Restrictors in Shower Heads and Water Conservation

Turning on the shower to start your day is a simple routine for many. But behind the scenes, your morning rinse involves complex plumbing systems working together to deliver water for washing up. One small but mighty component inside many showerheads helps regulate the flow of water - the flow restrictor.

This device serves an important purpose, but can also draw ire from homeowners frustrated with low shower pressure. Taking a closer look at how restrictors work provides insight into the tradeoffs between conserving water and optimizing your shower experience.

What Are Restrictors in Showerheads?

Showerhead restrictors, also called regulator valves or flow regulators, are engineered to limit the amount of water flowing through the showerhead to a standardized rate. They are typically integrated into the showerhead assembly during manufacturing.

These restrictor valves consist of a plastic or metal insert with a small opening or orifice to control water flow. As water passes through this narrow opening, the velocity and pressure decreases. This reduces overall water usage.

Purpose of Flow Restrictors

The primary purpose of flow restrictors is to conserve water. In 1992, the U.S. Congress passed national legislation limiting showerheads to a maximum flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Flow restrictors ensure showerheads meet this standard.

Restrictors also help comply with local plumbing codes and building regulations related to water usage. Many municipalities have adopted even lower maximum flow rates between 1.5 - 2 gpm.

Limiting water flow provides environmental benefits as well. Reduced residential water use preserves water resources, especially in drought-prone regions. With enough participation, restrictors can positively impact community water availability.

Where Are Restrictors Located?

In most showerheads, the flow restrictor is integrated into the inlet arm or neck of the fixture. To access the restrictor, you simply unscrew this portion of the showerhead. Once removed, the small plastic restrictor is visible inside the opening.

Alternatively, some models have the restrictor built into the faceplate. In this case, you need to take apart the face of the showerhead to access the flow regulator.

Impact of Restrictors on Showerheads

The controlled water flow from showerhead restrictors achieves the goal of reducing water usage. But this conservation does not come without tradeoffs. Limiting the water velocity and volume can negatively impact your showering experience.

Effects on Water Pressure

One of the most common complaints with restrictors is loss of water pressure. The limited opening physically cannot allow full water flow. This results in a decrease in water pressure coming through the showerhead.

With lower pressure, the stream of water is slowed down. Showers may feel less invigorating. The pressure may seem inadequate to fully rinse shampoo from your hair or soap from your body.

Reduced Flow Rate

Along with decreased pressure, restrictors cut down the overall rate of water flowing through the showerhead. Standard models release around 2.5 gpm. This pales in comparison to rates of 5 gpm or more from older showerheads without restrictors.

The lower flow can mean longer wait times to fill a bucket for cleaning. Showerheads feel less powerful. Baths and showers take more time to fill up. Washing tasks require more patience to rinse off completely.

Possibility of Clogged Passages

The narrow openings required for restrictors are prone to clogging. Mineral deposits from hard water build up over time. Small grit and debris can get lodged in the orifice. This exacerbates issues with low pressure.

Clogged restrictors force water to find alternate routes. This can cause leaks or uneven water streams. In some cases, the faceplate gets damaged from water forcing its way out.

Removing or Adjusting Restrictors

With the downsides to restrictors clear, you may be eager to remove yours. While possible, exercising caution is wise before taking this step.

Methods to Remove Restrictors

Removing a showerhead flow restrictor is fairly straightforward. Just unscrew the fixed showerhead portion and locate the plastic restrictor. Use needle-nose pliers to extract the restrictor. Take care not to damage any internal parts.

An alternative is to drill out the restrictor's orifice to widen it. A 1/16th inch drill bit carefully enlarges the opening. This adjusts rather than removes the restrictor for some conservation benefit.

Resulting Changes in Performance

With the restrictor gone, your shower's water pressure immediately increases. The flow rate likewise bumps up, returning to pre-regulation levels. For many showers, removal restores pressure and flow to satisfying levels.

The downside is increased water usage. Showers lacking restrictors use significantly more water. Removing the restrictor also likely violates the federally mandated 2.5 gpm maximum flow rate.

Reinstalling vs. Permanent Removal

Because of federal regulations, some opt to temporarily remove the restrictor when more pressure is needed. For normal showers, the restrictor gets put back. This lets you enjoy full pressure for occasional tasks like washing pets.

Permanent removal boosts all your showers. But it comes at a cost to water conservation and your utility bill. And if a building inspection or sale occurs, reinstalled restrictors would be required.

Should You Remove Your Restrictor?

When faced with the choice of removing their showerhead restrictor, homeowners weigh several factors:

Evaluating Your Water Usage

Consider how your current restrictor is impacting water usage and bills. Measure shower times and flow rates to compare restricted and unrestricted usage. This will clarify the tradeoffs involved.

In some cases, reasonable showerhead performance is still achieved despite the restrictor. Then removal may not offer proportional benefits.

Local Regulations

Research specific regulations in your municipality regarding showerhead flow rates. Permanent removal may not be lawful. Temporary restrictor removal when inspectors are not around may carry risks as well.

Environmental Benefits

Keep the broader environment in mind. In drought-stricken areas, limiting water use provides communal benefits. However, if your community has abundant water resources, conservation gains diminish.

Better Pressure vs. Responsible Use

At the end of the day, the decision often comes down to indulging in freely flowing showers or contributing to water conservation. Homeowners wanting more satisfying pressure may opt for removal and accept higher usage.

Alternatives to Removing Restrictors

For those seeking a middle ground, other options exist to balance effectiveness and efficiency:

Installing Low-Flow Fixtures

Quality low-flow showerheads provide good pressure while retaining restrictors. Rainfall, aerating, and massage head models optimize flow. Replacing old showerheads improves performance.

Adjusting Settings

Some showerheads feature adjustable settings to alternate between focused high-pressure streams and gentler spray. Simply adjusting modes can provide pressure as needed.

Upgrading Supply Lines

Larger piping in supply lines boosts available pressure and flow before the restrictor. Installing flexible supply hoses also dampens pressure changes.

Cleaning and Maintaining

Regularly cleaning showerheads and checking for clogs reduces flow issues. Monthly maintenance keeps restrictors operating optimally.

At their core, the dilemma around restrictors stems from balancing human desires and broader social responsibilities. Homeowners naturally want an invigorating shower however they please. But in an era of climate change and droughts, limiting water use is crucial.