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The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure is to maintain water flow efficiency and hygiene by regularly cleaning tap aerators in guest-facing and staff-use areas.
Required Tools and Materials
Adjustable spanner or wrench
Soft cloth or towel
Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
Bowl or container
White vinegar or a descaling solution
Teflon/plumber’s tape (if needed)
PPE (gloves and eye protection)
Recommendation: Every 3 to 6 months (or sooner if low water pressure or uneven flow is reported).
Procedure Steps
Step 1: Preparation
Inform relevant departments if taps will be briefly out of service.
Gather all tools and materials.
Wear appropriate PPE if using chemical descalers.
Step 2: Remove the Aerator
Gently unscrew the aerator from the tap using your hand or an adjustable spanner if it’s tight. Take care to avoid damaging the threads.
Wrap the aerator in a soft cloth before using tools to avoid scratching the fitting.
Keep all parts together, many aerators have multiple components (e.g. screen, washer, flow restrictor).
Step 3: Clean the Aerator
Rinse all components under warm running water to remove loose debris.
Soak the parts in a bowl of white vinegar or if necessary, descaling solution for 15–30 minutes to dissolve mineral buildup.
Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away remaining residue, especially around the mesh screen and internal surfaces.
Step 4: Rinse and Reassemble
Rinse the components thoroughly in a bowl containing clean water.
Check for any damage (e.g. cracks, worn washers). Replace if needed.
Reassemble the aerator parts in the correct order.
Step 5: Reattach and Test
Screw the aerator back onto the tap by hand, then tighten gently with a spanner if necessary.
Turn on the tap slowly to check for leaks and ensure even water flow.
If the water sprays unevenly or leaks at the joint, recheck assembly or add Teflon tape to the threads before reattaching.
Documentation
Record the location, date of cleaning, and any replacements made in your Maintenance Logs.
Note any units where replacement parts are needed and schedule follow-up if required.
Troubleshooting Tips
If water flows unevenly after cleaning, recheck for debris or misaligned mesh.
If an aerator is hard to remove, wrap a vinegar-soaked cloth around the fitting to loosen buildup before retrying.
If the water flow is persistently low, check upstream filters or pipes for blockages.
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