Boost Moen Shower Satisfaction With This Simple Flow Restrictor Tweak
Do you cringe every time you step into your Moen shower? Does it take forever to rinse shampoo from your hair thanks to pathetically weak water flow? You're not alone. Many Moen owners suffer from lackluster shower pressure and dream of a satisfying rinse.
But before you yell at the heavens or call a plumber, check for a little plastic piece called a flow restrictor. This component throttles water flow to conserve usage. While important for the environment, it can transform your shower from a soothing sanctuary to a dripping disappointment.
Why Your Moen Shower Lacks Pressure
The Purpose of a Flow Restrictor
Flow restrictors limit water volumes passing through shower heads. Mandated by federal regulations, these small plastic devices allow average shower heads to emit no more than 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). This conserves precious water resources we often take for granted.
So while flow restrictors carry admirable conservation goals, they can seriously reduce pressure. And what good is saving water if you can't even rinse shampoo from your hair?
How a Flow Restrictor Reduces Water Flow
Located in the neck of the shower head, flow restrictors contain narrow channels forcing water into a diminished flow. So even if your home feed pipes supply adequate pressure, little water squeezes through the constrainer.
The result? Weak, uneven, and frustratingly ineffective spray from your Moen fixture. Plus showers lasting forever as you desperately try rinsing off soap, shampoo, and conditioner with a limp dribble.
Signs You Have a Moen Flow Restrictor
Symptoms of Limited Water Flow
Check for these clues to determine if a hidden flow restrictor strangles your Moen:
- Pitting, weak streams of water
- Inability to ever feel fully rinsed off
- Taking forever to wet your entire body
- Struggling to completely fill your bath tub
- Sudden spurts of water followed by weak drips
Sound familiar? Read on for locating the culprit component.
Locating the Flow Restrictor
Finding your shower head's hidden water-saving device takes just seconds:
- Remove the shower head from its mount by unscrewing
- Check inside the part normally screwed onto the pipe
- Peer into the narrow opening to spot a plastic disk or cylinder
This tiny piece throttles flow despite full home water pressure. Even when completely clogged, water spurts through intermittently, creating uneven streams.
Removing Moen's Flow Restrictor
Should You Remove It?
Before digging into your shower head with a screwdriver, consider whether removing the device aligns with your goals.
Eliminating the restrictor does boost water flow and pressure. But at what cost? You'll blast through more of our precious freshwater reserves. And likely void Moen's warranty in the process.
Weigh increased water usage against potential benefits before acting.
Step-By-Step Removal Instructions
If after careful thought you still decide removing the flow restrictor makes sense, here's what to do:
- Unscrew shower head from the shower arm pipe
- Use a small flathead screwdriver to remove the flow restrictor
- Carefully insert the screwdriver into the shower head nozzle
- Slowly dislodge the plastic disk or cylinder inside
- Remove this piece completely
- Confirm no plastic shards or pieces remain
- Reattach the shower head
When eliminating your Moen's water saver, take great care to not damage interior threading or fittings. Leaving pieces behind or scratching parts affects function and risks leaks.
Improving Shower Pressure Without Removing
Adjusting Water Pipes
Before pulling apart your shower head, try improving household water pressure. Consult a plumber to:
- Check for mineral deposits or hidden crimps reducing flow
- Ensure pipes sized properly for home and number of fixtures
- Detect leaks allowing pressure drops upstream
- Adjust pressure at the main where water enters your home
Taking these steps may restore pressure without demolishing Moen's conservation efforts.
Alternate Accessories
If adjusting pipes fails to bolster pressure, consider:
- Installing a booster pump providing 7-10 PSI extra force
- Replacing the shower head with high-efficiency model sporting massage jets
- Using a luxury hand shower on a stretch hose for targeted pressure
These affordable upgrades boost satisfaction without consuming excess water long term.
Enjoy Better Moen Showers Without Waste
Finding Balance for Needs
Moen shower heads with flow restrictors prioritize environmental welfare over customer satisfaction. And while saving water remains imperative, consumers rightfully want an invigorating, therapeutic wash.
Thankfully, compromise exists between these competing interests. With small modifications to home plumbing or upgraded accessories, Moen owners can retain water conservation while still enjoying strong pressure.
- Inspect for flow restrictors when Moen pressure seems weak
- Try improving household pipe flow before removing devices
- Consider pressure-boosting pumps or luxury shower heads
- Never sacrifice urgent water conservation without great reason
Even those limited by low-flow fixture can enjoy satisfying showers. Diagnose issues, explore alternatives, and balance priorities for H20-saving happiness!