Low Shower Pressure? Fix It By Removing Your Water Flow Restrictor
Is your morning shower leaving you frustrated and unsatisfied? Do you feel like the water pressure is just too weak no matter how you adjust the showerhead settings? If so, the culprit could be a water flow restrictor inside your showerhead.
Water restrictors are small plastic devices installed in many modern showerheads to limit water flow to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). While this helps conserve water, it can also result in a less powerful, underwhelming shower experience.
Why Water Restrictors Reduce Showerhead Pressure
The purpose of a water restrictor is to decrease the volume of water passing through your showerhead. By capping the flow rate at 2.5 GPM, these devices help reduce water usage and lower utility bills. However, the downside is that the resulting water pressure feels significantly lower. Here are some of the effects of reduced pressure that you may notice:
- Weak water flow making it hard to rinse hair and body
- Inability to achieve a satisfying high-pressure spray
- Having to stand directly under the showerhead to wet your whole body
- Frustration at your shower not living up to its flow promises
All these issues can be chalked up to that little plastic restrictor inside your showerhead limiting the water volume. Of course, other factors like mineral buildup or old pipes can also affect pressure. But if your shower has declined recently, the restrictor is likely the culprit.
Deciding If You Should Remove the Restrictor
Before taking steps to remove your showerhead flow restrictor, consider whether doing so aligns with your priorities and complies with regulations in your area. Here are some key factors to weigh:
- Removing the restrictor will increase water usage and therefore water bills.
- Temporarily removing the restrictor can identify if it is truly the cause of low pressure.
- Many municipalities legally require restrictors to conserve water.
- A higher flow restrictor may provide a compromise if allowed in your region.
- Consult a plumber if you have any concerns about home plumbing and pressure.
Taking the time to understand the tradeoffs will help you make an informed choice. Keep in mind you can always experiment by temporarily detaching the restrictor to see if pressure improves before deciding on permanent removal.
How to Remove the Water Restrictor from a Showerhead
If after careful consideration you decide removing the flow restrictor is the right choice, here is a step-by-step guide to detaching it:
- Turn off the water at the shut off valve and open the showerhead to drain any excess water in the pipes.
- Use pliers wrapped in a rag to unscrew and detach the showerhead from the pipe.
- Locate the small plastic water restrictor inside the showerhead. It is typically near the point where the water flows from the pipe.
- Use the pliers to firmly grip and detach the restrictor, pulling it out from the showerhead.
- Clean out any debris from the showerhead interior before replacing it.
- Apply Teflon tape to improve the showerhead seal if needed.
- Screw the showerhead back onto the pipe and turn on the water to test.
With some careful work with the pliers, you should be able to easily remove the small plastic restrictor. Take precautions not to damage the showerhead or pipe fittings. When reattaching, be sure the connection is water-tight.
How can you remove a restrictor without pliers?
If you don't have pliers handy, try using a wrench or channel locks to grip and detach the restrictor. You may also be able to dig it out using a flathead screwdriver or a stiff wire. Take care not to damage the showerhead internals.
What if I can't find the water restrictor?
Some showerheads may have the restrictor hidden from view. Try detaching from the pipe and shining a flashlight inside to locate it. If you truly cannot find a restrictor, then low pressure may be caused by another issue such as old galvanized pipes or mineral buildup.
Confirming Restrictor Removal and Enjoying Pressure
After reinstalling your showerhead, turn on the water to confirm that pressure and flow have improved to your desired level. If the restrictor was the source of the problem, you should immediately notice a stronger, more satisfying spray.
Monitor your water usage in the coming days and weeks to see if the removal leads to spikes in water and energy costs. You may need to adjust other water usage to offset the increase. Lastly, be sure the connection is watertight and monitor for leaks.
If your pressure is still lackluster even after the removal, consult with a plumber to check for issues with calcified pipes, poor water supply to the house, or problems with the shower valve. Old showers may need a complete overhaul to restore force.
Removing the water flow restrictor from your showerhead is an effective DIY solution for improving shower pressure and intensity. These devices limit water usage but can result in an unsatisfying shower. Before removing, be sure to check local regulations.
If you decide to proceed, use pliers to detach the small plastic restrictor inside the showerhead. Take care not to damage internal parts. Proper installation ensures optimal flow and pressure. Enjoy the increased intensity but be mindful of higher water usage.
You can remove showerhead restrictors with simple plumbing knowledge. Just be sure to evaluate any tradeoffs with water conservation and billing. With the right approach, you can regain satisfying pressure and morning shower enjoyment.