Adjusting Water Volume in Shower Heads

Installing a water restrictor in a showerhead is a common method to reduce water usage and lower utility bills. However, finding the right water flow can be tricky. If the restrictor limits the water too much, you may end up with disappointing dribbles of water. On the other hand, removing the restrictor completely defeats the purpose of saving water. Understanding how to properly adjust and troubleshoot water restrictors is key to an enjoyable, water-efficient shower.

What Is a Water Restrictor?

A water restrictor, also called a flow restrictor, is a small plastic disk that limits the amount of water flowing through the showerhead to no more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). This conserves water andRe energy by reducing the volume of water heated and sent through the plumbing system.

The federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandated that all new showerheads manufactured after 1994 could use no more than 2.5 gpm. As a result, the majority of showerheads today come with built-in water restrictors.

Types of Flow Restrictors

There are a few different types of flow restrictors:

• Orifice restrictors have small holes that control water flow.
• Pressure compensating restrictors maintain consistent flow even when incoming water pressure fluctuates.
• Turbine restrictors use a spinning rotor to regulate flow volume.
• Venturi restrictors speed up the water flow to give the sensation of more volume.

Benefits of Water Restrictors

Installing a water restrictor offers several benefits:

• Saves water by limiting flow to 2.5 gpm or less.
• Reduces hot water usage, lowering energy bills.
• Conserves water resources and supports sustainability.
• Complies with federal regulations for showerheads.

Installing a Showerhead Water Restrictor

Putting in a water restrictor is a straightforward DIY project for most standard showerheads.

Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the connecting nut holding the old showerhead to the shower arm. Unscrew the showerhead by turning it counterclockwise and set it aside.

Inserting the Restrictor

Locate the black rubber washer inside the showerhead neck. Sit the water restrictor disk on top of the washer. Make sure the curved side faces out to align with the showerhead nozzle.

Reattaching the Showerhead

Screw the showerhead back onto the shower arm by turning it clockwise. Tighten the connecting nut using your wrench or pliers again. Be careful not to overtighten.

Adjusting Water Flow

Getting the right water flow rate takes some trial and error. Here's how to dial it in correctly:

Testing the Water Flow

Turn on the shower at its hottest temperature. Feel the strength of the spray and observe if the flow is too weak or strong based on your preference. Time how long it takes to fill a 1-gallon bucket.

Changing Restrictor Size

If the flow is too slow, try a larger restrictor with a bigger opening to allow more water volume. For too much flow, switch to a smaller restrictor to further limit the rate.

Finding the Right Water Volume

Continue testing and swapping restrictor sizes until you get a satisfactory shower flow that maintains water efficiency. Most people find a flow between 1.5-2.5 gpm works well.

Troubleshooting Issues

Occasionally, problems arise when installing water restrictors. Here are some common issues and solutions:

Low Water Flow Problems

A weak, uneven drizzle from the showerhead likely means the restrictor hole is slightly clogged. Carefully poke it open with a needle or safety pin. Or replace the restrictor altogether.

Leaking Issues

Leaks coming from around the shower arm joint or head connection mean the washers have gotten dislodged. Take the unit apart and reseat the rubber washers.

Water Sputtering Problems

If you notice the shower spray sputtering on and off, there may be a blockage deeper in the pipework. Inspect the plumbing for sediment buildup or corrosion.

Removing Stuck Restrictors

Over time, mineral deposits can fuse plastic restrictors to the rubber washer. Carefully pry or twist the restrictor loose using needle-nose pliers. Avoid damage by not forcing it.

Choosing the Best Restrictor

With so many water restrictor products available, use these criteria to select effective and reliable models:

Comparing Restrictor Materials

Metal restrictors withstand heat and mineral deposits better than plastic versions. Stainless steel offers the greatest durability.

Considering Easy Installation

Look for water restrictors designed for standard screw-on showerheads. Avoid models needing special tools or expertise to install correctly.

Prioritizing Durability

Given showerheads get constant hot water flow, the restrictor must resist wear from high water pressure and temperatures over time.

Evaluating Cost

Basic plastic water restrictors cost only a few dollars. Stainless steel restrictors run under $10. Compare prices against durability and performance.

Saving Water with Restrictors

Water restrictors offer an easy way to conserve water from shower usage. Here are some notable ways they reduce waste:

Reducing Water Waste

The average showerhead uses over 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Installing a restrictor cuts flow rates significantly, saving thousands of gallons a year.

Conserving Hot Water

It takes major energy to heat water for showering. Limiting water volume decreases hot water demands, saving on electricity or gas.

Lowering Utility Bills

Using less water and hot water equates to direct reductions in your water and heating bills each month.

Supporting Sustainability

Restrictors lessen daily water usage, taking pressure off water resources and infrastructure in communities.

Combining with Other Conservation Methods

While restrictors reduce shower water volumes, combining them with other water-saving tactics magnifies savings:

Installing Low-Flow Showerheads

Combining restrictors with low-flow showerheads using 1.5 gpm nozzles boosts conservation efforts.

Using Water-Saving Faucet Aerators

Adding aerators to bathroom sink faucets can further diminish water waste from daily use.

Adding High-Efficiency Toilets

Replacing old toilets with <=1.28 gpf models paired with restrictors cuts whole-house usage greatly.

Employing Graywater Systems

Recycling shower drainage for landscape irrigation makes the most of every drop saved.

Promoting Water Restrictors

Despite the benefits, many households and businesses overlook water restrictors. Here are ideas to drive greater adoption:

Educating Households

Inform homeowners about available rebates, reduced utility bills, and other incentives to voluntarily install restrictors.