To comply with federal laws, manufacturers such as Moen, Grohe, Waterpik, Delta and Speakman install flow restrictors or regulators inside fixed and handheld showerheads to limit water flow to a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Designed to conserve water, the restrictor also reduces the water pressure output. Over time, it can become clogged with mineral buildup, and this can also cause less than acceptable performance.
While taking out and cleaning the restrictor can help improve the fixtures performance, permanently removing it wastes water and can lead to higher utility bills. Modern faucet aerators contain flow restrictors and can save the average family about 700 gallons per year, reports Bob Vila, so its a good idea to replace the restrictor or aerator, rather than discard it.
I just completed a new master bath remodel and installed the above shower bar system, as well as a Grohe rainhead. Surprisingly, the rainhead gives me better pressure than the handheld. There is not enough pressure to really use the Trio to its full potential, so I want to remove the flow restrictor. (I can only use one shower head at a time). I removed it from the hose, took out the filter and can see another little plastic doohickey, that I assume is the flow restrictor? If thats it, how do I get it out? Want to make sure thats it before I get too aggressive trying to pull it out. Thanks. Related Stories
Hi, my water is supplied by a small community well system (9 houses). The pressure and flow is less than adequate; thats not going to change.
Step 1: Take Out the Shower Head
Wrap the showerhead with a clean rag and tighten the jaws with an adjustable wrench. Hold the shower pipe (the part closest to the bathroom wall) with one hand and rotate the showerhead connector with an adjustable wrench.
Step 1: Remove the Head
Locate the bent pipe or shower arm and connector nut that sticks out of your bathroom wall. Wrap both parts with a clean rag to protect them from scratches.
Hold the arm firmly with a pipe wrench and loosen the connector nut with an adjustable wrench. Loosen until the head is removed from the shower arm.
FAQ
Should I remove shower head flow restrictor?
Do all shower heads have removable flow restrictors?
How do you unclog a Grohe shower head?
Where is the flow restrictor on shower head?
