How to clean a tap filter and restore water pressure

With daily use, it is common for taps to lose water flow or start spraying in several directions. In many cases, this is not caused by a plumbing fault, but by an almost invisible component: the tap filter, also known as an aerator. It can collect dirt and limescale, lowering water pressure and disrupting the stream.

What is a tap filter and how does it work?

Located at the end of the tap, the tap filter helps shape the water stream by mixing air into the flow to limit splashing. It also traps small particles travelling through the pipes, including sand and rust fragments, creating a simple yet effective barrier.

Over time, minerals in the water, such as calcium and magnesium, create limescale deposits that block its tiny internal holes. This happens more quickly in areas with harder water, causing a weak, crooked or split stream that may be mistaken for an issue with the plumbing installation.

Watch a video on the Oficina de Casa YouTube channel explaining how to remove and clean the blocked aerator on old taps to restore strong water pressure within minutes:

How to clean a tap filter and restore water pressure

Cleaning a tap filter is straightforward and takes only a few minutes with everyday household items. Once the built-up limescale and dirt have been removed, the water should flow more evenly and the stream will be better aligned, helping to prevent unnecessary splashes in the sink.

To keep the cleaning process organised, gather the required items and follow a basic sequence of steps to ensure the filter is taken apart and reassembled properly.

• A soft cloth to protect the metal
• Pliers or an adjustable spanner
• White vinegar to dissolve limescale
• An old toothbrush
• A small container of warm water

1. Wrap the end of the tap in the cloth to prevent scratches.
2. Unscrew the filter by hand, or use the adjustable spanner over the cloth.
3. Check the internal screens for accumulated limescale or dirt.
4. Soak the filter in vinegar for a few minutes.
5. Gently scrub it with the toothbrush, reaching into the gaps.
6. Rinse with warm water and screw it back onto the tap.

How can you stop a tap filter from becoming blocked again?

After the filter has been cleaned, a few simple measures can keep the water stream steady for longer. The aim is to carry out small preventive maintenance tasks so that blockages do not again reduce water pressure or divert the flow.

These measures include regularly checking the stream, giving the filter a quick clean with vinegar and replacing the part if its metal is corroded or damaged. Replacement is usually inexpensive and easy to fit.

When should you investigate other parts of the plumbing system?

If water pressure remains low at several taps in the property even after the filter has been cleaned, the cause is likely to lie beyond the tap itself. Partly closed stop valves, blocked internal hoses, old valves or even restrictions in the building's or street's water supply network may be responsible.

In these cases, cleaning the aerator is still worthwhile, but the whole system should be assessed, including the storage tank, pipe sizing and connections. This allows the tap filter to work alongside a more balanced installation, helping to maintain everyday comfort when using water and avoiding more extensive work before it is needed.