Quick Answer:

Sideways spray usually means the aerator or its screen is clogged, misaligned, or damaged. Start by removing the aerator, clean the aerator mesh, rinse away any debris, then carefully reseat the aerator. Those three checks fix most cases quickly.

Why This Happens

• Mineral deposits, sand, or grit collect in the tiny holes of the aerator screen and cause uneven water flow.
• The aerator can be cross-threaded or seated crooked, which redirects the stream off-center.
• The internal spray insert or sealing washer may be damaged or missing, producing a diverted spray pattern.
• Occasionally debris comes from recent plumbing work; if you also see discoloration, check **Bathroom Sink Water Is Brown After Renovation** for related causes.

Step-by-Step What to Do

Step 1 — Gather tools and protect finishes

• Towel or small bucket to catch parts and water.
• Soft-jawed pliers or an adjustable wrench with a cloth to protect the finish.
• Old toothbrush, a small bowl, and white vinegar or a mild descaling solution.

Step 2 — Remove the aerator

• Wrap the aerator in a cloth to avoid scratching, then unscrew it counterclockwise by hand. If tight, use pliers with protective tape or cloth.
• Keep small parts together so you don’t lose the screen or rubber washer.

Step 3 — Clean the aerator mesh

• Separate the metal housing, screen, and any flow inserts.
• Soak the mesh and inserts in white vinegar for 10–30 minutes to dissolve mineral buildup.
• Brush gently with an old toothbrush to remove remaining particles.

Step 4 — Flush debris from parts and the spout opening

• Rinse the aerator pieces under running water to flush out loosened debris. Hold the pieces so the stream goes through the mesh.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe the spout opening and the threads; remove visible grit so nothing gets trapped when you reseat the aerator.

Step 5 — Reseat the aerator and test

• Reassemble the aerator in the correct order (screen and inserts first, then housing), then screw it on straight by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Turn the faucet on at low flow and check the stream. Adjust or tighten gently if the spray is still uneven.
• If cleaning doesn’t help, the insert or screen may be damaged — replacement aerators are inexpensive and simple to swap.

What Not to Do

• Do not operate faucet without aerator. Running the faucet with the aerator removed can toss debris and create an uncontrolled spray pattern that can cause splashing or damage.
• Do not force or reshape metal parts with pliers; you can warp the screen and make the problem worse.
• Do not use wire brushes or harsh abrasives on chrome finishes — they scratch and expose metal to corrosion.

When to Call a Professional

• If the spray stays sideways after replacing the aerator and cleaning the spout, there could be a damaged cartridge or internal valve requiring a plumber.
• If water leaks at the base of the faucet or from inside the spout, call a pro to inspect seals and internal parts.
• If the issue occurs with other fixtures or you notice very low flow at only one sink, consider a professional; see **Bathroom Sink Has Low Water Pressure Only At This Sink** for related troubleshooting.

Safety Notes

• Turn off the faucet or set it to low while working to avoid sudden high-pressure sprays.
• Protect the faucet finish with a cloth when using pliers or wrenches.
• Use gloves if you’re handling cleaning solutions; follow product directions and ventilate the area if needed.
• If you’re unsure about internal valve repairs, stop and call a licensed plumber to avoid water damage.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Why did the problem start suddenly? Small debris or mineral buildup can shift into place and clog the screen quickly, especially after pipe work or construction.
• Can I replace the aerator myself? Yes — most aerators are unscrewed by hand and replaced with a matching size from a hardware store.
• How often should I clean the aerator? Every 6–12 months if you have hard water or visible flow issues; sooner after any plumbing work.