Removing Delta Shower Head Flow Restrictors: A Super Detailed Guide for DIYers

Hey there! Lillie here, your resident home improvement nerd. If you‘re looking to remove the flow restrictor from your Delta shower head, you‘ve come to the right place. As an experienced renovator and plumbing pro, I‘ve taken apart my fair share of shower heads.

In this guide, we‘ll dig into everything you need to know about getting rid of those pesky Delta restrictors. I‘ll share plenty of tips I‘ve picked up over the years to make the process as smooth as possible. Removing the restrictor is an easy DIY job – but you do want to be careful not to damage the head.

Here‘s what we‘ll cover:

What Exactly is a Flow Restrictor?

A flow restrictor is a little plastic piece inside most modern shower heads that limits how much water can flow out. It‘s designed to reduce water usage.

The restrictor acts like a bottleneck – narrowing down the pathway through which water flows in order to control the flow rate. Many restrictors have a colored disc with small holes or slits in it to meter the water.

Why Do Shower Heads Have Flow Restrictors?

There are a couple key reasons manufacturers add these devices:

• Conserve Water – Flow restrictors reduce overall water consumption by limiting flow to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM)

• Federal Regulations – U.S. laws passed in the 1990s mandated that new shower head models contain flow restrictors. This was to promote water conservation nationwide.

• Prevent Damage – Restrictors protect plumbing systems from excessively high water pressure that could cause leaks or flooding.

So in summary, the goals are to save water, follow regulations, and avoid property damage.

Confirm Your Delta Has a Flow Restrictor

The majority of Delta Faucet shower heads include a flow restrictor. This includes popular models like the Monitor, Lahara, Essa, and Trinsic. Exceptions are some specialized high flow shower heads.

How can you tell if your Delta shower head has a restrictor? Here are a few signs:

• Low Flow – Weak pressure and flow, even with the hot water turned all the way up.

• Inability to Turn Up Temperature – Can‘t get the water as hot as you want even after changing the water heater setting.

• Newer Model – Most shower heads made after 1993 have restrictors. Older models may not.

• Plastic Disc visible – If you can see a colored plastic piece with small holes while looking inside the shower head, that‘s the restrictor.

If you notice these signs, your Delta most likely has a flow restrictor installed.

Tools You‘ll Need to Remove the Restrictor

Taking out a Delta shower head flow restrictor is pretty straightforward. But having the right tools makes the job much easier. Here‘s what I recommend having on hand:

• Adjustable Wrench – This gives you the grip and leverage needed to loosen the shower head from the arm.

• Rag or Towel – Prevents scratches and catches any water left in the pipe when removing the head.

• Flashlight – Helpful for looking up inside the shower head to spot the restrictor.

• Needle-nose Pliers – Allows you to firmly grip and pull out the restrictor.

• Teflon Tape – This tape helps create a watertight seal when you reattach the shower head to the pipe.

• Eye Protection – Safety glasses prevent injury from metal shavings or debris falling into your eyes.

You probably have most of these already in your tool kit. Having them ready makes quick work of removing any Delta flow restrictor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Delta Restrictor

Once you‘ve gathered the necessary tools, follow these steps:

Turn Off Water Supply

Always turn off the water at the main shut-off valve before removing a shower head. This prevents water from spraying out while you work.

Remove Shower Head from Arm

Use your adjustable wrench to loosen and unthread the shower head from the shower arm pipe. Place a rag beneath to prevent scratches and catch drips.

Inspect for Internal vs. External Restrictor

Check both the shower arm threads and inside the back of the head for a plastic restrictor. The restrictor may fit into the pipe fitting or be hidden internally.

Take Apart the Shower Head Housing

Most Delta shower heads have an outer decorative cover that you‘ll need to pry off to access the internal parts. Look for small slots on the rim and use a flathead screwdriver to gently pop off the cover.

Locate and Remove the Flow Restrictor

Use a flashlight to peer inside the exposed shower head parts. You‘ll see the plastic flow restrictor disc or cylinder. Needle-nose pliers allow you to grip the restrictor and twist it loose.

Rinse Out Debris

Run water through the shower head into a bucket to rinse away any plastic bits or metal shavings. Wipe parts dry with a towel afterwards. Inspect seals for damage.

Reassemble the Head

Screw the outer cover back on the Delta shower head tightly by hand or with pliers. Don‘t overtighten. Wrap the shower arm threads with Teflon tape before reattaching the head.

Turn Water Back On

Reopen the water supply slowly to check for leaks. Tighten connections if leaking occurs. Monitor flow rate.

And that‘s all it takes! Not so bad, right? With some care and the right technique, you can easily remove a Delta flow restrictor.

Adjusting Flow Rate After Restrictor Removal

Once the restrictor is removed, you may experience much higher water flow. The pressure might be too strong at first. Here are some adjustments you can make:

• Install a new restrictor with higher flow rate if you want to limit water volume
• Replace with a adjustable flow restrictor to customize the pressure
• Change to a multi-setting shower head to modulate pressure
• Add a pressure balancing valve to maintain steady temps

I like to experiment and tweak the flow to find my perfect shower!

The Pros and Cons of Removing Delta Restrictors

Let‘s explore some of the benefits that removing the restrictor offers:

Pros

• Increased pressure for a more satisfying shower
• Improved rinsing of hair, soap and shampoo
• Faster tub and sink filling
• Ability to get hotter water temperatures
• Greater customization over your shower‘s pressure and feel

Cons

• May be illegal depending on your state laws
• Can void Delta‘s warranty
• Potential to waste water with high flow rates
• Possible difficulty adjusting between hot and cold

Personally, I don‘t mind using a bit more water in order to get that amazing high-pressure shower experience. But I also installed a thermostatic valve to help balance temperatures.

Consider your own situation to decide if removing the restrictor is right for your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years, I‘ve gotten tons of questions about removing Delta restrictors. Here are some of the most common:

What size drill bit should I use to remove the restrictor?

The typical Delta flow restrictor is around 1/2" in diameter. Starting with a 1/2" bit is ideal for drilling it out. Move up to a larger bit if needed. Take it slow to avoid damage.

Will Delta know if I remove the restrictor?

Nope, Delta has no way to know if you remove the flow restrictor. The choice is up to you as the owner. However, they don‘t recommend it as it does technically void the warranty.

Can I increase flow without fully removing the restrictor?

Yes! Instead of fully removing the restrictor, you can simply drill 1 or 2 extra holes in it with a small bit. Add the holes carefully and gradually. This moderately increases flow while limiting water usage.

How much water can I save with a restrictor?

By limiting flow to 2.5 GPM, the average family can save approx. 2000 gallons of water per person each year! Restrictors are an easy way to conserve water.

Is it hard to remove the Delta restrictor?

Removing a Delta flow restrictor is generally quick and easy with some simple tools and instructions. Just be gentle so you don‘t damage the plastic housing. Expect the job to take 15-20 minutes start to finish.

The Bottom Line

I hope this guide gives you a better understanding of how to remove the flow restrictor from your Delta shower head! While it may take a bit of effort, it allows you to enjoy a higher pressure shower if that‘s your preference.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other plumbing or home renovation questions. Helping DIYers fix up their homes is what I‘m most passionate about!