If you have a flow restrictor on your shower head, you will use less water for bathing. According to experts, these devices reduce shower water flow to 2.5 gallons per minute.
While this is a great idea, the restrictor can become a nightmare in the shower, especially in areas with low water pressure. Here, these elements transform an ideal shower jet into an annoying rippling sound and make rinsing off the body more difficult.
You can remove the flow restrictor to solve this problem, but you may end up paying more on your electric bills. Are you ready to spend the extra money? These are easy steps to remove the flow restrictor from your shower head faucets.
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools. These include:
- Adjustable/pipe wrench
- The patch
- some paperclips
- needle nose pliers
- Teflonband
Let's use these tools in the following guide.
How to remove a flow restrictor from a recessed showerhead
Many homes have this type of shower head. With these steps, you can easily remove the choke.
Step 1: Remove the head
Locate the bent pipe or shower arm and connector nut protruding from the bathroom wall. Wrap both parts with a clean cloth to protect them from scratches.
Hold the arm with a pipe wrench and loosen the union nut with an adjustable wrench. Loosen until head is clear of shower arm.
Step 2 - Remove the choke
Locate the washer in the union nut. This is where this item provides a tight seal and secures a mesh or screen filter. Usually both items must be removed before you can see the choke.
Carefully remove the washer with needle nose pliers. Remove the screen by touching the bottom of your head with your palms. If the screen is stuck, use the tweezers to remove the item.
Remove the flow restrictor with a flathead screwdriver. If you don't know what a limiter looks like, it's a plastic disc with one of the following colors, e.g. B. White, Green, Pink and Red.
Step 3: Set up the shower head
Return the screen to its original position. Install the washer and push it in with your fingers to keep it from falling. Remove the existing teflon tape from the straight grooves in the shower arm. Wrap new tape around the threads in a clockwise direction.
Hand-tighten the union nut. Once the nut is tight, wrap a rag around the nut and arm, and then use the pipe wrench to hold the arm in place. Use the adjustable wrench to turn the nut.
How to remove a flow restrictor from a hand held shower
Handheld showerheads are very popular with homeowners. The following tips will help you remove the water restrictor in minutes.
Step 1 - Check the flow restrictor
Locate the water restrictor on the handheld shower head using the manufacturer's instruction manual or website.
Typically, the water limiter is located in the bracket that attaches to the shower arm, or at the end of the handle that connects to the flexible hose. However, the position of the throttle depends on your brand.
Step 2 - Remove the choke
If you have a product with the shower head on the bottom of the handle, protect the connector nut with a clean rag. Hold the covered nut with adjustable pliers and turn counterclockwise to remove the handle from the tube.
Using needle nose pliers, pry the washer out of the handle and filter screen. Pry out the exposed choke with a flat head screwdriver.
If you have a product with a restrictor in the holder, protect the connector and shower arm with a clean cloth. Hold the arm with a pipe wrench while using the adjustable pliers to hold the nut. Turn the nut clockwise until the brackets fall off the shower arm.
Move to the end of the bracket, then use needle nose pliers to remove the washer and filter screen. Remove the choke with a flathead screwdriver.
Step 3: Set up the shower head
Return the filter screen and washer to their original position in the fitting. Be sure to press the washer with your fingers. Remove old tape that forms the linear grooves in the hose or shower arm.
Cover the threads with new tape. Hand-tighten the connector and wrap the nut with a rag. Secure the nut an additional 1/4 turn with an adjustable wrench.
How to remove a flow restrictor from a Moen shower head
Do you use a Moen shower head? Here's an easy way to remove the restrictor on this faucet and enjoy a powerful shower spray.
Step 1: Take out the shower head
Wrap the showerhead in a clean rag and tighten the jaws with an adjustable wrench. Hold the shower pipe (the part closest to the bathroom wall) with one hand and turn the shower connector with an adjustable wrench.
Step 2 - Disassemble the accessories
Remove the rubber O-ring by hand to avoid possible damage to the fragile item. Place your palm on the shower head and gently shake to remove the screen.
Step 3 - Locate the flow restrictor
Go to the neck of the shower head and find the flow restrictor. This part is made of plastic and can be found with a screwdriver.
Step 4: Remove the flow restrictor
Carefully remove the water restrictor from the neck of the light. Be sure to use minimal pressure when handling the internal threads of the showerhead to avoid damaging it.
Step 5 - Reassemble the parts
Place the screen back onto the shower head and attach the O-ring. Remember to keep this set tight and secure.
