09/04/2026
Noticed your faucet spraying sideways or the flow feeling weaker than it used to? Before you assume it is a bigger plumbing problem, check the aerator.
An aerator is the small screw-on piece at the tip of your faucet. It controls how much water leaves the faucet, capped at 2.2 gallons per minute on high under federal standards, and mixes air into the stream so the water feels and tastes better.
Over time, calcium and corrosion build up inside the aerator, especially with the mineral content in Kansas City area tap water. That buildup is usually what causes a crooked stream or reduced flow, not a problem with your pipes at all.
It is a simple, inexpensive fix. If you are not sure whether your low pressure is an aerator issue or something bigger, we are happy to take a look.