If you’re looking to boost your shower’s water flow, removing the flow restrictor from your Moen shower head might just be the gem you’re after.
It’s a simple process that involves gathering tools, locating the restrictor, and carefully removing it without damaging your shower head. These five steps are straightforward, but each one requires attention to detail and precision.
Key Takeaways
- Gather necessary tools and materials: wrench, pliers, plumber’s tape, rags.
- Locate the flow restrictor inside the showerhead using the O-ring or gasket.
- Use pliers to carefully remove the flow restrictor without damaging the faucet threads.
- Reassemble the showerhead, test water pressure, and check for leaks.
Gather Necessary Tools
Before tackling the removal of your Moen shower head’s flow restrictor, make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary tools. This preparation step is crucial for a smooth process and to avoid any damage to your shower valve.
First, you’ll need an adjustable wrench. This tool is indispensable for loosening the shower head without causing harm to the fixtures.
Secondly, have a pair of needle-nose pliers on hand. These are perfect for gripping and removing the small flow restrictor without scratching or damaging nearby components.
Next, don’t forget the plumber’s tape. After you’ve removed the flow restrictor, you’ll likely need to reapply plumber’s tape to ensure a watertight seal around the threads of your shower valve, preventing any leaks.
Additionally, keep some rags or towels close by to clean up any water spills and to protect the shower’s surface from tools or parts that might accidentally drop.
Lastly, consider having a paper clip or a specific tool designed for removing water savers. While not always necessary, this can make the task of extracting the flow restrictor easier, especially if it’s deeply embedded within the shower head.
With these tools at your disposal, you’re well-prepared to enhance your shower’s performance.
Remove the Shower Head
Having located the flow restrictor within your Moen shower head, the next step involves removing the shower head itself to access and ultimately remove this component.
Wrap a rag around the nut of the shower head, which connects it to the shower arm, to prevent any scratches or damage. With the rag in place, use the adjustable wrench to carefully loosen and remove the shower head from the shower arm. You might encounter a rubber O-ring or gasket inside the showerhead’s connection to the shower arm.
Try to loosen and remove this with your fingers or gently with the pliers if it’s tight. Behind the gasket, there could be a screen or filter. Removing it’s essential as it reveals the flow restrictor, a small plastic piece marked by perforations.
Extract the Flow Restrictor
Once you’ve removed the shower head, you’ll find the flow restrictor nestled inside, ready for extraction. This small piece is crucial in managing your shower’s water pressure but removing it can significantly increase water flow. Here’s how you can carefully extract the flow restrictor to enhance your shower experience.
- Locate the Restrictor: Look for a small, flat, or star-shaped piece inside the neck of the shower head.
- Use Needle-Nose Pliers: Grip the edges of the flow restrictor gently with needle-nose pliers. Avoid damaging surrounding components.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Wiggle the pliers slightly as you pull, easing the restrictor out without forcing it.
- Inspect for Damage: Once removed, check the restrictor and the shower head for any signs of damage. It’s essential to maintain the integrity of both.
- Consider the Consequences: Before permanently discarding, remember that removing the flow restrictor increases water pressure but also water consumption.
Extracting the flow restrictor is a straightforward process that can lead to a more satisfying shower experience. However, it’s crucial to proceed with care to avoid damage and to be mindful of the increased water usage that results from this modification.
Reassemble and Test
After carefully removing the flow restrictor, it’s time to reassemble your shower head and test the new water pressure. Start by placing any screens or O-rings back into their original position. Ensure everything’s aligned correctly to avoid leaks.
Next, reattach the shower head to the water supply pipe. Hand-tighten it first to ensure you don’t cross-thread, then use an adjustable wrench for the final turn. Remember to wrap the threads with Teflon tape to secure a watertight seal.
Once you’ve reassembled the shower head, it’s crucial to test the water supply and new pressure. Slowly turn on the water to prevent any sudden force from damaging the components. You’ll immediately notice a change in the water pressure. Let the water run for a minute to clear out any debris that might’ve dislodged during the process. If you detect any leaks, turn off the water and tighten the connections where necessary.
This simple test ensures that your shower head is properly assembled and functioning at its optimal water pressure. By following these steps, you’ve successfully removed the flow restrictor and enhanced your shower experience without compromising the integrity of your shower head or water supply system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Remove a Flow Restrictor From a Moen?
To remove a Moen flow restrictor, first loosen the rubber O-ring with your fingers. Then, take out any screen behind it. Use pliers to gently pry out the restrictor for a stronger shower flow.
How Do You Remove a Flow Restrictor From a Shower Head?
To remove a shower head’s flow restrictor, you’ll need a wrench and pliers. Wrap a rag around the nut, unscrew it, remove the gasket, then gently pry out the restrictor without damaging the threads.
Are All Shower Head Flow Restrictors Removable?
Not all shower head flow restrictors are removable. You’ll find that some brands design their shower heads with built-in restrictors that can’t be taken out without damaging the unit. So, it really depends.
How Do You Change a Low Flow Shower Head to High Flow?
To change a low flow shower head to high flow, you’ll need tools like a wrench and pliers. Remove the showerhead, take out the flow restrictor inside, and reassemble. Adjust with a flow valve for control.
