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General maintenance
Faucets are available in a wide variety of
finishes and all need to be cleaned. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning them,
including what cleaners to use.
Do not use abrasive, industrial, or tile cleaners
for faucets.
Use only pads or sponges that are safe for
cleaning polished metallic surfaces. Otherwise,
you will scratch the finish.
Dry faucets after every use to prevent mineral
buildup and spotting.
Cleaning faucet aerators
Aerators require cleaning every three months
and more frequently if you have hard water.
Follow these steps to clean the aerators:
1. Grab the aerator and turn it counterclockwise
to unscrew it from the faucet.
2. Remove debris.
3. Remove the washer and screen. Rinse them.
4. Put the parts back in their original order.
5. Press the aerator against the faucet and turn
it clockwise to reattach it.
HOME TIP: A special tool is required on
some faucet models to remove the aerator.
Repairing a leaking faucet
Repairing a leaking faucet involves replacing the
cartridge or washer. Follow these steps:
1. Purchase a cartridge or washer as
recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Turn off the water via the shutoff valve.
3. Relieve water pressure by opening the faucet
handle.
4. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction to
replace the cartridge or washer.
Also, see Shutoff Valves (Page 94).
Visit the manufacturer’s website for more
information about faucets.
