One faucet running weak — the aerator

What this error means

Family Handyman states it plainly: weak flow from a single faucet is usually a clogged aerator, and the most common clog is mineral scale. The aerator is the little screen assembly at the spout tip — unscrew it, pick out the debris, soak in vinegar, done. (Weak flow at EVERY fixture is a supply/pressure issue — different problem, see a plumber.)

Symptoms

• One faucet trickling while others run fine
• Spray pattern gone sideways
• Hard-water building

Try this first (safe DIY steps)

1. Unscrew the aerator from the spout tip (by hand or pliers with a cloth wrap)
2. Rinse out grit; soak parts in vinegar 30+ minutes for scale
3. Reassemble in the same order the parts came out (photo first)
4. Aerator crumbling? Replacements are $2–8 — take the old one to match threads

Safety: power off before any physical intervention. Never bypass covers or interlocks — fuser areas run hot enough to burn.

When to call a technician

Never for one faucet. All faucets weak = building supply issue.