Although the tiny aerator in your faucet may appear to be a small part, it actually plays a significant role in water conservation. It is therefore integrated into the designs of practically all faucet manufacturers. So, what occurs if your aerator clogs up and won’t let water flow freely? You clean it out as you should, but when the faucet aerator won’t screw on properly, it affects the water flow. Unluckily, this may result in even more water waste.
A stubborn aerator could be caused by a variety of things, including bothersome debris and cross-threading errors. So, if you’re having trouble getting your tap aerator to screw on, stay reading to find out about the typical causes and practical fixes that can get your water flow back to where it belongs.
Why Faucet Aerator Won’t Screw On?
When you screw on the faucet aerator after cleaning or installing a new aerator, sometimes, you find it doesn’t seem to screw on properly. Let’s see each cause in the detail.
Aerator Threads Are Stripped
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to screw on a faucet aerator and finding that it simply won’t go on properly. Striped threads are one of the main causes of this problem.
Basically, stripped threads happen when the aerator’s threads get damaged because of rust, corrosion, or other reasons. When this occurs, screwing the aerator onto the faucet can be extremely challenging, even when you are exerting all of your muscles.
The aerator’s threads, for instance, may become damaged if it is overtightened. Moreover, the aerator’s threads may be more vulnerable to damage over time if the metal used to construct it is of poor quality. The aerator will be difficult to put in place, and even if you do, there’s a chance it won’t screw in correctly or land in the proper spot.
Dirt or Debris In Aerator Threads
If there are dirt and debris on the aerator threads, it prevents the aerator from fitting inside the faucet spout properly. Dirty and clogged threads of the aerator create issues.
This problem occurs in especially older aerators that haven’t been regularly cleaned properly. When you don’t clean it regularly, over time sediments, minerals, and other debris can build up inside the faucet and aerator threads. These create blockage when you screw the aerator.
Aerator Is Cross-Threaded
Cross-threading, a phenomenon, is another frequent cause of this annoying experience.
What does cross-threading mean exactly? Essentially, it happens when the threads on the aerator and the threads within the faucet spout don’t line up. When you try to screw the aerator onto the tap, they basically can’t catch each other correctly because they’re at different angles.
Cross-threading can occur with any aerator, but it tends to happen more frequently with new ones. It’s crucial to avoid trying to press the aerator onto the faucet if you’re having this problem. This can worsen the issue by seriously damaging the threads on both the aerator and the faucet.
Aerator Is The Wrong Size For The Faucet
You recently purchased a brand-new faucet aerator to replace the worn-out, outdated one on your sink. You can’t wait to install it and enjoy a stream of pure, fresh water. Nevertheless, when you screw the aerator into the faucet, you see that something is off. In fact, the aerator will not screw on at all since it will not attach correctly.
The incorrect size for your aerator is the issue. Aerators are available in a range of sizes, and certain brands even call for specially-made aerators. Make sure you have the correct size before you begin screwing your new aerator onto your faucet.
If the aerator is too tiny, it won’t attach to the faucet effectively and can even be easy to unfasten. Nevertheless, if the aerator is too big, it could not fit tightly onto the faucet and could wobble or even fall off. This can be annoying and eventually harm your faucet, so be careful.
How To Fix a Faucet Aerator That Won’t Screw on?
- It’s important to take your time and thoroughly check the aerator for damage or debris. Even tiny impurities can seriously impair water flow and interfere with the aerator’s ability to screw on properly.
- Analyze the aerator for any obvious evidence of damage, such as cracks, dents, or scratches. The aerator should be replaced as soon as any damage is discovered.
- Cleaning the aerator is necessary if no damage is visible. Clearing any material that may be clogging the aerator should be done first. Sediment, mineral accumulation, and other kinds of debris can be included in this. Clean the aerator and faucet threads with a small brush or toothbrush, making sure to get rid of all the dirt.
- You can use a needle or a pin to carefully scrape off any stubborn trash you come across. To prevent harming the threads, be gentle when doing this. Once all the debris has been taken out, thoroughly rinse the aerator with warm water to make sure it is thoroughly clean.
- Dry off the aerator with a clean towel after cleaning it to avoid corrosion or rust. When re-attaching the aerator to the faucet, be sure that the threads and the aerator are both fully dry.
- Make sure to properly line the threads while reinstalling the aerator. Don’t overtighten it; just gently screw it on. Overtightening could damage the threads and make future aerator removal challenging.
What To Do When The Aerator Threads Are Stripped?
The aerator threads won’t fit on the faucet properly if they are stripped or broken. Use a thread repair tool if the threads are partially damaged. A thread repair tool is a practical device that can add new threads to the aerator’s damaged areas.
Ask your friends or family members if they have a thread repair tool that you may borrow if you don’t own one.
To get the best results while using a thread repair tool, it’s crucial to properly follow the directions. A new thread repair tool shouldn’t be purchased because it would be more expensive than the aerator.
Should You Use Teflon Tape on a Faucet Aerator?
Teflon tape is used by plumbers to create a watertight seal at water connections. To stop leaks from the aerator, you should use Teflon tape over the faucet aerator. It is a white tap that is thin in the size.
Water won’t leak out of the faucet aerator’s edge as a result. You don’t need to apply Teflon tape there because the aerator is already fit properly in the new faucet. The aerator should be screwed again with Teflon tape when it is old and being removed for cleaning or replacement. The aerator’s threads are also shielded from harm with Teflon tape.
On the threads of the aerator, 2–3 wraps of Teflon tape are sufficient. The aerator won’t be able to screw back onto the faucet with more wrap.
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What Holds The Aerator In a Faucet?
The threads at the end of the faucet’s spout secure the aerator in place. Spout and aerator threads are made to securely fit one another, forming a seal that controls water flow and minimizes splashing.
Just line up the threads and twist the aerator clockwise to attach it to the end of the faucet’s spout. The aerator should be securely fastened to the spout, but not so tightly that removal will be challenging in the future.
The aerator and the spout can sometimes be sealed more tightly by adding a small rubber gasket or O-ring. By sealing any gaps between the threads on the spout and the threads on the aerator, this gasket, which is normally found inside the aerator, aids in preventing leaks.
Can I Replace a Damaged or Worn Aerator, or Do I Need To Replace The Entire Faucet?
Your faucet does not necessarily need to be replaced if the aerator is broken or worn out. In actuality, changing the aerator is a quick and affordable remedy that can improve the flow and water efficiency of your faucet.
By lowering the quantity of water that runs through your faucet, replacing a damaged or old aerator can also assist increase its water efficiency. Aerators that are more recent are made to adhere to tougher water conservation requirements, which can ultimately save you money on your water bill.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.