Tap running slowly — blocked aerator
A slow-running tap is one of the most common plumbing niggles in UK homes, and the good news is it's almost never a serious problem. In hard water areas — which covers most of England and parts of Wales — limescale builds up inside the aerator, the tiny mesh screen at the tip of your tap spout, gradually choking off the flow. It happens silently over months, so you hardly notice until you're filling a glass in a trickle. The culprit isn't your pipes or your water supply; it's simply mineral deposits collecting in one small, easily accessible component. This guide walks you through removing, cleaning, and refitting the aerator yourself in under 15 minutes, using nothing more than white vinegar and an old toothbrush. It's a satisfying DIY fix that costs nothing and restores full flow instantly — though if you're uncomfortable unscrewing fittings or the tap body itself feels damaged, it's worth calling a qualified plumber to check for underlying issues.
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Most likely cause & what to check
The aerator is the small mesh/screen insert at the tip of the tap spout. In hard water areas (most of England), it accumulates limescale and restricts flow significantly.
Unscrew the aerator from the end of the tap — it should turn anti-clockwise by hand. If stiff, wrap the jaws of pliers in tape to avoid scratching the chrome and use them to turn it.
The aerator consists of a housing, a mesh screen, and often a flow restrictor disc. Tap it on a hard surface and rinse — you will likely see white limescale fragments.
Soak the aerator parts in undiluted white vinegar for 30–60 minutes, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
Refit the aerator and test the flow — it should be restored immediately. If the aerator is heavily corroded or the plastic is cracked, replacement aerators cost £1–£5 from any plumbers' merchant.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a slow tap dangerous or a sign of a bigger problem?
No — a slow tap is almost always just limescale in the aerator and is completely harmless. Hard water won't damage your pipes or health, though it can leave deposits on fixtures over time. This is purely a flow issue, not a safety or water quality concern.
Will cleaning the aerator work on all tap types?
Yes, this method works on kitchen taps, bathroom taps, and most mixer taps in homes with traditional aerators. Pull-out spray taps and some modern low-flow designs may have built-in restrictors rather than removable aerators — if you can't unscrew anything after 30 seconds of gentle turning, don't force it and consider calling a plumber instead.
What if vinegar doesn't shift the limescale?
If white vinegar alone doesn't restore flow after soaking, leave the aerator parts in vinegar overnight instead of 30–60 minutes, or use a commercial limescale remover following the product instructions. Badly corroded aerators are inexpensive to replace (£1–£5) and often quicker than prolonged soaking.
Can I prevent limescale build-up in the aerator?
In hard water areas, limescale will return eventually — it's not preventable, only manageable. Cleaning the aerator every 12–18 months keeps flow consistent; alternatively, fitting a water softener addresses hard water throughout your home, though that's a larger investment.
Should I clean the aerator if my tap is also leaking at the base?
No — a leak at the tap body suggests a worn internal seal or cartridge, which is a separate repair. Focus on the aerator first, but if the tap continues to leak afterwards, you'll need a qualified plumber to replace the internal components.