There are two types of Delta kitchen faucet aerators:
The hidden aerator - which you will need keys to remove
The housed aerator - which you will require a Delta faucet aerator removal wrench to remove.
Removing an Aerator - Metal Housing
How to remove an aerator inside the metal housing of a Delta faucet:
- Wrap a piece of clean cloth around the aerator housing. The purpose of using the cloth is to avoid damaging the cover of the housing. Clamp the pair of pliers onto the flat edges.
- Remove the Delta kitchen faucet aerator by turning counterclockwise to loosen the housing. Do not use too much pressure, as that may damage the housing and the aerator.
- Once you have loosened the housing, use your hands to unscrew the housing. The Delta faucet aerator should be inside the metal casing.
- The rubber ring seal that is within the housing should be removed at this point. If it is not at this location, the rubber ring seal will most likely be inside the faucet spout. To replace or clean the aerator, simply push out.
On the other hand, your Delta faucet may contain around aerator housing that has no flat edges. Ultimately, you may be able to loosen it and remove it by hand. You can further use a damp piece of cloth to get a better grip if need be. If it fails to budge, you can use a pair of pliers or a piece of cloth to help you in loosening and unscrewing the rest of the unit.
Removing a Hidden Faucet Aerator Without a Key
If the Delta kitchen faucet aerator is hidden and screwed right into the end of your faucet spout, you will need a special key to remove the faucet aerator. An example of this key is the Delta faucet aerator removal wrench/key. It is possible to loosen and unscrew it by hand, but it may not be as effective. You can use a rubber glove or a piece of clean cloth to have a firmer grip to enable you to loosen and unscrew the aerator.
There are usually multiple ridges that protrude out and around the Delta kitchen faucet aerator. Use your hands to twist the aerator counterclockwise. Once you have loosened it, you should be able to unscrew the rest of it.
A flathead screwdriver is one of the best tools for this job. This is because it can easily fit inside the gap that is between the ridges of the Delta kitchen faucet aerator. Tap the screwdriver lightly using a hammer once it is inside. This should enable you to get rid of mineral deposits or limescale that has built up in between the Delta kitchen faucet aerator and the faucet spout over time. Loosen and unscrew it, and remove it by hand.
How to Remove a Stuck Faucet Aerator
High sediment and limescale build-up are not why the Delta kitchen faucet aerators get stuck in place. You can use a water and white vinegar mix and spray on that area to help dissolve the mineral deposit buildup. Instead of spraying the solution, you also have the choice of soaking a clean piece of cloth and wrapping it around the area for about an hour or so. Another way of doing this would be to fill a bag with the vinegar mix and soak the aerator and spout by submerging it and leaving it for about an hour.
Alternatively, you can use WD40 to loosen and further unscrew the Delta kitchen faucet aerator. Spray the solution in the area where the aerator is attached to the spout and wait for a few seconds. After waiting, you can then attempt to loosen and unscrew the Delta faucet aerator.
Heat application is also another method you can use to remove the Delta kitchen faucet aerator. A hairdryer or a candle would do a good job of heating the aerator for about 10-20 seconds. This will allow it to expand, and break the build-up.
Once the area has been cooled, try to loosen the aerator using any of the methods explained above. Do not overheat it as the aerator might be made of some plastic which is prone to damage.
Cleaning a Faucet Aerator without Removing it
If for some reason your Delta kitchen faucet aerator fails to detach from the faucet spout, it is still possible to clean it. You can use your preferred cleaning solution to do this. Pour the solution inside a bag and then submerge the aerator for a few hours. Remove the bag and rinse it with water.
However, it is important to note that this may not be able to clean all the hard deposits that may be seated on the outer parts of the aerator. These deposits may prevent water from flowing freely. Therefore, the best scenario would be to remove the Delta kitchen faucet aerator to completely clean out all the deposits.