes can build up again quickly. Cleaning helps, but filtering the water is what breaks the cycle.

Can hard water really clog my aerator that fast?

Yep, it absolutely can. Hard water is packed with minerals like calcium that love to stick to metal screens. The more mineral-rich your water, the faster that aerator gets gunked up.

Is it safe to soak the aerator in vinegar overnight?

Totally safe—and pretty effective too. White vinegar dissolves mineral deposits without damaging the metal parts. Just don’t forget to rinse everything thoroughly before putting it back on.

How do I know if my pipes are causing the clogging?

Look for signs like rust flakes, brown or reddish water, or debris even after a filter. If you see that stuff regularly, your pipes may be corroding from the inside. Old galvanized pipes are notorious for this.

Should I replace my faucet aerator every time it clogs?

Not always. If it’s just some gunk, cleaning should do the trick. But if it’s rusted, cracked, or won’t screw back on right, just replace it. And while you’re at it, check that you’re not using an outdated model—some high-end faucets have better aerator designs that resist clogging longer.

What kind of filter helps stop aerator clogging?

A faucet-mounted filter can catch small particles right before they reach the aerator. For whole-house protection, a sediment filter on the main water line is a game-changer—especially if you’re on well water.

---