If you’ve ever been frustrated by a weak shower spray due to a flow restrictor in your showerhead, you’re not alone. While these devices are designed to conserve water, they can hinder your shower experience, especially in areas with low water pressure. If you’re ready to remove the flow restrictor and enjoy a more satisfying shower, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to remove the flow restrictor from different types of showerheads. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How to Remove a Flow Restrictor from an Embedded Shower Head
Many homes have embedded showerheads, and removing the flow restrictor from them is a breeze. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Remove the Head
Locate the bent pipe or shower arm and the connector nut that extends from your bathroom wall. To protect them from scratches, wrap both parts with a clean rag. Use a pipe wrench to hold the arm firmly in place and an adjustable wrench to loosen the connector nut and remove the head from the shower arm.
Step 2: Extract the Restrictor
Inside the connector nut, you’ll find a washer that secures a mesh filter or screen. Both the washer and screen need to be removed to access the restrictor. Use needle-nose pliers to gently take out the washer. If the screen is stuck, tap the bottom of the head with your palms or use the pliers to remove it. The restrictor is a plastic disk with colors like white, green, pink, or red. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pull it out.
Step 3: Set Up the Showerhead
Return the screen to its original position and fix the washer, making sure it doesn’t fall off. Remove any existing Teflon tape from the linear grooves on the shower arm and wrap fresh tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Secure the connector nut by hand, then use a pipe wrench to hold the arm and an adjustable wrench to turn the nut until it’s firmly placed.
How to Remove a Flow Restrictor from a Handheld Shower Head
Handheld showerheads are a popular choice among homeowners, and removing the flow restrictor from them is quick and simple. Let’s take a look:
Step 1: Check for the Flow Restrictor
The position of the flow restrictor in a handheld showerhead depends on the brand. Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website to locate it. You’ll usually find it inside the holder attached to the shower arm or at the end of the handle that connects to the flexible tubing.
Step 2: Extract the Restrictor
To remove the restrictor, you’ll need to disassemble the handheld showerhead. If the showerhead is at the bottom of the handle, protect the connector nut with a clean rag. Hold the covered nut with adjustable pliers and rotate counterclockwise to remove the handle from the tubing. Use needle-nose pliers to pry the washer and filter screen out of the handle. Pull out the restrictor with a flat-head screwdriver. If the restrictor is inside the holder, protect the connector and shower arm with a clean rag. Hold the arm with a pipe wrench and use adjustable pliers to rotate the nut clockwise until the holders drop from the shower arm. Move to the end of the holder, pull out the washer and filter screen with needle-nose pliers, and remove the restrictor with a flat-head screwdriver.
Step 3: Set Up the Shower Head
Return the filter screen and washer to their original positions. Push the washer in with your fingers to secure it. Remove any previous tape from the linear grooves on the flexible tubing or shower arm, then wrap fresh tape around the threads. Tighten the connector by hand, wrap a rag around the nut, hold the arm with a pipe wrench, and tighten the nut another quarter turn with adjustable pliers.
How to Remove a Flow Restrictor from a Moen Shower Head
If you have a Moen showerhead, removing the flow restrictor is simple and will give you a strong shower spray. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Take Out the Shower Head
Wrap the showerhead with a clean rag and use an adjustable wrench to tighten the jaws. Hold the shower pipe with one hand and rotate the showerhead connector with the wrench to remove the showerhead.
Step 2: Disassemble the Fitting
Remove the rubber O-ring gasket with your hands to prevent damage. Lay your palm on the showerhead and gently shake to remove the screen.
Step 3: Find the Flow Restrictor
Move to the neck of the showerhead and locate the flow restrictor. It’s a plastic piece that can be found with a screwdriver.
Step 4: Take Out the Flow Restrictor
Gently extract the water restrictor from the neck of the fixture, being careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damage to the inner thread of the showerhead.
Step 5: Reassemble the Parts
Return the screen to the showerhead, fix the O-ring on it, and secure the assembly. Wrap new plumber’s tape around the showerhead, then firmly attach it to the shower arm by hand. Finally, wrap the rag around the shower arm and tighten the connections with an adjustable wrench.
How to Remove the Flow Restrictor in a Waterpik Showerhead
Waterpik showerheads also come with flow restrictors to conserve water. However, if you prefer a stronger flow, follow these steps to remove the restrictor:
Step 1: Remove the Shower Head
Using a crescent wrench, carefully remove the Waterpik showerhead from the pipe extending from the wall. Make sure to wrap the showerhead with a rag to prevent scratches.
Step 2: Extract the Washer
Locate and remove the black rubber washer between the showerhead and the shower arm.
Step 3: Extract the Flow Restrictor
Take out the flow restrictor from the showerhead by inserting a Phillips screwdriver into the star-shaped hole in the spray nozzle. Rotate the small white, green, or pink restrictor behind the hole until it’s loose.
Step 4: Protect the Shower Arm
Cover the threads on the shower arm with plumber’s tape to protect them from rust when you attach the showerhead.
Step 5: Reassemble and Reinstall the Bathroom Fitting
Replace the screens and rubber gasket on the shower arm. Attach the showerhead to the shower arm with a crescent wrench and tighten it down, making sure to cover the showerhead with a rag.
How to Remove a Flow Restrictor from a Delta Showerhead
Delta showerheads also come with flow restrictors to conserve water, but they can reduce water pressure in your shower. If you want a stronger spray, follow this quick guide to remove the restrictor:
Step 1: Protect the Connector
Wrap a clean rag around the chrome connector where the showerhead extends from the wall to prevent damage.
Step 2: Unscrew the Showerhead
Use an adjustable wrench over the wrapped cloth to loosen and unscrew the showerhead from the pipe.
Step 3: Extract the Washer
Remove the washer from the fixture’s threaded coupler using needle-nose pliers.
Step 4: Remove the Flow Restrictor
Hold the opaque nylon flow restrictor under the washer with the pliers and pull it out of the fixture.
Step 5: Reassemble and Reinstall the Delta Showerhead
Return the washer to its original position on the Delta coupler and press it securely with your thumb. Replace the Delta connector on the pipe and tighten it with the adjustable wrench to ensure a secure connection.
How to Increase the Spray of a Peerless Showerhead
If you have a Peerless showerhead that supplies a weak flow, cleaning the connection and removing the flow restrictor can improve the water pressure. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Disassemble the Parts
Move to the pipe end of the showerhead and carefully remove the rubber gasket and filter screen with a screwdriver. Clean any dirt or mineral build-up on the screen.
Step 2: Loosen and Remove the Flow Restrictor
Insert the screwdriver into the pipe end of the showerhead. Press the tool on one edge of the plastic water restrictor and place it under the restrictor. Pull gently to remove it from the opening.
Step 3: Reassemble and Reinstall the Shower Head
Replace all the removed parts mentioned above to their original positions, then reassemble the showerhead.
If your showerhead doesn’t have a water restrictor, there’s no need to worry. Some models don’t come with one. However, if you’re still experiencing low water pressure, you can look for a showerhead specifically designed for better water flow.
In conclusion, most showerheads have flow restrictors to conserve water, but they can sometimes impede your shower experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can remove the flow restrictor from your showerhead, enjoy a stronger flow, and make your showers more enjoyable. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
