Tap Aerator Types & Replacing an Aerator

A tap aerator, also known as a faucet aerator or mousseur, mixes air with the water to give you a strong, splash-free stream from your tap. There are a few different types of aerators: models with external threading (usually recognisable by two flat edges), models with internal threading (which you can often unscrew by hand), and recessed aerators that sit slightly deeper inside the spout. Does your tap have a weak flow, or is your aerator clogged with limescale? Replacing it is usually the fastest fix. In this guide, you'll learn step by step how to identify your aerator type, how to remove it — even if it's stuck fast — and how to fit a new one with ease. You don't need a plumber; with a few simple tools, you'll have this fixed yourself in under ten minutes.

Replacing a Tap Aerator: Get Your Strong Water Flow Back Without a Plumber

What You Need to Know Before You Start

A tap aerator (also called a mousseur) sits inside the spout of your tap and mixes air with the water, giving you a full, splash-free stream instead of a thin trickle. There are roughly three types of aerators: models with external threading, recognisable by two flat edges on the side; models with internal threading, which you can usually unscrew by hand; and recessed aerators, which sit a little deeper inside the spout. Not sure which type you have? Take a look at the shape of the opening in your tap's spout before you start removing it.

What Do You Need?

• New aerator (check you've got the right type and size)
• Water pump pliers or an adjustable wrench (for aerators with external threading)
• Rubber glove (for extra grip)
• Hammer (only if your aerator is stuck)
• Clean cloth

Step by Step

1. Turn off the tap or make sure no water is running through the spout so you can work with it dry.
2. Check the type of threading: with external threading you'll see two flat edges, while with internal threading the aerator sits recessed inside the spout.
3. Does your aerator have external threading? Place the adjustable wrench or water pump pliers around the flat edges and gently turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
4. Does your aerator have internal threading? Unscrew it by hand; put on a rubber glove if you need extra grip.
5. Is the aerator stuck fast due to limescale? Give it a few gentle taps with a hammer, then try loosening it again while wearing the rubber glove.
6. Remove any leftover limescale from the spout with a cloth before fitting the new aerator.
7. Screw in the new aerator by hand (internal threading) or with the wrench (external threading), then test the water flow.