Rust flakes in sink aerator

Quick Answer:

Finding flaky rust in an aerator usually means the aerator or nearby faucet parts are corroding, not that the whole house plumbing is falling apart. Remove the aerator, rinse the pieces in a white bowl to confirm particle color and texture, clean or replace the aerator, and run the water to see if flakes stop. If flakes keep appearing or other fixtures are affected, get a professional opinion.

Why This Happens

Metal aerators and older brass or iron faucet parts can corrode over time. Small pieces of rust or mineral scale break off and collect in the screen. In some cases the problem is local to the aerator or faucet body; in others it can signal corrosion further back in the supply line or the fixture itself. If you suddenly see brown water at one or more taps, it can be related to recent pipe work, water main work, or a shift in water chemistry that dislodged rust.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Turn off the tap and remove the aerator

• Use your hand or a cloth-wrapped wrench if it’s tight. Keep track of any small parts (screen, washer).

2. Rinse aerators in a white bowl to confirm particle color and texture

• Put the screen and other parts into a plain white bowl and rinse under running water. The white background makes it easy to see whether particles are brown, red, black, or gritty.
• Rust flakes are typically reddish-brown and flaky; mineral scale is often harder and chalky.

3. Clean or replace the aerator

• Soak metal parts in vinegar for 15–30 minutes to loosen deposits, then brush gently with an old toothbrush. Rinse and inspect again in the white bowl.
• If the screen or housing is heavily pitted or shedding, replace the aerator. Replacement aerators are inexpensive and simple to fit.

4. Flush lines and retest

• Reattach the aerator loosely, run the tap on full for several minutes, and check the water and aerator parts again. If flakes stop, the issue was likely the aerator or faucet surface.

5. Check other fixtures and watch for patterns

• If flakes appear at multiple taps, note whether it’s only when water comes from a particular direction (for example, upper floors) or after certain work on the system. If you see persistent discoloration, keep a record of when and where it happens.

What Not to Do

• Do not scrape inside supply stubs trying to remove flakes.
• Don’t use aggressive power tools, open flames, or strong acids to “clean” plumbing — these can damage fittings and create hazards.
• Don’t assume every particle is rust; confirm color and texture in the white bowl before jumping to conclusions.

When to Call a Professional

• Flakes keep coming back after aerator replacement and flushing.
• You notice brown water at multiple fixtures or the water is discolored housewide.
• There is visible corrosion on exposed supply lines, leaks, or a metallic taste in the water.
• If the issue matches Brown water from faucets suddenly or you observe discolored water only in certain locations like upstairs, for example Brown water from upstairs faucets only, a plumber can inspect supply lines and the water source to find the cause.

Safety Notes

• Always shut off the water if you need to disconnect supply lines beyond the aerator or if a leak develops.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when using cleaners like vinegar or commercial descalers; follow product instructions.
• If you suspect contamination of drinking water, avoid drinking it until you have confirmation it’s safe.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Q: Are these flakes dangerous to health?
  A: Small amounts are unlikely to cause illness, but avoid drinking discolored water until you confirm the source and safety.
• Q: Will a new aerator fix it?
  A: Often yes if the aerator or faucet is the source; replace it and flush to see if flakes stop.
• Q: Could this mean my pipes are failing?
  A: Not always — it’s commonly a local corrosion issue — but persistent flakes across multiple fixtures deserve a professional inspection.