Wrap the new plumbing tape tightly around the showerhead. Then firmly attach the Moen shower head to the shower arm with your hands. Finally, wrap the rag around the shower arm and tighten the connections with the adjustable wrench.
Before using our flow restrictor removal stepsshower head, Drain or turn off bathroom faucets that supply water.
How to remove the flow restrictor on a Waterpik shower head
Like most of the showerheads in this guide, this faucet uses a flow restrictor to avoid wastage. As a result, you pay fewer bills to your energy supplier.
However, the restrictor can disrupt the shower spray, turning it into a weak, annoying spray. In order to enjoy a strong flow, especially when you turn the shower valve, you need to remove the water restrictor with the following steps.
Step 1: Remove the shower head
Pull the Waterpik shower head out of the pipe protruding from the wall (shower head). Use a wrench to do this, but make sure the showerhead is wrapped in a rag to prevent scratching.
Step 2 - Pull out the washer
Find and remove the black rubber washer from the shower. You can find it between the shower head and the shower arm.
Step 3: Remove the flow restrictor
Remove the restrictor from the shower head. Insert a Phillips screwdriver into the star-shaped hole in the spray nozzle. Twist the small white, green, or pink plug behind the hole until it comes loose.
Step 4 - Protect your shower arm
Cover the threads on the arm with plumbing tape. Use this glue to protect the threads from rusting when you attach the shower head to them.
Step 5 - Reassemble and reinstall the bathtub bracket
Reattach the screens and rubber gasket to their positions on the shower arm. Secure and tighten the shower head to the shower arm with a wrench. Remember to cover the shower head with a towel.
How to remove a flow restrictor from a Delta shower head
Another type of shower head that uses a flow restrictor is the Delta model. Not surprisingly, this feature saves water (at 2.6 gallons per minute) and lowers your electric bills.
Although federal law guarantees that businesses will sell showerheads with these items, restrictors reduce water pressure in the shower.
If you want to shower with a powerful jet, you need to remove the regulator from the bathroom faucet. Here is a quick guide on how to remove the accessory using the above tools.
Step 1 - Protect the connector
Wrap a clean rag around the chrome fitting where the showerhead protrudes from the wall. The fabric prevents the accessory from being damaged.
Step 2: Unscrew the shower head
Tighten an adjustable wrench on the wrapped fabric. Unscrew the shower head with the wrench and remove the fitting from the pipe.
Step 3 - Pull out the washer
Carefully remove the washer from the threaded coupling on the bracket. Be sure to use needle nose pliers.
Step 4: Remove the flow restrictor
Using needle nose pliers, firmly grasp the opaque nylon flow restrictor under the washer and pull it out of the fitting.
Step 5: Reassemble and reinstall the Delta shower head
Reinstall the washer to its previous position on the delta coupler. Press down on the item with your thumb to secure it. Place the delta connector back onto the tube and tighten with the adjustable wrench to secure the connection.
How to increase the spray of an unrivaled showerhead
If you have a Peerless shower head that releases a trickle of water, you can easily improve flow by cleaning the connector and removing the water restrictor. Here are some steps to deal with this low water pressure shower head.
Step 1 - Disassemble the parts
Move to the end of the shower hose. Carefully remove the rubber gasket and filter screen with a screwdriver. Remove any dirt or mineral deposits on the screen.
Step 2 - Unthread and remove the flow restrictor
Insert the screwdriver into the end of the shower pipe. Press the tool into one edge of the plastic water restrictor. Position the tool under the flow restrictor and carefully pull it out of the opening.
Step 3: Reassemble and reinstall the shower head
Put all the previously removed parts back in their original positions. Finally, reassemble the shower head.
If your shower head doesn't have a water restrictor, don't worry as some models don't have one. If this is the case, you can enjoy better water pressure by using a shower head for this purpose.
To involve
Most shower heads have flow restrictors to control the amount of water that comes out of them. They even play an important role in lowering your home electricity bills. However, they can cause water shortages in some bathrooms.
If you fall into this category, use this guide to remove your shower head; disassemble it; Remove flow restrictor and reinstall bath faucet.
I hope you find this guide useful for different types of shower heads. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the box below.
More from the specialty of Sunrise:
- How do I clean the shower floor?
- How do I install the rain shower head? (step by step instructions)
- How do I attach a detachable shower diverter? (5 easy ways)
- How do you build a shower from scratch? (step by step instructions)
- How is a shower tiled? (step by step instructions)
- Can you shower after the tattoo? (12 care tips)
FAQs
Do all shower heads have a flow restrictor? ›
The National Energy Act requires that shower head manufacturers install a flow restrictor or flow controller in shower heads.
