Remove Water Restrictor from Shower Head and Improve Flow Instantly
Is your morning shower leaving you high and dry? Do you feel like no matter how far you crank the hot water knob, the pressure still sputters out? If you're dealing with weak water flow from your shower head, the cause may be a little plastic piece called a flow restrictor.
Shower heads contain these inserts to limit water usage to 2.5 gallons per minute, as mandated by federal regulations. But while saving water is important, who wants to stand under a drizzle when you're trying to wake up and wash off?
Why Consider Removing Your Shower Head Flow Restrictor
There are a few reasons you might want to remove the restrictor from your shower:
- Increase water pressure - Removing it can allow more water to flow out per minute
- Enhance cleaning ability - Higher pressure helps rinse out shampoo from your hair more quickly
- Customize your shower experience - Eliminate an inconvenient water-saving component
Before attempting removal, double check for any local drought guidelines or water restrictions in your area. But if you want to enjoy a more intense shower, extracting the insert is usually fast and simple.
Required Tools & Materials
Gather the following equipment before getting started:
- Adjustable wrench
- Teflon tape
- Penetrating oil (optional)
- Vinegar
- Clean rags or towel
- Needle nose pliers
- Flat head screwdriver
Step-By-Step Guide to Removal
Accessing the Flow Restrictor
The first step is taking apart your shower head to reveal the flow restrictor inside:
- Wrap a towel around connector nuts to avoid stripping
- Use pliers to grip connector nut in place
- Turn shower head counterclockwise with wrench to loosen
You may need to use penetrating oil or soak in vinegar if mineral buildup causes sticking. Don't force the pieces - damaging the connectors may lead to leaks.
Locating & Removing the Restrictor
Once opened, check common flow restrictor locations:
- Edge of shower arm
- Inside shower hose connectors
- Behind the shower head faceplate
Use pliers to carefully twist and extract the restrictor. Be sure to also remove any attached filter screen or O-ring gasket.
Reassembling Your Showerhead
When finished, reassemble the shower fixture using Teflon tape to reseal threads. Check for leaks and test water pressure. If flow is too high, reinsert restrictor into shower arm rather than shower head.
Causes of Persistent Low Water Pressure
If your shower still sputters after removing the flow restrictor, there are a few other things that could be hampering water flow:
- Mineral buildup inside the shower head
- Old galvanized pipes or plumbing issues
- Clogged holes in the shower head
Consider soaking in vinegar, replacing washers, or calling a plumber if problems continue. Installing a tankless water heater or a pump system can also help provide pressure.
Plan to periodically clean your shower head after removing the restrictor to prevent minerals like calcium and magnesium from accumulating. Soak overnight in vinegar every 1-2 months to clear any deposits.
Also be conscious of your water usage - while relaxing under endless hot water sounds nice, restricting flow does conserve resources. Installing a low-flow showerhead when not in use can help cut back waste.
You can eliminate weak shower pressure with a few simple tools. Just follow safe extraction methods and monitor water flow levels afterwards. Soon, you'll be enjoying refreshing mornings with a revitalizing shower!