If you have a Moen handheld shower head, you may eventually need to remove the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is a small disk with holes in it that limits the amount of water that comes out of the shower head. Over time, this disk can become clogged with mineral deposits, which can reduce the water pressure. If you find that your shower head has reduced water pressure, you may need to remove the flow restrictor and clean it. In most cases, you can remove the flow restrictor without having to call a plumber.
In this article, we’ll show you how to remove the flow restrictor from your Moen shower head so you can enjoy a powerful stream of water again.
Why you might want to remove the flow restrictor
If your Moen handheld shower head is delivering less water pressure than you’d like, you might want to remove the flow restrictor. It limits the amount of water flowing through the shower head, and over time it can become clogged with minerals from hard water. Removing the flow restrictor will increase the water pressure, but it will also decrease the amount of time you have before your hot water runs out. So if you have a tankless water heater, removing the flow restrictor might not be a good idea.
Tools and Materials required to remove the flow restrictor
Assuming you would like a section discussing the tools and materials needed to remove the flow restrictor from a Moen handheld shower head before starting the following process.
- Wrench or pair of pliers
- A Soft towel or rag
- Teflon tape.
- Some paper clips
Take the shower head apart
If you’re looking to increase the water pressure in your Moen handheld shower head, the first step is to take it apart and remove the flow restrictor. This process is fairly simple and only requires a few tools.
First, start by disconnecting the shower head from the hose. Next, use a pair of pliers to remove the inner sleeve from the shower head. Once this is done, you should be able to see the flow restrictor.
Locate the flow restrictor
The flow restrictor is a small disc with a hole in the center that’s located inside the shower head. To remove it, start by unscrewing the shower head from the hose. Once it’s loose, pull out the rubber washer and O-ring from the back of the shower head. With a pair of needle-nose pliers, grab onto the flow restrictor and pull it out. You may need to wiggle it a bit to get it loose.
Remove the flow restrictor
In most cases, the flow restrictor is a small, plastic disc that can be removed with a screwdriver. Use the screwdriver again to remove the flow restrictor. Once the flow restrictor is removed, you’ll notice an immediate difference in water pressure. If you have hard water, you may also want to remove the mineral buildup from your shower head by soaking it in vinegar overnight.
Reassemble the shower head
Once you have all of the pieces removed, it’s time to reassemble the shower head. First, screw the aerator back into place. Next, screw on the washer and rubber O-ring (in that order). Finally, screw on the shower head until it is tight.
Now is a good time to test your work. Turn on the water and see if there are any leaks. If there are no leaks, congratulations! You have successfully removed the flow restrictor from your Moen handheld shower head.
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Conclusion
If you’ve removed the flow restrictor from your Moen handheld shower head, you may be wondering what to expect. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect after taking this step.
Without the flow restrictor, your shower head will likely have increased water pressure. This can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your personal preferences. Some people find that higher water pressure helps them get cleaner faster, while others find it uncomfortable or even painful. You’ll have to experiment a bit to see what works best for you.
Another change you may notice is that your shower head uses more water than it did before. This is to be expected, as the flow restrictor was designed to help conserve water. If you’re concerned about your water bill, you may want to keep an eye on it after removing the flow restrictor.
What are the benefits of using a flow restrictor?
There are several benefits to using a flow restrictor. First, it can help to conserve water by limiting the flow of water through a pipe or faucet. Second, it can help to reduce noise from running water. Third, it can help to prevent backflow and flooding by limiting the amount of water that can flow back into a pipe or faucet.
What are the possible side effects of using a flow restrictor handheld shower head?
The possible side effects of using a flow restrictor handheld shower head include reduced water pressure and reduced water flow. Additionally, the restrictor can cause the shower head to become clogged more easily.
How do I install a flow restrictor on my handheld shower head?
There are a few different ways to install a flow restrictor on a handheld shower head. One way is to remove the shower head and then unscrew the flow restrictor from the end of the hose. Another way is to remove the entire hose from the shower head and then screw the flow restrictor onto the end of the hose.
