How To Remove Flow Restrictor From Moen Shower Head

When you begin to notice a reduction in water pressure from your shower head but not elsewhere, then the flow restrictor of your showerhead may be blocked.

What is a Flow Restrictor?

A flow restrictor or water restrictor is a tool created to reduce the flow of water in a shower to 2.5 gallons per minute.

What Does a Flow Resistor Look Like?

A flow resistor is a flat, circular material made of plastic and comes with a star-shaped metal center.  This material is usually found behind the metal screw-off part of your shower head. They usually have an opening close to their edge and come in different colors.

In a handheld shower, the water saver can be found at the edge of the handle where the showerhead is attached to a flexible hose or inside the top or bottom of the hose or behind the showerhead. You can confirm the position from your manufacturer’s manual.

The National Energy Act stipulates that manufacturers of shower head should add a flow restrictor to their creation.  This restrictor would save users from the huge amount spent on energy and water bills. 

This is why the recent trend in showerhead production has seen showerhead manufacturers insert flow restrictors in the neck of the showerhead to aid water conservation.  However, if you stay where is known to have low water pressure and you install a flow restrictor to your shower head, you will see your shower flow reduced to a tiny drizzle of water.

To increase the water pressure in the Moen showerhead back to normal, you have to remove your flow restrictor from the Moen showerhead. But also expect an increase in your bills. You have to be careful while removing pieces from your shower head so you don’t damage the threads accidentally.

How to Remove Water Saver from Moen Shower Head

Things you’ll need

• Rag
• Plumber tape
• Screwdriver
• Paper clip and
• Wrench

Before we begin the steps, remember that taking out the water saver from your shower may lead to an increase in your water bills. So, if you’re willing to spend more on water bills, here are the following steps on how to remove water saver from Moen showerhead and increase the water pressure.

Steps on How to Increase Water Pressure in Moen Shower Head

• Place the piece of rag over the connection of the showerhead and place your wrench over the spot. Tighten the jaws of the wrench over the rag placed on the connector. Grab the shower pipe with one of your hands holding the shower pipe firmly so it doesn’t turn when loosening the connector. Turn the wrench holding the connector counterclockwise and disconnect the showerhead from the shower pipe.

• Gently remove the rubber O-ring gasket from the neck of the showerhead with your hands. Don’t use a screwdriver or plier so you do not damage the gasket as it’s still useful. Turn the neck of the showerhead in your palm and shake the screen loose. Set aside the screen and the O-ring gasket

• Using a flat head screwdriver, insert the corner tip to the middle of the flow restrictor. This water saver is a flat plastic material with various small perforations like an aerator on a faucet placed in the showerhead neck.

• Gently remove the flow restrictor from your shower head neck with the screwdriver. While trying to remove the flow restrictor, be gentle especially around the inner threads of your shower head as they are quite tender and can damage when force is applied.

• Insert the screen of the showerhead back into the showerhead and gently insert the O-ring gasket until its firm against the screen.  Remove the old plumber’s tape from the threaded part of the shower arm and wrap the new tape around the shower arm threads. Insert the Moen showerhead into the shower and begin to thread the head until you can longer turn the head with your hand.

• Place back the piece of cloth over the connection point and also place your wrench over the rag. With one arm firmly holding the shower arm, turn the wrench until the connection is firm to avoid any leakage of water.

• Turn on the shower and monitor the progress. You will surely notice an improvement in the water flow.

Conclusion

If you carefully follow the above steps, you will easily remove the flow restrictor from your Moen Showerhead. However, don’t be afraid to call a plumber if you get confused at any stage or can seem to pass a particular level. Also, when you remove the flow restrictor from your shower head, you may void any warranties on your shower head.