How to Replace the Aerator in a Bathtub
Aerators reduce the amount of water you use and save you money on your water bill. They have screens to divert a large stream of water into individual droplets to reduce the amount of splashing as the water flows through the spout. Aerators can become corroded and clog over time from mineral loaded hard water. Not all bathtub spouts have aerators, but most deck mounted Roman bathtub spouts have aerators to keep the water from splashing out of the bathtub.
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Wrap the teeth of tongue-and-groove pliers in a soft cloth. Place the teeth of the pliers around the aerator on the bathtub spout.
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Turn the aerator counterclockwise to remove it from the spout. Check for an O-ring or washer inside the aerator and carefully remove it.
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Take the aerator to a plumbing supply store or home improvement warehouse to find a replacement. Aerators have either male or female threads and come in slightly different sizes. Ensure you get an aerator that matches the original.
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Install the washer or O-ring onto the aerator. Hand-twist the aerator clockwise, then tighten it with the cloth wrapped tongue-and-groove pliers.
References
Writer Bio
Cecilia Harsch has been writing professionally since 2009. She writes mainly home improvement, health and travel articles for various online publications. She has several years of experience in the home-improvement industry, focusing on gardening, and a background in group exercise instruction. Harsch received her Certified Nurses Assistant license in 2004. She attended Tarrant County College and studied English composition.
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