Tap aerator clean in Exeter
Professional tap aerator clean services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
10-15 mins per tap
Location
Exeter, Devon
Tap aerator cleaned so water flows properly again. Limescale and debris removed, aerator working like it should. Much cheaper than replacing the whole tap.
When Did Your Water Flow Get Weak?
Tap used to work fine. Now the water comes out in a pathetic dribble or sprays everywhere at a weird angle.
You think the tap's broken. You're looking at £100+ for a new one plus plumber to fit it.
But actually it's just the aerator - that little mesh screen at the end of the spout. It's full of limescale and crud. Five minutes with a spanner and some descaler and your tap works perfectly again.
Save your money for something better than a new tap.
💡 Pro tip: In hard water areas, clean your aerators every 6-12 months. Stops them getting so blocked you can't get them off.
Clean Aerator vs New Tap
| ✅ Clean The Aerator | ❌ Replace Whole Tap |
|---|---|
| £60 callout, 10 mins work | £100-200 for new tap + fitting |
| Tap working again immediately | Days waiting for plumber |
| Same tap you liked | Trying to match finish/style |
| Might need doing again in a year | Still needs aerator cleaning! |
What You Get
🔧 The Clean
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Remove | Aerator unscrewed from tap spout |
| Inspect | Check if it's salvageable or needs replacing |
| Clean | Soaked in descaler, scrubbed clean |
| Test | Make sure water flows properly |
| Replace | Screwed back on securely |
📦 You're Left With
- Water flowing properly again
- Clean aerator
- Money saved vs new tap
- Same tap still looking good
Pricing Guide
| Situation | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single tap aerator | 10-15 mins | £60 |
| Multiple taps (kitchen + bathroom) | 20-30 mins | £60 |
| Whole house (4-5 taps) | 30-45 mins | £60 |
£60 minimum callout. If aerator needs replacing, they're £3-8 depending on type.
Perfect For Your Situation If...
✅ Weak flow - water pressure suddenly poor
✅ Weird spray pattern - water goes everywhere
✅ Hard water area - limescale builds up fast
✅ Before buying new tap - try cleaning first
Why Choose Us for Tap aerator clean in Exeter?
Water flows properly again
Cheaper than replacing tap
Removes limescale buildup
Quick fix, usually 10-15 mins
What to Expect
Step 1: Remove Aerator
Unscrew it from the end of the tap spout. If it's stuck (often is), I've got tools to get it off without damaging the tap.
Step 2: Clean or Replace
Soak in descaler, scrub the mesh clean. If it's too far gone or damaged, I'll replace it with a new one (cost a few quid).
Step 3: Refit & Test
Screw it back on, turn tap on, check flow is back to normal and not spraying weird.
Step 4: Other Taps
While I'm there, makes sense to check your other taps. Often they're all getting blocked around the same time.
🔧 DIY Tips
You can clean aerators yourself if you're careful:
🔧 What you'll need
- Adjustable spanner or aerator key
- Bowl of white vinegar or descaler
- Old toothbrush
- Maybe penetrating oil (WD40)
- Cloth to protect tap finish
🔧 Cleaning process
- Put plug in sink (so you don't lose parts down drain)
- Wrap cloth around aerator
- Carefully unscrew with spanner (anti-clockwise)
- Separate the parts (outer housing, screen, rubber washer)
- Soak screen in vinegar for 30 mins
- Scrub with toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly
- Reassemble and screw back on (don't overtighten!)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using pliers directly on aerator (scratches the finish)
- Forcing stuck aerator (breaks it or damages tap)
- Losing the tiny rubber washer (tap will leak)
- Over-tightening when putting back (cracks aerator)
- Getting parts wrong way round when reassembling
💡 Pro trick: If aerator is really stuck, wrap it in cloth soaked with vinegar overnight. The vinegar dissolves the limescale seal and it comes off easier in the morning.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
💧 Still weak after cleaning? If flow's still poor after cleaning the aerator, could be limescale in the pipes or an actual tap problem. I can investigate further while I'm there.
Multiple taps? If one aerator's blocked, others probably are too. Might as well do them all while I'm there with tools out.
Hard water area? Some parts of Devon have really hard water. Consider a water softener if limescale is a constant problem - stops aerators clogging, protects all your appliances.
Replacement aerators? They come in different sizes (22mm, 24mm most common) and thread types. If you need a new one, I'll measure and get the right size.
Low-flow aerators? If you want to save water, can replace standard aerators with low-flow versions. Use less water but feel the same. Good for water meter households.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a tap aerator?
It's the little mesh screen at the end of your tap spout. Mixes air with water to give you a nice even flow. Gets clogged with limescale and debris over time, which reduces your water flow.
How do I know if my aerator needs cleaning?
If water flow has gradually got weaker, or comes out at a weird angle, or splashes everywhere, it's probably the aerator. Especially in hard water areas like parts of Devon - limescale builds up fast.
Can't I just run it under hot water?
You can try, but the mesh is really fine and limescale bonds to it. Usually needs unscrewing and soaking in descaler or vinegar to actually clean it. I've got the right tools to get it off without damaging the tap.
What if the aerator is stuck on?
Common problem - limescale cements it in place. I've got the right tools and technique to get it off without damaging the tap finish. Sometimes needs soaking with penetrating oil first.
Should I just replace the aerator instead of cleaning?
If it's really gunked up or damaged, replacement might be better (they're only a few quid). But cleaning usually works fine and saves you buying the wrong size replacement.
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