“How to remove flow restrictor from shower head?” This is an issue that individuals in low water pressure areas are eager to solve. Don’t worry, this post will tell you how to remove flow restrictor step by step.
Since 1994, in order to save water use energy, federal law requires that all shower heads cannot exceed 2.5 GPM. Well, this initiative has won the support as it does save water resources and reduce water bills. But, on the negative side, this also causes more ones eager for a decent shower.
Fortunately, there are also some ways for you to try. In this case, the convenient one to increase shower head flow rate is to remove flow restrictor. Read on, and you can grasp the rights and freedoms for a shower just as scenes appear in the movie!
Preparation:
1. Adjustable wrench
2. Rag or towel
3. Paper clip or needle-nose pliers
4. Flathead screwdriver
5. Plumber’s tape
Step 1. Remove Shower Head
Firstly, Shower head with restrictor must be removed.
1. To protect the nut, wrap a rag or towel around the nut.
2. Fix the shower tube to the wall with one hand
3. Then, clamp nut with a wrench
4. And turn the connector nut counterclockwise
5. Remove a shower head and a nut
Step 2. Remove Water Saver from Shower Head
Now you can find the flow restrictor and take it out, however, be careful not to break any components.
1. If there is a shower screen, tap several times to get the screen out. Fail? Then, Remove it with needle-nosed pliers
2. Straighten the end of the paper clip and use it to remove the black gasket.
Tips: This gasket is used to secure the mesh filter and tightly seal the parts together. Provided that the paper clip does not work, just remove the gasket with needle-nose pliers.
3. Now you can do shower head flow restrictor removal with a flat-blade screwdriver.
Tips: The brands of the water flow restrictors are not the same, thus, the color varies from white to red. Moreover, for most shower heads, it is a plastic disc.
Step 3. Put All Parts Back to Original Location
Since you have removed the shower head flow restrictor, you should now reassemble the shower head.
1. Place the gasket back to the shower head
2. Fix the shower screen to its original position
3. Remove the old plumber’ tape from the threads of the shower arm
4. Then re-wrap the new tape around the thread clockwise
5. Fix the shower head onto the shower arm
6. Cover the rag on the nut once more
7. Then tighten the nut with a wrench, so that the shower head is re-connected to the shower arm.
Supposing that you would like to know more about water pressure and shower head restrictor removal, check here.
How to Increase Shower Head Flow Rate?
You can check if there are other causes for slow water flow, except for water flow restrictors, after removing showerhead:
Causes of Slow Water Flow
- Sediment accumulation
- Restrictor is blocked
- Filter has debris
- Others
Solutions
- Wipe or rinse off the sediment or put it in vinegar for a while to remove lime deposits.
- Replace the current shower head with water softener shower head, or even, water softener system, preventing deposits from accumulating.
- Alternatively, try to get the high-pressure shower head. And here are more options for reference if you personaly prefer a handheld show head.
The Bottom Line
Finally, you successfully removed the shower flow restrictor. How easy it is! Although you are not limited anymore, by neither low pressure nor low water flow, most noteworthy, your water bill may increase significantly.