The flow restrictor on modern shower heads is designed to save water. Per regulation, water should not be dispensed more than 2.5 gallons per minute through a showerhead. But what else can beat the relaxing feeling of taking a great shower after a hard day at work? A flow restrictor might save you money on energy bills in the long run but may not provide you with the most relaxing shower experience.
Therefore, whenever you feel like increasing water flow, remove the flow restrictor if the showerhead dispenses insufficient water.
Simply, if the showerhead has a flow restrictor, removing it will fix the problem.
For instance, Oxygenics is one of those brands that’s leading the market in creating the best showerheads. They have a very satisfied customer base because of their technology. If you want to remove the flow restrictor from their showerhead, what should you do? That’s what today’s article is all about.
Table of Contents
What Does a Flow Restrictor Look Like?
A flow restrictor is just a circular plastic piece with one or multiple small holes in it. It guides the water flow from the hose to the showerhead through those holes and ensures that the water flow is not excessive. Most showerheads’ flow restrictor is white. It sits right underneath the rubber washer.
What Are the Different Types of Showerheads?
The most common type of showerhead that is found in households is the traditional wall-mounted showerheads. They point at an angle at the spot where they’ll pour water. Somewhat similar to these are the handheld showerheads. The added feature they provide is the versatility, because of a hose attached to the showerhead.
Then there are the rain showerheads. They fall under the fixed shower head category, which means you can’t move it around. They are fixed at the top of the shower with a fixed water pipe attached to it. They point vertically downwards without making any angle.
Another common type of showerhead is the ceiling-mounted showerheads. They are attached firmly with the ceiling with no visible water pipes. They also point vertically downward. However, they are one of the premium tier products and gives the bathroom a luxurious finish.
Should I Remove the Shower Head Flow Restrictor?
If you’re happy with the water flow of your showerhead then no, you should not remove the showerhead flow restrictor. However, if you think you need more water from the showerhead or your showerhead is simply not working as efficiently as before, then you should remove the flow restrictor and give it a check.
How to Remove Flow Restrictor From Oxygenics Shower Head
While the water streaming technology of Oxygenics is unique in different manners, because of which they are always ahead of most competitions, the flow restrictor isn’t that different from any common showerhead. Follow our steps below and you can also remove the flow restrictor easily.
Dismantle the Parts
Detach the shower head from any pipe or hose that it’s attached on. It should probably be attached firmly with the pipes by a silver-colored screw. Try rotating it anti-clockwise by your hands. If you can’ do any progress you are going to need a wrench.
Before you grab the screw with the wrench, don’t forget to wrap it with a clean piece of rag. Because the wrench is likely to scratch the silverware and it will ruin the look of the showerhead. The rotation pattern is no different here. So keep rotating it anti-clockwise before it’s loose enough to take it off.
Get Rid of the Shower Screen
Not always, but often you’ll find a mesh screen as the topmost layer of the showerhead. Take it off with your hand. No instruments are required here. The screen is provided to catch and filter any sediment or dirt from the water. You can try washing it too before using it later.
Remove the Rubber Washer
Locate and remove the black rubber washer that should be right below the shower screen. It can be easily done with your fingers but you may need to apply a little bit of pressure. If required, unbend a paper clip and pry out the washer.
Remove the Flow Restrictor
Put the straightened paper clip inside of the small hole of the flow restrictor. Then, pull the paperclip towards you making an angle such that the flow restrictor will feel pressure from underneath. If the paperclip is not strong enough, you can try a pair of tweezers and repeat the same process.
You have another option that has the risk of damaging and even shattering the flow restrictor. For this, you need to insert a half-inch screw through the hole. Naturally, the hole will be too small for it so you have to apply pressure. When a small portion of the screw is inside the hole, pull it and the flow restrictor should pop off.
From Fixed or Embedded Shower Head
For the wall-mounted fixed showerheads, the whole process is the same as above. There are no extra steps for them. Also, all the steps that we’ve provided are sufficient to remove the flow restrictor from the fixed or embedded shower head. In addition, if you’re wondering how to remove flow restrictor from grohe shower head, this guide will prove to be useful.
From Handheld Shower Head
The process of removing the flow restrictor from a handheld showerhead is almost the same as our described process. The hose is connected with the showerhead by a wand that has the screw that we talked about on the first step. Moreover, these screws can often be unscrewed barehand. So that makes it a bit easier too.
Do All Showerheads Have Flow Restrictors?
Most of the showerheads that you’ll find today have a flow restrictor in them. Thats why for those who have an Oxygenics shower head, it is important to know the process of removing the flow restrictor. This is kind of a modern technology that almost every shower head manufacturer is using nowadays. But older showerheads might not have flow restrictors.
How Do You Increase Water Flow in a Showerhead?
Removing the flow restrictor from the showerhead is the best way to increase water flow in the showerhead. It is the only thing you can do in your showerhead that directly affects the water flow. Other procedures would involve the main water supply line but that’s not related to the showerhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My showerhead is not providing any water at all. What should I do?
Ans: This can happen if some sort of sediment or debris came with the water and has blocked the hole of the flow restrictor. This can be fixed by dismantling the showerhead and cleaning the sediment or debris from the flow restrictor.
Q: Are there any other models of flow restrictors on the market?
Ans: Yes, there are lots of flow restrictors available on the market with different hole counts for better water flow. Whether your previous flow restrictor broke or you simply want a new one, the market has got enough to suit your needs.
Conclusion
Having a shower restrictor interferes with the free flow of water, which is intended to be used both ways. Removing it allows you to have a stronger shower pressure and increase the flow. On the other hand, if you’d like to keep your utility bills under control, then you should choose the other way. Thus, water can be saved, while a healthier environment is built up.
For controlling water flow from the showerhead, most modern shower heads have flow restrictors. You don’t have to worry about removing it if you want more water flow in your shower or to have extra water. We’ve put together a guide that’ll make it easy for you.
Related Resources:
How to clear the clogged shower to increase water flow
Tips on drying your shower and keeping your bathroom healthy
