Owens Corning
Fix a Spray Hose or Faucet Aerator
Slow water flow at your kitchen sink can usually be traced to a clogged aerator or spray hose nozzle. The aerator is screwed to the end of the sink spout and mixes air into the water to prevent splashing. Both the aerator and the nozzle of the spray hose attachment have small holes that are easily clogged with dirt particles or mineral deposits from the water.

1. Remove and clean aerator parts: Remove the aerator by unscrewing it from the end of the spout. If it is tight, wrap tape around the body and remove it with a channel lock pliers. Note the order of the aerator parts so you can correctly reassemble it. Remove the aerator and turn on the water. If the flow is strong, the trouble is a clogged aerator. Clean the aerator disk and screen. If the disk and screen are badly clogged or corroded, purchase a new aerator assembly at your local hardware store or home center.

2. Check spray nozzle: If you note a decrease in water flow at the spout when you push the spray handle, then you have a clogged spray head. To clean the spray head, turn the sink faucet off, then loosen the nozzle with a pliers, being careful not to mar the plastic. Next check the water flow. Turn the water on and press the spray handle; if a steady flow of water comes out, clean the nozzle and replace it.

3. Check diverter valve: A weak water flow from the spray hose can be caused by a clogged nozzle, kinked hose, or faulty diverter valve. First check the hose for kinks. Then turn the faucet on and push the handle on the spray head. Most, if not all the water should stop coming out of the spout and squirt out the spray head. If the water keeps running out of the spout with the same force as it had before you pressed the spray handle then the fault is either in the diverter valve or you have a clogged spray nozzle. The diverter valve is located in the faucet spout. Wrap tape around the spout nut and remove it with a channel lock pliers. Pull the spout up and out. Look into the faucet body and you will see the diverter valve. Remove it (some lift out, other types screw out) and clean it. Install it and try the spray again. If you still experience trouble, purchase a replacement diverter valve.

Written by the editors of HouseNet.
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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