Did you know that one of the most important components of your bathroom and kitchen is not much bigger than a thimble? It’s called an aerator, and its purpose is not only to regulate the flow of water that comes from your faucet, but it also filters out much of the unwanted minerals and debris that’s naturally contained in tap water. As effective as aerators are for keeping your water flowing freely and cleanly, they still need to be maintained from time to time. Even some of the top faucet brands, like Moen for instance, require regularly scheduled maintenance.
According to the professionals at Aerator.com, their aerators come from only one source. That is, Neoperl which is their parent company. Why is this important? Because Neoperl is the largest manufacturer and supplier of aerators for most of the most popular plumbing brands, including Moen. Every Neoperl Moen faucet aerator is engineered with precision, and even though it might seem like a small part of your kitchen or bathroom faucet, performance means everything when it comes to the overall quality of your water delivery.
That said, how can you go about keeping your Moen faucet aerator ship shape? A recent report from Home Cooking Tech states that Moen faucets are well known for their functionality and durability. But that doesn’t mean they won’t require some routine maintenance to ensure they continue to work at their optimum capacity.
The faucet’s aerator, which is engineered to control the flow of water will, over time, become clogged with debris and deposits. This will restrict the water flow. But here’s how you can go about cleaning it.
Cleaning the Moen Aerator
The first thing you need to do before you go about cleaning your aerator is to collect the materials and tools required for the job. Here’s what you will need: a small brush (a toothbrush will do the trick), a pair of sturdy pliers, a cup of vinegar, and finally, a clean cloth. You might also need to some Teflon tape in case you discover that the aerator’s seal needs replacing.
Removing and Cleaning the Moen Aerator
Prior to cleaning the aerator, you must turn off the faucet’s water supply. Locate the shut-off valve which you’ll find under the sink by turning it counterclockwise until it’s completely closed. Once the water is turned off, you can proceed to engage in the process of cleaning the aerator.
Use the pliers to twist the aerator in a counterclockwise direction until it loosens. Keep in mind, you need to firmly grip the aerator to avoid damaging it during the removal process. When the aerator is removed, place it in the cup of vinegar and allow it to soak for no less than 30 minutes. The acids in the vinegar will dissolve any debris and minerals that have gathered inside the aerator screen. Once the 30 minutes are up, rinse the now clean aerator with water.
Maintaining Your Moen Aerator
According to Home Cooking Tech, one of the most effective methods for preventing the buildup of mineral deposits in your aerator is to install a water softening system in your house. Water softeners are engineered to remove stubborn minerals such as magnesium and calcium from your water supply, reducing the annoying and potentially costly buildup.
Another solution for maintaining your aerator is to use faucet-mounted filter to reduce mineral content in your tap water. You might also try to avoid using toxic chemical cleaners and abrasive scrubbers that will damage the aerator’s seals and finish. The better solution for cleaning your Moen faucet is to utilise white vinegar with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Reassembling Your Moen Aerator
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and rinsed the aerator, it’s time to reinstall it onto your Moen kitchen or bathroom faucet. A good start is to thoroughly inspect the aerator for any signs of potential wear or damage, such as a worn-out seal or gasket.
When necessary, you need to replace these damaged components with new ones prior to reassembling your aerator. When the aerator is believed to be in good, working condition, simply screw it back onto the faucet by twisting it clockwise. Use the pliers to secure it into the place. Then turn on the water supply and check for irregularities in the water flow.
Finally, if everything is looking good, and your tap water is flowing freely and cleanly, you have successfully cleaned and reinstalled your aerator. Your Moen faucet is now ship shape and ready for duty.