What does a shower head restrictor look like? ›The flow restrictor is usually blue or green, sets inside the fixture, and is easy to access. Often times it has a couple of tabs that can be grabbed with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
Is removing water restrictor illegal? ›Notices, including one to not remove a water flow restrictor, are placed on a water meter after the device was installed during a demonstration in front of a home in Calabasas. The fine for removing the device is at least $2,500.
Does a flow restrictor increase pressure? ›In short, a flow restrictor increases pressure on the upstream side of the restrictor. The flow output is decreased in water output per minute, but the force with which it comes out increases.
What are the different types of flow restrictors? ›Answer: There are four types of flow restrictors being used by RO system manufacturers; 1) Inline Flow Restrictor, 2) Capillary Insert Flow Restrictor, 3) Fitting Connector Flow Restrictor Combo and 4) Integral Flow Restrictor.
How can I increase shower pressure? ›- First, clean your showerhead thoroughly. Ensure the shower hose isn't kinked or damaged, then check the filter. ...
- Make sure all the water isolators are turned on fully.
The flow restrictor is not removable but easily drillable. Use a 1/4" drill and go right through it. Go easy as you want it to come out with the drill. 1/4 is the max size you can use as the metal retaining the plastic restrictor is that size.
Where are shower restrictors located? ›Flow restrictors are usually found in the neck or threaded end of the shower head exposed when the shower head is removed from the shower arm as shown in the image below. They would appear in the opening of the aerator when it is removed from a lavatory or kitchen faucet.
What is the best flow rate for a shower? ›Also known as "flow rate", GPM is a measure of how many gallons of water flow out of your shower head each minute. Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.
Do I need a flow restrictor? ›Do I need to use a flow restrictor on my RO unit? Answer: Reverse osmosis units work by creating a back pressure on the exiting water to force the pure water through membrane. This back pressure is created by adding a flow restrictor on the waste pipe and unless this is fitted you will never achieve good quality water.
How do you adjust a reducing valve? ›
Loosen the lock nut on the pressure reducing valve with a wrench and back it off by unscrewing it. Fit a socket wrench over the adjustment nut on the top of the valve. Turn the nut counterclockwise to reduce the pressure downstream from the valve and clockwise to increase it.
Does a flow restrictor reduce water pressure? ›Do flow restrictors reduce water pressure? No, flow restrictors do not change pressure, but they do take pressure into account. Flow rate is dependent on three factors: the size of the outlet, the upstream pressure, and the downstream pressure.
How much water does a shower restrictor save? ›Results from low flow, or flow restricted, shower heads and flow restrictors will vary, but you could reduce consumption by up to 60%.
Why does my new shower head have no pressure? ›Your new showerhead also most likely has a water restricter inside. Removing this restricter may translate into higher pressure once the head is returned to position.
How can I increase water flow? ›Install a Water Pressure Booster
If the municipal water or well-water flow is the problem, hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install a water-pressure booster pump. These powerful, electric pumps target incoming pressure and raise it to the proper level.
Flow restrictors belong on all bathroom and kitchen faucets. Each one can save you up to 5,000 gallons, or about $10 every year.
What are the 3 types of flow? ›Key Takeaways. There are three fluid flow regimes: laminar, turbulent, and a transition region. The conditions that lead to each type of flow behavior are system-specific.
What are the three types of flow control? ›- Stop-and-wait.
- Sliding window.
- Comparison.
- Transmit flow control.
- Open-loop flow control.
- Closed-loop flow control.
- See also.
- References.
National standard - 2.5 gpm
If the state, county or city of residency does not specify a maximum flow rates for shower heads, a 2.5 gpm shower head is the maximum one can get. This includes all type of shower heads like hand-held shower, wall mount shower head, shower head systems, and rain showers.
Yes, depending on which shower head you choose, they can increase the water pressure at the head itself in order to create a more powerful shower or decrease it to create a more gentle shower.
How do you access a shower valve? ›
- Lay a Drop Cloth in the Bottom of the Shower. ...
- Remove the Shower Handle. ...
- Unscrew and Clean the Trim Plate. ...
- Turn Off the Water. ...
- Inspect and Prepare the Area. ...
- Remove the Retainer Clip. ...
- Pull Out the Shower Valve Cartridge. ...
- Install the New Shower Valve Cartridge.
