Flow restrictors are just another name for water restrictors. They are specially designed to decrease your water flow as you bathe in your bathrooms. But if you are not interested in the low flow then how to remove flow restrictor from delta shower head?
On average, an American family consumes 17% of the total water for bathing or showering, as per reports by The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
To resolve this dilemma, a law had passed back in 1992 by the United States of America under the Energy Policy Act.
It’s stated that a flow restrictor needs to be installed in all shower heads.
This measure would not only help in conserving water but is an environmentally friendly remedy to a destructive issue.
On the other hand, this can often lead to excessive water flow reduction, leaving behind no water for bathing.
In the case of, you may need a detailed guide on how to remove flow restrictor from Delta shower head to get you through this tough time, and that is exactly what we are going to talk about in this article.
Not only will there be a thorough guide for your dilemma, but we will also enlighten you on how to adjust water pressure on delta shower head; this means no more low water pressures.
Table of Contents
How to Remove Flow Restrictor from Delta Shower Head 2021?
Delta shower head flow restrictor replacement is quite a simple process that takes only 15 minutes and does not require any professional help. Now, you need to grab your plumbing tools and get going.
But before let us look at the set of tools required to remove flow restrictor handheld shower head.
The following set of tools and materials are required to remove a flow restrictor from the Delta showerhead and faucet.
Make sure to get your hand on these before you start the process.
Tools & Material
- Needle-nose pliers
- An adjustable wrench
- Teflon plumbers tape
- Brush
- Paper clip
- Towel
Delta a112.18.1 Shower Head Disassembly
Below is a step by step Delta a112.18.1 shower head manual for disassembling it, so that you face no issues while doing so and can restore your water flow with ease.
Step-by-Step Procedure
You can start the process if you have all the necessary tools. Let us begin!
Step 1:
Use a fiber cloth or opt for a rag to wrap around the connector or the pipe. A rag comprises scratch resistant properties.
Step 2:
Check the connection in your best handheld shower head. Remove any protector or nuts if present. Usually, a shower screen is attached to a Delta showerhead.
In case you have this particular model, then firmly remove it. Make sure to read up on the manual guide before moving on.
Step 3:
Separate your shower panel from the best shower head 2021 and disconnect the hose tube, if present.
Unscrew the showerhead using an adjustable wrench while keeping the wrapped cloth in place using a second wrench.
It will prevent water drop leakage in your washroom. You can also place a bowl underneath to prevent your bathroom floor from getting wet.
Step 4:
Have a more in-depth look within your showerhead to locate the black O ring or the gasket. It may be challenging to find it, as it’s not quite visible.
Once located, unbend a paper clip and use it to remove the black O ring. Once done, next, you can identify the pulse shower head flow restrictor inside.
Step 5:
Now remove the black O ring. You will find the restrictor beside it with a plastic disk appearance. It is usually located behind a star-shaped metal-like object.
It is brighter in color than the shower panel – an easy way to identify the flow restrictor. If not, find any similar item that is blocking the flow.
Next, use a paperclip or a needle nose plier on the restrictor while twisting it. You can now successfully remove the delta shower head flow restrictor.
Step 6:
Clean your showerhead if it’s an old one. This will directly increase your water pressure flow in the showerhead. This is an optional step but highly recommended.
Step 7:
From the hose, remove any old Teflon tapings and use a new one instead of wrapping to keep the showerhead intact.
Step 8:
You now have to insert back the black O ring inside the showerhead. Use a thumb for sitting it in place firmly, so it fits well.
Step 9:
You can now place the screen on the showerhead again.
Step 10:
Use your hand in a clockwise direction for the screwing of Delta. An adjustable wrench can also be used instead.
However, refrain from exerting excessive pressure; otherwise, it can cause damage to your showerhead. A channel wrench can be used instead of the tightening of the head.
Step 11:
The final test includes the performance checking of your shower head.
Turn off all other devices at your home before you test the water flow so that no water consumed.
Shut down the main valve and turn on its full speed to get the maximum water flow speed.
Now turn on the shower and test its highest speed for a reasonable water flow rate.
Step 12:
You can reuse the restrictor valve. Hence keep it safe. In that case, you have not to need to buy a new one.
Precautions
- Removal of the water flow restrictor from your delta shower head can result in increased water utility bills.
- The black O ring needs to be removed with additional care.
- In case you are unable to perform this task, seek professional help immediately rather than damaging your product.
How To Adjust The Water Pressure On The Delta Shower Head?
Usually, Delta shower heads operate on steady water pressure amounts, and hence their water pressure can be adjusted as per requirements.
You can increase its overall water pressure amount through your plumbing line or directly by the shower head.
The best part about adjusting your water pressure by yourself is that you can also fix your sprinkler system and all faucets to increase their overall performance.
Adjust Head Settings
The great thing about Delta shower heads is that they can be adjusted for water pressure settings, significantly, if you are experiencing low water pressure problems.
Step 1:
Find a knob on your delta shower head’s top or its side. Turning this knob can allow you to adjust the pressure in many delta shower head models, for instance, Delta Touch-Clean.
Step 2:
To decrease the water flow pressure, turn the knob in a clockwise direction.
Step 3:
To increase the water flow pressure, turn the knob in a counterclockwise direction.
Adjust Overall Pressure
Step 1:
The water pressure regulator needs to be located first. You can find it easily in your utility closet or the basement, along your main water lining in a small space.
Step 2:
Once located, use a counterclockwise direction to turn the nut to loosen it completely.
An adjustable wrench is also good f this step; however, it needs to be turned at least a minimum of 3 times.
Step 3:
The valve’s top has an adjustment screw that needs to be adjusted. This will increase the plumbing water pressure amount from your water’s mainline.
You may witness a strong performance deliver at both ends, the plumbing, and the shower immediately.
Step 4:
Once the pressure settings adjusted, now tighten the regulator’s nut.
Conclusion
Shower head restrictors installed solely to reduce water bills and to save large amounts of water.
However, it often leads to problems like low water pressure, even in the best high pressure shower heads.
Hopefully, this guide about how to remove flow restrictor from delta shower head must have solved your secondary problem.
This guide is quite useful for most kinds of Delta shower-heads available in the market—hoping that you can now fix your showerheads and save the day!
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