Flow restrictors are used in faucets as a means of controlling the flow of water. The use of flow restrictors is mandatory in many states. Delta is a highly trusted brand, when it comes to innovative designs of faucets. They offer a wide range of styles and colors to match the home interior. Faucets made since 1994 have flow restrictors as per EPA code mandates. Now if you want to get the flow restrictor removed, then we have explained that in detailed in this article.
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What are flow restrictors?
Now as we know, flow restrictors are used to reduce the water flow of your faucets and thereby save water. They can also trap tiny debris. They also save energy. They are made of plastic and have a disk shape with small holes so as to convert the water stream into smaller streams. In aerator models, the flow restrictors are installed inside the aerator as a small part of it. Aerator is the end part of the faucet, from where water comes out. The flow restrictor looks somewhat like a filter.
However, during times, the flow rate from the faucet may not be sufficient for certain kitchen chores. This can be annoying and you may want to remove the flow restrictor. Note that as some state guidelines recommend using flow restrictors, it is always advised to replace the flow restrictor once the job is done and not to permanently remove it. Also, you may encounter a very low flow rate or water pressure due to mineral build up (mainly in areas of hard water which is rich in minerals), which in turn reduces the gaps in the flow restrictor and hence the amount of water coming out from it. In such cases, you can clean the flow restrictor and reinstall it. In areas of hard water, it is recommended to remove the flow restrictor, periodically check for such build up, get it removed and reinstall the flow restrictor. If the low flow rate is due to other defects, you may have to remove the flow restrictor and replace it with a newer one of the same type.
In all the above cases, you need to remove the flow restrictor from your Delta Faucet. Now, the process of removing flow restrictor from Delta Faucet can be done in a few simple steps about which we will deal shortly.
Tools Required
Delta repair kits may have the essential tools required. If you don’t have the kit or if you have misplaced it, you can look for the following tools pre-hand to ease up the process.
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- A piece of cloth/towel
- Masking tape
How to remove flow restrictor from Delta Faucet?
As said earlier, removing flow restrictor from Delta faucet is not a complicated process, but should be done with care as many small parts are involved. Let us see how we can remove the flow restrictor in simple steps.
Turn off the water to the faucet
Firstly, you need to turn off water to the faucet. This is important or else you will end up with a mess afterwards. You can close the valve under the sink. You can also turn off the main valve as this will stop the water flow to every tap or other water fixtures and ensure that you need not have to worry about anything. Now you need to drain off the water that remains in the faucet by turning on the faucet handle.
Be careful with small parts
There are actually many small parts involved in the removal process which can be lost easily. So it is better to plug in your sink which may prevent small parts from falling down the drain and getting lost. Or else you can also spread a piece of cloth over the sink which can get hold of the small parts even if it falls off. This can ease up your work.
Removing The Aerator
In aerator models, the flow restrictor (flat screen that looks like a filter) is actually present inside the aerator, which is the end part of the faucet spout from where the water comes out. Now, you can cover the aerator with a masking tape so that it retains its finish as the removal process involves unscrewing the aerator which can otherwise lead to scratches on its surface.
Loosen/unscrew the aerator with your hands in the counterclockwise direction. If it is tight, then you may need to use a wrench to do the same. Continue spinning it by hand and remove the aerator fully from the faucet. Some faucets can have concealed aerators and in such cases, you may require some special tool to get it removed and you can get this from a plumber shop.
Removing the Flow Restrictor from the Aerator
Once the aerator is removed, you need to remove the aerator parts from the housing. You need to remove the rubber washer in the aerator and pull out the flow restrictor using your hands or a flathead screwdriver. Be gentle so that the parts do not get damaged.
Reinstall the parts
Now you need to assemble the faucet again by connecting back the aerator and other screws. Once this is done, turn on the water and you can see that the water flow is improved.
Cleaning and Replacing the Flow Restrictor
Now suppose the flow restrictor is clogged and you need to clean it and replace it back, then before you reinstall the parts, follow the below mentioned steps:
- Clean the flow restrictor and aerator screen by gently turning on the water. Without aerator, water will flow with force, so be gentle. Clean the flow restrictor and aerator screen with your fingers. You can also soak the flow restrictor in diluted vinegar for a thorough cleaning.
- With aerator off, you can also flush the faucet and the waterlines by running hot and cold water for about 30 seconds each. This can clean the water lines and remove any dirt in them. You can repeat the process if you find the water more dirty. Remember that water will flow with force as the aerator is off.
- Now you need to reinstall the parts. Place the flow restrictor inside the aerator. Now you can fix the aerator housing back into the faucet spout by screwing it in a clockwise motion till it fits properly preferably hand tight.
- Turn on the water and check the flow of the water. If you achieve the required flow, then your work is done. Or else, you may need to replace the flow restrictor with a new one.