If the shower is alone in experiencing low water pressure, no matter how many faucets are running, the problem could be a blocked shower head. Solution: You likely will have to unscrew the shower head to remove it. Check to see whether there's an obstruction preventing water from flowing freely.
What is considered a high flow shower head? ›When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York. Again, this has been the Maximum Flow Rate since 1992.
What PSI should a shower be? ›If your water pressure seems low, the first step should be to test how much pressure you're actually getting from the shower head. A typical home's water pressure should be somewhere between 45 to 55 psi (pounds per square inch).
What is better 1.8 or 2.5 GPM shower head? ›When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York. Again, this has been the Maximum Flow Rate since 1992.
What is a restrictor check valve? ›The DFT® Restrictor Check Valve (RCV) is a versatile, all-purpose, spring-assisted, non-slam check valve for applications that require higher cracking pressures to open the check valve than those offered by other DFT® check valves.
Where are pressure reducing valves located? ›This is where a pressure regulating valve (PRV) comes in: PRVs are bell-shaped devices located on the main water supply line where the water enters the home, near the shutoff valve. PRVs regulate the pressure in a home and keep it at a safe, steady level.
Where is the water pressure regulator located? ›A water pressure regulator, if you have one, is usually located where the main water line comes into the house and after the main shut off valve. This way if you need to work on or change the water pressure regulator you can simply shut off the water main to do so.
What are the two types of pressure reducing valves? ›There are two types of water pressure reducing valves, direct acting and pilot operated.
Does increasing pressure increase flow? ›More pressure changes the velocity of the fluid, but it also decreases the flow or output.
Does water flow faster at higher pressure? ›
The more water that is being forced through a pipe, the more pressure there will naturally be. Through any pipe size, higher water pressure will cause greater water flow. The pressure will decrease downstream, however, because of loss of friction and water velocity increase.
How can I make my shower more powerful? ›- Clean your showerhead.
- Remove the water restrictor.
- Replace your shower hose.
- Check if your water shut-off valve is fully open.
- Don't run other water-using appliances while showering and shower at non-peak times.
- Call a professional plumber if all else fails.
Since 1992, a maximum of 2.5 GPM is the federally mandated flow rate for new shower heads. This means no more than 2.5 gallons of water should flow out each minute.
What makes a shower head high pressure? ›High-pressure showerheads maximize the pressure at the tap and have features that increase the flow of water through the showerhead. Sometimes this is accomplished by removing the flow reducer that is in every shower head as required by law, and sometimes it is designed into the showerhead, like a massage feature.
What is the most powerful type of shower? ›1. Aqualisa Aquastream: The best all-round power shower. It's the most expensive shower on this list, but the Aqualisa Aquastream is the king of the thermostatic power showers, capable of putting out 18 litres per minute at its maximum water pressure and 12 litres per minute even at its minimum 0.1 bar pressure.
Can I turn up my water pressure? ›A quick and easy way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found in your home, usually close to your water meter. If your pressure gauge reading was low, make slight adjustments to your regulator.
Can you get a high flow shower head? ›The Original Water Blaster Brand High Flow Shower Head! Ultra High Pressure 1.8 GPM with restrictor on, or 10.5 GPM without the supplied restrictor. - A Super Drencher! High Pressure, High Volume, High Flow!
What is a good flow rate for a shower? ›If the flow rate is less than 10 litres per minute, you have low water pressure. A flow rate between 10 and 15 litres per minute is considered acceptable but can be improved. A flow rate that is above 15 litres per minute will be regarded as good.
What is better 1.8 GPM or 2.5 GPM? ›When it comes to Shower Heads, you'll typically find 2.5 GPM, 2.0 GPM, 1.8 GPM and 1.5 GPM. If you're looking for the most pressure, go for the 2.5 GPM Flow Rate, unless you are restricted because you reside in California, Colorado or New York. Again, this has been the Maximum Flow Rate since 1992.
What PSI should a shower head be? ›Most shower heads need between 40 and 60 psi. Check your home's water pressure and purchase a showerhead that will work for it.
Why is there no hot water pressure in my shower but plenty everywhere else? ›
The cause of your low hot water pressure could be debris and sediment in showerheads and taps, water leaks, blocked filters, a faulty tempering valve or something else.
What kind of shower is best for low water pressure? ›Low-pressure water systems
This system usually has a cold-water tank in the loft and a hot-water tank in your airing cupboard. The best shower for this type of system is a power shower as they are designed to offer optimum performance within a low-pressure scenario.