WOWOW Faucets
A shower head flow restrictor is a device that regulates the flow of water to your shower. It is often installed in showerheads to save water, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills. While this device is essential for water conservation, it can reduce the water pressure in your shower, making it less enjoyable. If you want to remove a flow restrictor from a shower head, follow these simple steps.
How To Remove A Flow Restrictor From A Shower Head
Determine if your showerhead has a flow restrictor
Before you attempt to remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, you need to determine if it has one. Check the manufacturer’s instructions or look for a small disc or screen inside the showerhead. This small device is typically located near the showerhead’s inlet and is designed to reduce water flow to a specified level.
Gather your tools
You will need a few tools to remove the restrictor from your showerhead. These tools include an adjustable wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver.
Turn off the water supply
Before you begin working on your showerhead, make sure to turn off the water supply. Locate the water valve and turn it off to prevent water from flowing into the showerhead.
Disassemble the showerhead
Using the adjustable wrench and pliers, carefully disassemble the showerhead. Start by removing the showerhead from the shower arm. Next, remove the faceplate and the rubber washer. If your showerhead has a removable flow restrictor, it will be located behind the faceplate.
Remove the flow restrictor
Use a screwdriver to remove the restrictor from the showerhead. It may be attached with screws, or it may be held in place by clips or other fasteners. Once you have removed the flow restrictor, inspect it for damage or wear. If it is in good condition, you can reinstall it later if you choose to.
Reassemble the showerhead
After removing the restrictor, reassemble the showerhead in the reverse order in which you disassembled it. Start by reinstalling the flow restrictor if you choose to, then replace the rubber washer, the faceplate, and finally the showerhead onto the shower arm.
Turn on the water supply
Once you have reassembled the showerhead, turn on the water supply and test your shower. You should notice an increase in water pressure and flow.
Clean the showerhead
Before you begin using your newly modified showerhead, clean it thoroughly to remove any debris or sediment that may have accumulated during the installation process. You can do this by soaking the showerhead in a mixture of warm water and vinegar or by using a cleaning solution specifically designed for showerheads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing a flow restrictor from a showerhead is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps. By following these steps, you can increase the water pressure and flow in your shower, making it a more enjoyable and relaxing experience. However, keep in mind that removing the restrictor can increase water usage and utility bills, so it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential costs before making any modifications to your showerhead.
Additionally, it is important to note that removing the flow restrictor may not be legal in some areas, as it can violate local building codes or water conservation regulations. Therefore, it is important to check with your local authorities before making any modifications to your showerhead.
It is also worth mentioning that there are other ways to increase water pressure and flow in your shower without removing the flow restrictor. For example, you can install a high-pressure showerhead or a water pump to increase water pressure without increasing water usage.
Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that saving water is important for the environment and reducing your water bill. Therefore, if you want to conserve water while still enjoying a high-pressure shower, you can try taking shorter showers or using a low-flow showerhead instead of removing the flow restrictor.
In conclusion, removing the flow restrictor from your showerhead is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps. However, it is important to weigh the benefits against the potential costs and environmental impact before making any modifications to your showerhead. If you decide to remove the flow restrictor, make sure to follow the steps outlined above and check with your local authorities to ensure that it is legal in your area.
